Breedlove began as a guitar laboratory, a place for luthiers Larry Breedlove and Steve Henderson to test out their wildest concepts. Breedlove and Henderson built better guitars through experimentation—challenging assumptions about lutherie with completely original concepts like graduated tops, unique tonewoods, bridge trusses, asymmetrical headstocks, and winged bridges. When Larry's brother Kim joined as master luthier in 1994, Breedlove guitars went to the next level, refining traditional assembly methods and inventing radical new body shapes.
This Special Edition Focus D was handmade in Bend, Oregon in 2010, and its label is signed by Kim Breedlove. This guitar represents the end of an era—it is one of the last guitars made before Bedell purchased the Breedlove name and sent production overseas. It features the classic dreadnought body shape with an Adirondack Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides.
Like other Breedloves, this Focus D was designed from the ground up for playability. It has a 1-3/4" and a very comfortable, low-profile neck with just a hint of V. It's the perfect blend of vintage inspiration and modern optimization. Plus, it has a graceful cutaway that opens access into the upper register and a factory-installed pickup under the hood.
Because it is a Special Edition series, Breedlove went off with the details. This Focus D has Koa binding an elegant Abalone rosette. The Black Ebony fingerboard classy black binding and abalone inlays to match the rosette. In combination with the batwing headstock and graceful Breedlove headstock shape, this is an eye-catching guitar. Built for the stage, no doubt. But it'll inspire just the same in your living room.
Although 13 years old, this 2010 does show much as far as play wear. Since there's not a pickguard, you can perhaps see some faint pick swirls by the sound hole. And in general, you can tell it's a not a brand new instrument. But look through the photos, and you'll get it. This Focus D is clean! It packs a powerful, balanced tone, and the setup is so low it practically plays itself. Great guitar! Original hardshell case included.