BreedLove C12MP

Price Paid: US $2000.

Features: 10
2000 Breedlove C12-MP with sitka spruce top and 1-7/8 wide fingerboard (the widest Breedlove offers). Has the head-turning "sharp" (down pointing) cutaway and a stunning quilted maple back and sides that almost looks like a hologram. No pickup in this baby....ever!. All exotic wood adornments! Ebony pinless 2 piece bridge and fingerboard. Gold mini Grover tuners with ebony buttons. And of course, the JLD Bridge System.

(The JLD Bridge System is an all-wooden, adjustable, device which counteracts virtually all the forward pulling tension from the strings on the bridge. It can be installed on any guitar, but Breedlove designs their tops with the JLD incorporated into them, thus allowing a lighter braced top for more resonance. Once installed, the back and sides of the guitar no longer just reflect sound. They actually vibrate to give the guitar a much more focused and enhanced voice. It truly is an amazing device.)

Sound: 10
I do not want to start pouring out adjectives like everyone else. That is so useless. I can say that the C-12 is a Concert size, which is smaller than a dreadnought, like a 000 Martin. By building guitars using cutting edge technologies, Breedlove has found a way to give a smaller guitar a bigger sound, but not necessarily louder. What I'm trying to say is that the string separation is so crystal clear, that the sound and voice which are produced is not what you typically hear coming from a guitar this size, thus it is quite extraordinary to play. It sort of reminds me of the first time I heard the Bose Wave! Unbelievable separation and clarity from a small box. It's almost a trick! (but for some reason, I don't like the Wave... go figure!)

The sound is definitely Breedlove!

Action, Fit, & Finish: 8
Here's where I can't give it a 10. This is actually my 2nd C-12. My first one had a laquer problem. It got tacky, which allowed me to play standing up without a strap : ) I sent it back to Breedlove, but by the time UPS returned it, they had completely destroyed it. The folks at Breedlove were super nice and made me another (to my specs). This is the one I'm writing about.

There are some small problems. Breedlove uses a fairly ineffective single action truss rod. It should come standard with a more effective rod, or better yet, a double action rod for this kind of money. Due to this, the rod in both of my Breedloves have had trouble adjusting enough relief into the neck, so there is some cancellation on the high E string around the 10th fret. The low E also buzzes a bit. The action is too low (by a tad). I could put a shim under the saddle, but why should I? Steve Henderson at Breedlove should resolve this!
(NOTE; all my 30+ guitars I own are kept in a fully climate controlled room).

Reliability/Durability: 9
Well, other than the small truss rod problem, the guitar is holding up just fine.
Due to the 1-7/8" width neck and smaller body, this is a better finger style guitar than it is for strumming. It's like a classical steel string! The hard case is fine too.

Customer Support: 10
Heck, they gave me a new guitar when UPS destroyed it. What negitive thing could I say.

Overall Rating: 9
I have been playing since 1974. I have owned literally hundreds of acoustics. I have many vintage guitars (big deal). My favorite gee-tah is my custom Seagull Grand (parlor guitar), which sits by my computer. Since I try not to get attached to expensive "boutique" guitars, I have thought of trading my Breedlove for a Goodall or Olsen in the past. This is just to keep my collection moving. I will own an Asymetric Breedlove someday. I will NEVER sell my Seagull!

Submitted by guitartec at 01/30/2004 18:48

Price Paid: US $1795.00 used

Features: 10
(Note: This is C1-MP, made in 1995, purchased used, which is NOW referred to by Breedlove as the C12-MP). This was purchased used. It features a spruce top, quilted maple back and sides, ebony overlay on the peg board, gold Mini Grovers with Ebony buttons (purchased seperately). Maple neck - NOT mahogany! One piece maple neck. It also features a sharp cutaway. It boasts a Fishman Matrix Natural II, used with a Fishman Pro EQ II Platinum Preamp. It is a grand concert sized body with a shallow body depth similar to an OM.

Sound: 10
As a fingerstyle instrument - the amazing clarity and singing highs make this instrument a joy. Yet, unlike a typical maple guitar - this has a simply amazing bass response! A punch that when tuned to an E or Eb, could almost compare to a dreadnought. When tuned lower, the punch mellows but does not disappear! I have never heard so much bass from such a small guitar. With it's action kept high, it makes a respectable rhythm guitar which has earned the respect of many a fiddle player! It shines as a fingerstyle instrument with it's incredible clarity and brightness. It is my main instrument.

Action, Fit, & Finish: 8
I wish I could say this a bit more objectively . . . The finish on the back is wearing out! I must sadly conclude that It has suffered from a lack of attention and proper polishing. At least one thing can be said - the finish on the back wore off, so this instrument was played! Still, I believe that this guitar feels very at home with me! I replaced the gold buttons on the mini-grovers - they were worn raw! Still, The materials have survived well in spite of it's apparent neglect. I know however that the previous owner wished above all for a good home for this instrument - the home it deserved. The instrument was NEVER abused, simply not given the attention it deserved. It will be refinished very soon. The action from the Maple neck is incredible - the playability on ALL frets is stellar. Care must be taken - maple is soft and will dimple very easily.

Reliability/Durability: 8
The above review of the Action, Fit and Finish may say that were the finish not polished carefully, the smudges of time and the wearing out of the finish would show. IT is very difficult to tell how well the finish holds up to rigorous treatment. If I am mistaken about my hypothesis - that the instrument was neglected by its previous owner, than it does not auger well for the finish of a Breedlove. Yet, I will say it is the ONLY Breedlove I have seen in this condition. Tom Prasada Rao's CM is still in great shape if the concerts I've seen are any indication. Make sure to properly polish this guitar! Or ANY guitar!

Customer Support: 10
The people of Breedlove cheerfully respond to my e-mails. I have requested Appraisals on Company Letterhead for insurance purposes. I have asked pointed questions, and I have never been kept waiting. On the phone, the personable staff is even more friendly, and they treated me like I was Ed Gerhardt or Tom Prasada Rao.

Overall Rating: 10
For 23 years I have been playing - this was my second REAL solid-wood instrument. It will not be my last. It will never leave my side, and will be a faithful friend as I will be to it. Compare it (as I have) to the beautiful Taylor 612 and you will conclude as I have the the Breedlove outshines even the best Taylor can offer. (and I know - I've played all of Taylors models). Compare also to a Larrivee OM5, Martin OM-28 (Vintage!!), or even the wonderful Froggy Bottoms or Huss and Daltons. I still chose Breedlove. To beat this guitar, you'd have to spend $7,000 - $12,000. How do I know? Only Al Petteway's Kevin Ryan guitar beats mine. I know - he let me play it.

Submitted by Gregory LYgon at 05/07/2002 06:29

Price Paid: N/A

Features: 10
1997 from Bend Oregon with 20 frets, 14 fret neck joint. OM or Grand Concert size with solid master grade Sitka Spruce top. Blond, outrageously quilted maple back and sides. Maple neck with ebony fret board and offset small pearl position markers. Ebony peghead overlay. Gloss finish. Pinless ebony bridge. Asymetrical peghead design. Unique sharp cutaway. No pick gaurd. JDL Bridge system, bridge truss, with light bracing.

Sound: 10
Designed for finger picking it works well with a pick, but be careful since no pick gaurd is included. The had shaped neck is thin and very easy to hold making this a wonder to play. Bright crisp highs and beautiful full bass. Very unusual for a maple body guitar. Excellent note seperation and very even response up the fretboard.

Action, Fit, & Finish: 10
Some of the best finish work out there. Impecably clean with very light action that responds beautifully. No buzzes even when picked hard. The bookmatch on the top and back are flawless. The bridge is a work of art by itself.

Reliability/Durability: 10
This is the lightest guitar I have due to the unique bracing. This doesn't detract from the durability of the instrument. The bridge doctor eliminates the possiblility of top bulges, even with medium strings. Catalyzed urathane finish is clean and easy to maintain.

Customer Support: 10
Very helpful and willing. Thier website is great. Limited lifetime warranty. Even gave me a tour of the shop when I was in the area.

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing guitar for over twenty years. This guitar joins two Larrivee dreadnaughts, a Martin HD-28, and a Bourgeois Ricky Skaggs Signature Model. Very different feel and sound from the dreadnaughts. It is visually stunning with the wood choices and shape. I won't list the price paid as the guitar was a one time factory extra let go below normal discount. Steve Henderson and his team build some of the finest instruments out there. They have one of the widest selections of tone woods in the industry and know how to get great guitars from them.

Submitted by Leon Evans at 12/21/1999 17:20