Price Paid: US $349
Features: 9
I got this 1/2 size beauty in 2005 and the instrument was made in Korea. This cutaway guitar has a solid cedar top and laminate mahogany sides and back. The nut width is 1 and 3/4 inch. It has a bolt on neck with the two allen boltheads on the back of the guitar. The volume control for the active Baggs pickup is in the sound hole and there is a battery compartment near the endpin jack. The finish is satin. The tuners are genuine grover and it came with a nice gig bag. Overall the finish is nicely done. When I showed my wife the guitar, she said that it was beautful, something she has not said about the other 5 guitars I own.
Sound: 10
Sound is very subjective. I choose a sound based upon the style that I predominately play. I play mostly acoustic blues and ragtime. A week before I purchased the Passport C25, I played a bunch of instruments at the local Guitar Center. I played the Spruce top Baby Taylor and the Little Martin LXM. I also own an Arts & Lutherie Ami parlor guitar and a Montana travel guitar. I'll try to explain the sound of the 1/2 size Breedlove by comparing it to the others.
For pure acoustic blues, the Arts and Lutherie Ami has the best sound. For the most normal sound for a travel guitar go with the Martin LXM. It a nice instrument. The best econo-travel guitar is the Montana. Sorry to the Baby Taylor owners, but I didn't like the sound. The Passport C25 is tuned to "A", and it's 1/2 size. The sound is unique and very good for acoustic blues and ragtime. It's surprising loud for such a small guitar. It's not as loud as my Ami parlor, but it takes to strumming better. I almost bought the Martin LXM, but I decided against it because it sounded too normal. The Passport C-25 has a distinct voice that I like. I also played the Passport c-20, which has no cutaway and no electronics. This has a nice sound, but sounds a little more normal to me. I'm giving this high rating based upon ragtime and acoustic playing. If I were mainly a strummer, I'd lower the rating to a 7. Also the electronics sound good through my Roland Micro Cube.
Action, Fit, & Finish: 9
Action is a little high. It has a trussrod, so I'll lower the action a little when I get the time. The finish was flawless. It's a real nice looking insrument. Abalone around the soundhole too.
Reliability/Durability: 10
This instrument is solidly built. My Montana Travel has light construction. My Ami parlor has such a light finish on it that the cedar top dents easily. The Baby Taylor I played looked budget, with no purfling and etched around sound hole. The Martin LXM looked like it would last for a long time with it's special HPL laminate construction. This Passport c-25 is nicely done and is solid. It doesn't look cheap.
Customer Support: N/A
Haven't used the customer support.
Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing for 30 years. I own an Art & Lutherie Ami Parlor, Montana Travel, Ovation Custom Balladeer, Gibson J-30, and an Epiphone semi-hollow electric. I'd buy this guitar again if it were stolen. I wasn't looking to buy another guitar when I purchased it. I went in for a couple sets of strings. I was so amazed how the instrument fit my style of play that I bought it on the spot. But this guitar might not be for you. For a more normal sound in a travel guitar, I'd recommend the Martin LXM.
Submitted by Jeff at 12/07/2005 22:57
