12-String Acoustic Guitars

12-String Obsessed

Ed Roland, lead singer and guitarist of Collective Soul, has what we call a “12-string problem”—specifically, a Breedlove 12-string problem. Known for his raw, vibrant sound, Ed is hooked on Breedlove’s 12-string guitars, owning more than any other artist we know. So what makes Breedlove 12-strings so captivating for a player of Ed’s caliber? It comes down to superior sound quality, unmatched playability, and a unique innovation that puts Breedlove 12-strings in a class of their own. In an industry full of big claims, Breedlove’s approach to crafting 12-strings truly lives up to the hype.

Overview

12-String Acoustic Guitars

The Historic 12-String Problem

12-string guitars have always posed a challenge. With twice the strings of a 6-string, they create twice the tension on the guitar body, making them tough to engineer. Most brands counteract this with heavier builds, which can compromise the guitar’s resonance and responsiveness. This can leave players feeling like they’re wrestling with a dull, heavy instrument—missing the rich, dynamic tone that makes 12-strings so special in the first place.

The Breedlove Solution: The Bridge Truss

Breedlove’s groundbreaking Bridge Truss redefines the 12-string experience. This innovative design reduces string tension, enabling lighter guitar builds that sound fuller and alive. The result? A 12-string guitar stays in tune better and excel in standard tuning, delivering rich, full-bodied sound—setting a new benchmark for what a 12-string can achieve.