Though the C25/CR Herringbone doesn’t have the same options as its more expensive brethren, it is nevertheless a world-class guitar. If you’ve ever wanted to try a Breedlove but were put off by the high price tag, the Breedlove C25/CR is sure to satisfy.
In its relatively short existence, the Breedlove Guitar Company has gained a well-deserved reputation for high quality, playable instruments. These guitars, however, do come at a fairly steep price tag, something the company is attempting to remedy with its well-received “Pro” series, including the C25/CR Herringbone Acoustic. The C25/CR is a custom-shop quality guitar at an import guitar price.
The Pro Series models are assembled in the United States while the parts are machined in Korea. Despite the cost-cutting measures, these lower-cost models share many of the same features as their US-only models. Since Breedlove prides itself on its customizations, part of the savings comes by eliminating some of those options. For example, in the Pro Series, players can choose from Cedar or Sitka Spruce Tops as well as various electronics options, but the options are fixed otherwise. However, the guitar’s appointments, with quality herringbone trim and abalone rosette, are high quality and should satisfy even the most discriminating player. Our Breedlove guitar tests have shown them to be consistently well-built. Indeed, the Breedlove guitar company is currently producing some of the finest instruments you can buy today. Below is just one Breedlove guitar review that should help you decide if it is the guitar for you.
Specifications
The C25/CR Herringbone is a concert-sized guitar with a dark cedar top and a deep, rich rosewood back and sides. The neck is slim, made of one-piece mahogany with an ebony fretboard. It features a 1 ¾” nut width, a 2 ¼” saddle-spacing, and a pinless bridge. It also includes an L. R. Baggs Dual Source amplification system.
From a visual perspective, the C25/CR Herringbone is unmistakably Breedlove. The distinctive headstock and the sloped soft cutaway along with the winged, pinless bridge make it clear that you’re playing a Breedlove, regardless of the lower pricetag.
Performance
Breedloves are known for their deep, resonate, bassy voice, and the C25/CR Herringbone is no exception. The guitar is blessed with gorgeous overtones and long, clear sustain, as well as a deep, full low end. The guitar’s bass response is perhaps the C25/CR Herringbone’s most distinctive feature, especially prevalent on the low E, A, and D strings. All six strings display the same smooth, compressed sustain. One is reminded of the smooth lead tones of a fine electric guitar. The lead voice of the C25/CR Herringbone is one of its strongest features.
The 1 ¾” nut makes the guitar very easy to play, while the 2 ¼” saddle-spacing means the guitar will be at home with both flatpickers and fingerstyle players.
This Pro model is no slouch in the electronics department, either. The onboard L. R. Baggs Element system (the Dual Source Element system is optional) translates the guitar’s wide myriad of tones very well and includes readily accessible volume and tone controls at the top of the soundhole. Recording the guitar into my Mac-based home Pro Tools studio demonstrates how well this guitar could serve the recording musician.
Final Thoughts
Though the C25/CR Herringbone doesn’t have the same options as its more expensive brethren, it is nevertheless a world-class guitar. If you’ve ever wanted to try a Breedlove but were put off by the high price tag, the Breedlove C25/CR is sure to satisfy. Buy yours on eBay below today!
Name of Gear: Breedlove C25/CR Herringbone
List Price: $2,299.00
Manufacturer Info: Breedlove Guitar Co.; breedlovemusic.com
Pros: Variety of rich, beautiful tones; highly versatile; great playability; excellent amplified tones
Cons: None
Find your Breedlove C25/CR Herringbone for sale on eBay today!
