Breedlove: Acoustic Guitar Excellence Made in Oregon

Breedlove, Handcrafted Acoustic Excellence from the United States

When discussing the great American acoustic guitar brands, names like Martin, Taylor, or Gibson immediately come to mind. Yet, since the early 1990s, a discreet workshop in Oregon has been crafting instruments that rival the biggest names. Breedlove Guitars, founded in Tumalo before moving to Bend, is today one of the most respected names in contemporary acoustic lutherie. With a philosophy centered on playing comfort, harmonic richness, and an artisanal approach to sound, Breedlove has carved out a special place in the hearts of demanding guitarists.

What sets Breedlove apart is first and foremost its exclusive Sound Optimization process, a hand-voicing method that allows each soundboard to express its full acoustic potential. Every guitar is unique, but they all share that sonic signature that makes musicians say you can recognize a Breedlove from the very first notes. And since 2025, the brand has entered a new era, taken over by passionate musicians who intend to carry on this legacy while propelling it into the future.

Whether you are looking for a quality first acoustic guitar, an electro-acoustic stage instrument, or a collector's piece, Breedlove offers ranges for all levels and all budgets. And here's the good news: you can find a wide selection of Breedlove guitars on the Breedlove brand page at Green Musicians, the marketplace dedicated to musicians.

A Story Born in Oregon

The Breedlove adventure began in 1990, in a small workshop in Tumalo, a town nestled in the heart of Oregon. Three visionary luthiers - Larry Breedlove, Steve Henderson, and Terry Myers - set out to build acoustic guitars with a clear ambition: to push beyond the conventions of traditional lutherie and create instruments with exceptional sound, unparalleled playing comfort, and made with respect for the environment.

A few years later, Kim Breedlove, Larry's brother and a talented marquetry artist, joined the team. His attention to detail and mastery of mother-of-pearl inlays gave the brand a refined visual identity that would become one of its aesthetic signatures. The Breedlove name gradually established itself in the acoustic guitar world as synonymous with quality and innovation.

In 2010, entrepreneur Tom Bedell acquired the brand and brought a major innovation: Sound Optimization. This patented process, which involves individually carving and voicing each soundboard and back according to the unique properties of the wood used, revolutionized production and ensures remarkable sonic consistency from one instrument to another. Tom Bedell also instilled in Breedlove a strong environmental consciousness, notably through the use of wood from sustainably managed forests.

In 2025, a new chapter begins. Pete Mroz, singer-songwriter and long-time Breedlove artist, partners with Shannon Pollard, a music industry executive, to take over the company. For the first time, Breedlove becomes a brand owned by musicians, for musicians. A transition that promises to put the artist back at the center of every decision, from design to distribution.

Sound Optimization, the Breedlove Signature

At the heart of every Breedlove guitar lies a well-kept secret: Sound Optimization. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods where soundboards are machined in a standardized way, the luthiers in Bend work on each piece of wood individually, based on its density, stiffness, and unique vibrational properties.

In practice, each soundboard is thinned, sculpted, and adjusted to the micron until it reaches its optimal resonance frequency. The result is striking: powerful sound projection, deep and defined bass, rich midrange, and crystalline highs. All with a tonal balance that pleases the ear regardless of playing style, from delicate fingerpicking to energetic strumming.

This process, carried out entirely by hand in the Bend workshop, is one of the reasons why every Breedlove feels familiar from the very first touch. Guitarists often say: you don't play a Breedlove, you meet it. And once you've tried one, it's hard to go back.

The Breedlove Ranges: From Roots to Collector

Breedlove today organizes its production around three main ranges, all made in the United States at the Bend workshop, plus a Custom Shop for bespoke instruments.

Roots Series: The Gateway to the Breedlove Universe

The Roots range embodies the very essence of Breedlove: acoustic guitars with clean, no-frills design that focus on what matters - sound and playing comfort. Offered in Concert, Dreadnought, and Parlor body shapes, the Roots are available in two wood combinations: Sitka spruce and mahogany for a warm, balanced sound, or Sitka spruce and rosewood for richer harmonics and increased projection.

The Roots is the ideal choice for the guitarist seeking a quality American-made, handcrafted acoustic guitar without breaking the bank. Find the Breedlove Roots models available on Green Musicians:

• Breedlove Roots Concert
• Breedlove Roots Dreadnought
• Breedlove Roots Parlor

Artisan Series: Refinement at Its Purest

With the Artisan range, Breedlove steps up and offers instruments with more refined finishes, carefully selected tonewoods, and quality onboard electronics. Artisan models come in all the brand's signature body shapes: Concert, Dreadnought, Parlor, Concertina, Concerto. Finishes like Vintage Tone, Edge Burst, or Espresso Burst add an aesthetic dimension that appeals to collectors and stage musicians alike.

Collector Series: The Pinnacle of Breedlove Lutherie

The absolute top of the line. Collector series guitars are built with the most precious woods and benefit from Sound Optimization pushed to its peak. Each instrument is a unique piece, designed to deliver an extraordinary sonic experience. The Collector Dreadnought and Collector Concert models are particularly sought after by professional guitarists and discerning collectors.

The Custom Shop

For musicians who want to go even further, the Bend Custom Shop lets you design a fully bespoke guitar. From wood selection to neck shape, including inlays and finishes, every detail is discussed with the luthier to create an instrument that reflects who you are. A unique experience, reserved for those who refuse to make any compromises.

Discover all the Breedlove guitars currently available on Green Musicians.

Artists Who Trust Breedlove

Over the decades, numerous artists have adopted Breedlove guitars for their distinctive tone and exceptional playability. Among them are Pete Mroz, now co-owner of the brand, as well as rising country star Max McNown, and Jeff Bridges, the Oscar-winning actor and musician who has his own signature model, the Breedlove Oregon Concerto Jeff Bridges.

These artists are not just ambassadors: they actively participate in instrument design and share the values of authenticity and quality that have defined Breedlove for over thirty-five years. Their trust reflects the unique place the brand holds in the contemporary acoustic guitar landscape.

Going Further

If the world of acoustic guitar fascinates you, here are some complementary articles available on the Green Musicians blog:

• Cort: The Quiet Giant of Global Lutherie - another great name in guitars
• Fender: The American Legend of the Electric Guitar
• Used Guitar: Buying Guide - our tips for making the right choice
• Why Buy a Used Instrument? - all the advantages
• Reconditioned Instruments: Economy and Ecology

Why Choose Green Musicians for Your Breedlove?

Green Musicians is much more than just a marketplace: it's a community of passionate musicians connecting buyers and sellers from around the world. By choosing Green Musicians for your Breedlove guitar, you gain access to a complete catalog of new, reconditioned, and used instruments, all verified and offered by trusted sellers.

The platform allows you to find the Breedlove of your dreams at the best price, but also to communicate directly with sellers, try instruments in person thanks to hand delivery, and benefit from expert advice. Whether you're looking for a Roots Concert to get started, an Artisan Dreadnought for the stage, or a Collector for your collection, Green Musicians is the ideal partner to bring your musical project to life.

Find all available Breedlove guitars now on the dedicated brand page.

And there you have it! We hope this article has inspired you to discover or rediscover the Breedlove universe and its exceptional acoustic guitars. All that's left for you to do is browse Green Musicians to find the Breedlove of your dreams at the best price.

We offer a complete catalog of musical instruments featuring brands from around the world such as Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Fender, Ibanez, Cort, and many others. Whether you are an amateur or professional musician, our marketplace is designed to give you the best of music.

Want to try before you buy?
That's normal, which is why we encourage you to meet sellers near you and test instruments in person. Hand delivery is in fact the preferred delivery method on Green Musicians.

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