Price Paid: US $2000
Features: 9
Purchased 2/12/2002. Made in Tumalo Oregon in November 2001. Jumbo body with soft cutaway. Select grade solid Myrtlewood backs and sides. Select grade, solid sitka spruce top. One piece Mahogany neck. Utilizes the JLD Bridge Truss system, allowing for an incredibly flexible top. Abalone rosette. Ebony fingeboard and bridge. Bolt-on neck. Mother of pearl dot markers, Rosewood peghead overlay. Nickle mini-Grover tuners. Gloss, hand-rubbed finish. Black Binding. TKL (archtop) hard-shell case included.
No electronics.
I give this guitar a rating of 9 - the only thing that would make it more perfect is a bit more decorative abalone on the fretmarkers and wood binding.
Sound: 10
Over the 30 years of playing on a Dreadnought, I found myself drifting away from flatpicking, venturing seriously into fingerstyle. When I'd get the chance, I'd sneak off to the local high-end guitar store and grab various Martins, Lowdens, Santa Cruz and Goodalls. They were all wonderful guitars, expertly made. However, one time I picked up a Breedlove C12MP (Maple) that was simply the most astounding sounding guitar for its size I had ever played. I quickly developed a respect for the design and capabilities this instruments provided. At $3800, I couldn't afford the pleasures the C12MP provided, so I came back to reality, walked out of the store, but never forgot how special that instrument was.
When I walked in the store recently, the understated beauty of this SJ25-MY caught my eye. Once I picked it up, I was instantly reminded of the C12MP I played months back - Bright (but not overly), well balanced and amazingly clear thru the entire sonic range with a strong full bass. Breedloves have a slighly unique (read-Better) sound IMHO. They excel at open tuning, but performs admirably as well in Standard. Hypnotizing when either played softly or when pushed hard.
Action, Fit, & Finish: 10
I continue to inspect the guitar closely and at length and I still can't find imperfections. The Myrtlewood back is 2 piece bookmatched. It has a flame/shimmer akin to Koa. The finish gives a depth to the wood that is almost 3-dimensional. The Sitka top is straight grained and clean. As I stated, the neck was 1 piece Mahogany and is finished in satin. The neck/body junction show no gaps. Completely professional level of workmanship, something you'd demand and expect from an instrument of this calibre.
The action was already set up well from the factory and I saw no reason for change.
Reliability/Durability: 10
If you want a camping guitar, or something to play the smoky honky-tonks while dodging the flying beer bottles, look elsewhere. But if your looking for a performance-quality instrument to play in a professional setting under normal conditions, you will find nothing better suited. Breedloves are made to last, given the appropriate care any high-quality instrument demands and deserves.
Customer Support: 10
Not had occasion to use them, but did cal the factory last week to get some information on the Manufacture date of the instrument, plus get some manitenance tips. I received immediate call back on the technical items from the appropriate level of support staff and they answered all questions candidly and patiently. I have no issues. The warranty is lifetime to the original owner. No second thoughts here.
Overall Rating: 10
Years of research, reading, auditions and interviews with various people culminated with the purchase of this instrument. Satisfied? - Absolutely. I have no reservations about this instrument and would replace it in a hearbeat if it were stolen. These Guitars are not cheap, but they are priced fairly. I have the utmost respect for the many high-end guitar makers out there and their products, but in my experience and opinion, Breedloves take the cake.
Well done boys, well done.
Submitted by Larry Scott at 02/23/2002 23:11
