Price Paid: N/A
Features: 9
2003 Fusion Standard: Spruce top, mahogany body. All solid wood.
Florentine Cutaway
Fishman Pro Blend preamp installed
Concert body, very light guitar.
Small Grover tuners. A little whimsy for my feel. Had to get used to them.
Sound: 10
I am used to dreadnoughts. Bought the git on ebay w/o ever having played it. I expected it to be midrangy and thin, but it sounds amazingingly warm and breezy. I mostly play via PA, so I thought that it has less feedback problems and bass can be equalized in. It already has an amazing punch in the bass range, is absolutely balanced but has a 'piano-string' kind of sound, which boomy dread's don't have. The guitar responds enormously fast, and is ideal for expressive play. I finally hear all sorts of harmonics, hammers and pulls a dread would rather 'swallow' unless beaten.
The git sounds not too bad plugged in. I mostly blame the electronics, which are soso for loud on-stage play (the build-in mic feeds back very quickly and is more or less useless), but for studio recording, they can reproduce the sound well if one equalizes the piezo quack away.
I replaced the pro blend with the B-band A8 system and the sound is unbelievable now. A wonderful upgrade, which I highly recommend.
Action, Fit, & Finish: 9
Action was good. I lowered it a little and it is great now. The neck is straight, the fretwork is flawless. Wonderful craftsmanship.
The wood is flawless everywhere, the finish is immaculate, everything is top quality. There is NOTHING to be found, not even a minimal spot of glue etc. inside. Note that I changed the onboard electronics and had the opportunity to inspect it thoroughly inside and out. Breedlove has unmatched quality compared to Martin or Taylor.
Reliability/Durability: 10
It's a light-built guitar, but it is not fragile.
Looking at it, I expect it to last forever.
I'll probably have a backup with me since strings tend to corrode
(my backup is a Breedlove, too, btw.)
Customer Support: 9
I wrote them once an email and they replied immediately. A second time, I asked for instructions where to get a pickguard, but they haven't replied yet. They ask to call for support, and their email address is for catalogue requests, so I should not complain. From what I've heard, they are a small shop with lots of time and attention for their customers.
Overall Rating: 10
I play >20 years, e-gits and acoustics including a baritone. I'm not so much of a finger-picker, and the guitar is rather designed for this style. Nevertheless, it turned out to be a great instrument for me, and it makes me play with much more expression
I got an incredible deal for this git at ebay, and if it was stolen, I'd be very very mad. If had to put the regular dealer price out, I'd probably try to get a great deal on some dreadnought or at least try out some gits this time to see whether I find another git with this great response and balance.
It could have a pickguard and a 2nd strap button for on-stage work.
Submitted by Tom K at 08/11/2005 16:23
Price Paid: US $1620
Features: 9
2001 Breedlove Custom Fusion. Acording to Steve at Breedlove this one was 1 of 30 custom models built. What makes it a custom is the figured mahogany back and sides. Strikingly beautiful. Sitka spruce top, grover tuners. The Focus is a step above their regular "S" series with ebony overlay on the head and nice abolone inlay on the neck and head.
This one has the Fishman pickup without external controls which I like better because there is no hole cut in the side and I don't use the electronics extensively.
The Fusion has a sharp, Florentine cutaway. Still getting used to it. And the way Breedlove designs the shape, it seems a big chunk of the top bough is missing for the cutaway.
Also Breedlove builds their guitars with the JDL bridge system which takes stress of the top and transmits vibration to the back better. The guitar does seem to have better bass for it's size than you would expect.
Sound: 8
I play both fingersyle and picking so it works for me - not overly bright like a Taylor, but not as mellow as the Breedlove Focus with the cedar top I originally bought and exchanged for the Fusion.
Since it's not a dread like my wifes Guild, it isn't going to sound as full and that's to be expected. Has a nice, even crisp tone and seems to hold up well to moderate to heavy strumming.
Action, Fit, & Finish: 10
Action, fit and finish are second to none, period. The selection of pieces of wood on this guitar is truly amazing.
Reliability/Durability: 8
Breedloves are light and seem delicate, partly because of less of a need to overly brace the top, but I'll have to reserve judgement as to it's durability until I own it awhile.
Customer Support: 10
I called Breedlove before I purchased this guitar and Steve Henderson, one of the founders and chief luthier called me back to answer all my questions. Can't ask for better customer service so far
Have to also throw in a plug for the Music Xchange in Florida. I bought this guitar sight unseen from them because of the unbelieavable price and they were great - even when I sent back the Focus to exchange for the Fusion. This custom version lists for $2599 and they sold it to me for $1620.
Overall Rating: 9
Overall I give this guitar a 9. It would be perfect if it had a slightly bigger sound like a dreadnaught, but I knew I would be trading that for the smaller size body. But I love the guitar, and most importantly, I'm playing more because of it.
Submitted by K Muller at 03/07/2002 14:07
