April 29th, 2008 . by MacNichol
Here are some pictures of the Breedlove Quartz FF mandolin with honeyburst finish.
Features include a one piece maple neck, solid sitka spruce top, solid western maple back and sides, tone bar bracing, f-holes, twenty frets, Tusq nut, Gotoh tuners, radiused ebony fingerboard with pearl dot position markers, ebony headstock overlay, and a deluxe hardshell case with a snug fit.
Posted in Breedlove Guitars, Mandolins | No Comments »
April 26th, 2008 . by MacNichol
Check out The Guitar Sherpa, an online database of stringed instrument information, including a directory and search engine. Here’s a description from the site’s “About Us” page:
From the directory section homepage the user can browse down from the eight major category groups to over 100 specific categories (e.g. Acoustic Guitar Dealers). Where location is often a concern (e.g. Stringed Instrument Repair and Restoration), the user has the option to sort that page by state. Each listing contains editorial information specific to that category as it pertains to the directory section. All listed establishments are linked to the appropriate section (when possible) of their website, again, as it pertains to the directory section.
The search engine aspect of the site (courtesy of Google) is represented by the search box contained on every live page. Here the user can search for very specific stringed instrument information. This search engine only spiders the current over 2000 websites contain in our directory. You can further delineate that search by manufacturer, dealer, builder or information.
The goal of The Guitar Sherpa is to make it easy for the user to quickly disseminate through a (growing) mass of stringed instrument information.
Posted in Acoustic Bass Guitars, Acoustic Guitars, Mandolins | No Comments »
April 24th, 2008 . by MacNichol
MacNichol recently received a question about the differences between RainSong’s OM-1000 and CA Guitars 5S-CE. Certainly the two share overall similarity — carbon fiber construction, small, slim bodies. However, when placed side by side, the two are quite different instruments.
Let’s start with sound. The RainSong reminds me of a guitar with maple back and sides; indeed, RainSong’s website describes the OM-1000 as having a “crystal bell clarity, balance, superb separation of individual notes.” This is a great guitar for individual note-picking, but strumming does not work out well. The CA 5S-CE, on the other hand, has a very “woody” sound that reminds me of a guitar with mahogany back and sides. It’s also got a deep voice, and, like its cousin the Cargo, will surprise you with the bass and volume coming from such a small-bodied guitar. This guitar is also built for individual notes, as is the RainSong.
Next, let’s look at some structural differences. Both guitars have slim bodies, but the RainSong, at 4.125 inches, is deeper than the CA is, which is at 3.25 inches. Also, the CA has a bevel on the top of the back, which allows for the instrument to fit snugly against the player’s body. Also, the cutaway is quite different. The RainSong has a soft cutaway, but because of the heel block, you need to make a small hand shift to get beyond the 15th fret. The 5S-CE has a sharp cutaway, and because of CA’s double cutaway — back and sides — your hand slides smoothly all the way up to the 20th fret.
Some other noticeable differences: Both guitars are equipped with Gotoh tuners, but the RainSong’s have a 1:18 ratio, whereas the CA’s have a 1:15 ratio. The RainSong has a glossy natural finish that highlights the carbon fiber weave, whereas the CA is available in either carbon reveal, red, wine, or charcoal. The RainSong’s electronics are L.R. Baggs On-Board System, whereas the CA comes with the Fishman Acoustic Matrix VT. Also, the RainSong comes with a hardshell case, whereas the CA 5S-CE comes with a heavily padded gig bag.
Posted in CA Guitars, Carbon Fiber Guitars, RainSong Guitars | No Comments »
April 23rd, 2008 . by MacNichol
Update: This guitar has sold, however, if you are interested in a Breedlove Pro 25/SR, please contact MacNichol at 1-800-849-3305 or info@macnichol.com. Thank You.
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MacNichol Guitars has a Breedlove Pro D25/SR, H, that has a tiny finish crack on the side that has been repaired. Because of this small cosmetic blemish (which is extremely hard to see), the guitar is being offered at a discounted price of $1,099, which includes hardshell case and free shipping within the continental U.S. There is nothing functionally wrong with this instrument and the sound is unaffected by the cosmetic blemish. The bracing, JLD bridge truss, bridge, woods, neck, neck truss, fingerboard, nut, and tuning machines are all fine.
If there is something functionally wrong with a guitar, Breedlove lists it as a “third”, and then saws out a part of the body and then sends the guitar to a dealer to show customers the Breedlove bracing and JLD bridge truss system. MacNichol’s Breedlove guitars third is a twelve-string and looks as though a shark took a big bite out of it.
Breedlove cosmetic blemishes still have the manufacturer’s warranty, however, the blemish is not covered in the warranty. Please call 1-800-849-3305 for more information. Thank You.
Posted in Acoustic Guitars, Breedlove Guitars | No Comments »
April 22nd, 2008 . by MacNichol
Breedlove’s archtop Quartz FF is a blend between traditional design and modern aesthetics. Most noticeably, the handmade Quartz FF has a partial scroll, plus a sharp cutaway that lacks the upturn of the traditional design. Also, the f holes are more streamlined, looking like broad brushstrokes. The blonde satin finish highlights the natural beauty of the solid spruce top and solid western maple back and sides. The Quartz FF is also unbound, which gives it a simple elegance.
Great looking mandolin - but how does it sound? Breedlove’s new Quartz FF is a powerful, bassy mandolin. I frequently look down at it to remind myself that I’m not playing a mandola. While playing the G and D strings, you can actually feel the bass resonate into your chest - something you would normally associate with a guitar. Also, this is definitely a bluegrass mandolin with a deep, throaty voice. In particular, chops come through like a brand new snare drum - crisp, clean and loud.
Features include a one piece maple neck, solid sitka spruce top, solid western maple back and sides, tone bar bracing, f-holes, twenty frets, Tusq nut, Gotoh tuners, radiused ebony fingerboard with pearl dot position markers, ebony headstock overlay, and a deluxe hardshell case with a snug fit.
Posted in Mandolins | No Comments »
April 18th, 2008 . by MacNichol
Update: This particular blemished guitar has sold. However, MacNichol has another blemished Breedlove Pro C25 available. If you are interested in a Breedlove Pro Series C25/CR, please contact MacNichol Guitars at 1-800-849-3305. Thank You.
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MacNichol Guitars has a Breedlove Pro C25/CR that has a tiny finish crack - please see the pictures below. Because of this small cosmetic blemish, the guitar is being offered at a discounted price of $1,099, which includes hardshell case and free shipping within the continental U.S. There is nothing functionally wrong with this instrument and the sound is unaffected by the cosmetic blemish. The bracing, JLD bridge truss, bridge, woods, neck, neck truss, fingerboard, nut, and tuning machines are all fine.
If there is something functionally wrong with a guitar, Breedlove lists it as a “third”, and then saws out a part of the body and then sends the guitar to a dealer to show customers the Breedlove bracing and JLD bridge truss system. MacNichol’s Breedlove guitars third is a twelve-string and looks as though a shark took a big bite out of it.
Breedlove cosmetic blemishes still have the manufacturer’s warranty, however, the blemish is not covered in the warranty. Please call 1-800-849-3305 for more information. Thank You.
Blemish:
Blemish Circled:
Front View:
Back View:
Posted in Acoustic Guitars, Breedlove Guitars | No Comments »
April 15th, 2008 . by MacNichol
Breedlove knows how to do a sunburst finish. This is apparent in the AC25/SF, Plus. With flamed maple sides/back, the sunburst finish complements the wood’s grain pattern; yet for the most part, the solid flamed maple is clearly visible in the guitar’s back.
The top is solid sitka spruce and, like the back, the sunburst finish complements the wood well, although because of the bridge and soundhole, not as much of the center section is seen.
The AC25/SF, Plus has a harp-like sound to it, and as a result of the concert body and flamed maple back/sides, a well-balanced sound with clear string distinction.
The AC25/SF Plus comes equipped with Fishman Classic 4t electronics, which includes a built-in chromatic tuner for easy tuning. Features include abalone rosette, ivoroid binding, micarta nut and saddle, rosewood fingerboard, bridge, and headstock overlay, and gold Grover tuners. Price includes hardshell case and free shipping to the U.S.
Posted in Acoustic Guitars, Breedlove Guitars | No Comments »
April 11th, 2008 . by MacNichol
Note: This acoustic bass has sold, but if you are interested in a similar blemish model, please contact us at 1-800-849-3305. Thank You.
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MacNichol Guitars and Mandolins has a special deal on a Breedlove acoustic bass guitar, model ABJ250/SM4. This particular instrument has a finish blemish - the left side of the top is a lighter shade than the right side. Many people think that a solid top means a single piece of wood, and thus different shades would make this a less appealing instrument to them. However, it is a solid top, and bookmatched correctly. This ABJ250/SM4 has a great tone - the “woody” sound associated with mahogany. Because of this blemish, the price is reduced to $630, which includes a hardshell case and free shipping within the continental United States. Please call 1-800-849-3305 for more information.
Posted in Acoustic Bass Guitars, Breedlove Guitars | No Comments »
April 8th, 2008 . by MacNichol
Breedlove’s Custom Shop in Tumalo, Oregon produces some of the world’s best guitars. Among them, is the Focus Dreadnought SE. The Special Edition is built with a red (Adirondack) spruce top, East Indian rosewood back/sides, along with flamed Koa binding. The guitar is deeply resonant with a warm yet punchy, piano-like bass. It responds particularly well to a firm touch, and the lack of a pickguard is nice for the extra resonance, although those who use a plectrum should consider using a removable pickguard, such as those produced by DS Custom Shop, which work quite well with glossy finishes. Features include Gotoh tuners, Tusq nut and saddle, ebony fingerboard and bridge, hardshell case, and LR Baggs Dual Element electronics.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between the Focus D and the Focus D Special Edition:
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Acoustic Guitars, Breedlove Guitars | No Comments »
April 4th, 2008 . by MacNichol
Many thanks to Peter Fand for the following review of Breedlove’s Acoustic Bass Guitars.
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I recently purchased a Breedlove ABJ250/SM4 acoustic bass from MacNichol, after several weeks of intensive comparative analysis. I live in the New York City area, and have a host of fine instrument stores at my fingertips, including the famous row on 48th street, and Mandolin Brothers in Staten Island. As I result, I have been able to play most of the major brands of acoustic basses currently on the market, including Taylor, Takamine, Martin, Michael Kelly, Dean, Breedlove (of course) and a few other miscellaneous oddities that I stumbled upon. I am writing this to share my observations and thoughts, which ultimately led me to purchase this bass. Remember, this is only my solitary, subjective opinion, but I offer it to other bass players out there who might currently be shopping for a new instrument.
Now, before I get into this, I should articulate a bit about where I’m coming from artistically, and what I was looking for in particular. I have been a bass player for most of my life (just turned 40), and play both electric and upright bass, although electric has always been my primary thing. In recent years I have become more and more of a studio rat and have dozens of CD credits, film scores, TV spots and more, and own a very large studio in Red Hook, Brooklyn. I perform in a wide range of groups, including African traditional groups, Americana, R&B/Funk, Jazz, rock and just about anything else you can imagine. Because of my relationship to the bass, and particularly my life in the studio, character of sound and overall consistency in an instrument are everything to me.
In many of the ensembles I play in, an upright bass is the obvious fit, like the old time music, 1920’s jazz, and a lot of the Latin and African stuff. Sometimes though, bringing an upright to a gig is beyond impractical, and on occasion won’t even fit on the bandstand. For a while I’ve been hunting for a suitable solution, and this year began my quest for a functional hybrid.
Now, on to the analysis. I was hoping to find something fairly loud, so that I might get away without using an amp on really low-key gigs. In truth, I didn’t find a single bass that would be suitable for that application. Most were simply way too quiet. One of the loudest options, surprisingly, was the Michael Kelly Dragonfly, although it was only a db or two above the next tier, which included Breedlove, Taylor and Martin. While any of these would work fine in the context of an acoustic jam on the porch by a lake, none would really be suitable for a performance without an amp, at least not in any of the contexts that I work in. Therefore, the next question is how they sound plugged in. In this area, far and away, the Breedlove blew the doors off of the rest. It’s a bit odd, actually, since most of these instruments use very similar electronics, and comparable amplification schemes. The acoustic design of the Breedlove, though, gives it a warmth and depth that is shocking. It has so much distinction and tone that it’s almost comical. I dare say, none of the other instruments I tried performed as well as an amplified acoustic instrument. Tone, tone, and more tone.
Now, in terms of comfort and playability, again, I found the Breedlove to be a notch above. The neck is very comfortable, and the balance of the instrument is great. Somehow, it all just feels right. This instrument was clearly designed by a very particular team, who took the time to get into the subtleties of the bass player’s sensibilities.
One other thing that I ought to mention is that, in general, I couldn’t find a 5-string model that worked for me as well as the 4-string Breedlove. Somehow it seems that the bodies of these basses just don’t resonate right for that low B string. I imagine that for it to work, you’d need to increase the size of the body by 100% in order to get that real bass resonance on those super low notes. Of course, then you’re back to something the size of an upright, and then, well, what’s the point? When amplified they’re a bit better, but when playing acoustically, the low B string seems kind of pointless.
Well, there’s my take on the acoustic bass question. I’m settling down with my new Breedlove, and am looking forward to trying it out in a variety of settings to see what it brings to the music. I hope someone finds this useful.
For more on Peter Fand, check his website at www.peterfand.com
Posted in Acoustic Bass Guitars, Breedlove Guitars | No Comments »
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