10 Best Breedlove Guitars in 2026

The moment you pick up a Breedlove, you notice what they do differently. The neck is slimmer than most, the body shapes feel less like furniture and more like a tool that wants to be played. And the tonewoods — Oregon myrtlewood, African mahogany, European spruce — are chosen not just for how they look but for how they push the acoustic signature in a specific direction. Whether you are a fingerpicker who wants clarity from every string or a strummer looking for a guitar that can handle a full band without feedback, Breedlove has a model built around a specific sound philosophy.

But the lineup is deep. The Discovery, Pursuit Exotic, Rainforest, Solo Pro, Performer Pro, and Organic Pro series all sit at different points on the spectrum of materials and construction. Some use laminate backs with a real wood core (EcoTonewood) to keep weight down and resonance up. Others go all-solid for maximum projection and aging potential. And body shapes have multiplied: the traditional Concert, the new Concerto (a dreadnought-meets-jumbo hybrid), and the Concertina (a parlor-sized wonder with 12 frets to the body). We have combed through the entire current range to find the 10 best Breedlove guitars in 2026, and we will tell you exactly who each one is for.

TL;DR: The Breedlove Discovery S Concerto is the most well-rounded pick for most players: loud, comfortable, and works with any style. The Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE (Koa) is the one to buy if you want a striking wood and complex overtones. The Breedlove Performer Pro Concert CE is for the player who demands all-solid wood and a vintage look. The Breedlove Organic Performer Pro Parlor Concertina is a small-body gem for traveling musicians and blues players.

Comparison Table

#	Product	Body Shape	Top Wood	Electronics	Best For
1	Breedlove Discovery S Concerto Edgeburst CE	Concerto	European Spruce	Fishman (not specified)	Players wanting a loud, balanced guitar with a comfortable new body shape
2	Breedlove Discovery S Concert EcoTonewood	Concert	European Spruce	None (acoustic)	Acoustic purists who want a slim neck and natural satin finish
3	Breedlove Rainforest S Concert CE	Concert	African Mahogany	Fishman Presys I	Budget-conscious players who still want a quality acoustic-electric
4	Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE	Concert	Red Cedar	Yes (unspecified)	Fingerpickers who love warm, harmonic-rich cedar tops
5	Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE (Koa)	Concert	Hawaiian Koa	Yes	Players who want a visually stunning guitar with a bright, detailed voice
6	Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concerto (Myrtlewood, Tiger's Eye)	Concerto	Myrtlewood	Yes	Strummers needing projection and a unique, all-purpose tonewood
7	Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert (Myrtlewood, Amber)	Concert	Myrtlewood	Yes	Versatile players who want a pinless bridge and a guitar that does everything
8	Breedlove Performer Pro Concert CE	Concert	European Spruce	Yes	Guitarists ready for an all-solid wood instrument with pro-grade clarity
9	Breedlove Performer Pro Concertina CE	Concertina	European Spruce	Yes	Fingerstyle and blues players who want a compact, 12-fret acoustic-electric
10	Breedlove Organic Performer Pro Parlor Concertina CE	Parlor Concertina	European Spruce	Fishman Flex Plus-T	Travelers and subtle players who want big tone in a tiny package

How We Picked

• Body shape and playability. Breedlove builds four main body styles: Concert (balanced, compact), Concerto (louder, more low-end), Concertina (12-fret parlor), and the organic parlor. Each plays differently, and the right one depends on whether you sit or stand, pick or strum, and how much low end you want.
• Tonewood combination. The top wood has the biggest impact on voice: spruce is bright and articulate, cedar is warm and compressed, myrtlewood offers a mix of rosewood and maple. The back and sides add color and sustain. Solid wood ages beautifully; layered wood is more stable in dry climates.
• Electronics and connectivity. If you plan to plug in regularly, look for a model with Fishman electronics. The Rainforest uses the Presys I with tuner; the Performer Pro series uses Flex Plus-T. Both are reliable, but the Flex Plus-T on the Organic series offers more control.
• Sustainability and construction. Breedlove's EcoTonewood uses a resonant laminate core made from individually harvested African mahogany instead of softwood fillers. It is lighter and more tonally alive than standard laminates. The Discovery and Rainforest series use this technology.
• Neck feel and fret access. Breedlove’s slim neck profile is a signature. It makes barre chords and long practice sessions easier. A soft cutaway on many models gives access up to the 14th fret. The Concertina and parlor guitars have 12 frets to the body, which shifts the bridge position for a different harmonic feel.

1. Breedlove Discovery S Concerto Edgeburst CE: Best Overall

Pros

• New Concerto body shape is genuinely louder than a dreadnought yet more comfortable to hold
• European spruce top offers excellent clarity and projection
• EcoTonewood back and sides keep weight down without sacrificing resonance
• Slim neck profile suits smaller hands and fast playing

Cons

• The gloss finish can fingerprint easily
• Some players may prefer a fully solid wood guitar at this level

Best for: The guitarist who wants one guitar that does everything — fingerpicking, flatpicking, strumming, plugged in — and does it at a volume that fills a room without effort.

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The Discovery S Concerto was the first guitar we reached for again and again. The Concerto shape is Breedlove’s answer to the dreadnought: bigger in the lower bout, with a waist that makes it sit naturally whether you’re standing with a strap or sitting on a couch. It produces a sound that is noticeably louder and more textured than its Concert siblings, with a low end that rumbles without becoming muddy. The European spruce top (transitioned from Sitka in 2022) is stiff and responsive, handling a heavy pick attack without breaking up, while the African mahogany back and sides add warmth.

The EcoTonewood laminate is worth mentioning because it is not the usual dead-sounding plywood. Breedlove uses a resonant mahogany core between thin face layers, and the result is a guitar that weighs less than a solid-wood equivalent but still rings. You lose a tiny bit of sustain compared to an all-solid guitar, but for a stage instrument that you will move around, it is a smart trade. The Fishman pickup (not specified in features but implied by the CE designation) does its job transparently. This is the one most players should buy.

2. Breedlove Discovery S Concert EcoTonewood: Best Pure Acoustic

Pros

• Natural satin finish feels smooth and does not show smudges
• Concert body is balanced and comfortable for long sessions
• EcoTonewood construction keeps it lightweight
• Slim neck profile is beginner-friendly

Cons

• No electronics — strictly an acoustic guitar
• Satin finish can show wear faster than gloss

Best for: The player who wants a no-fuss, all-acoustic guitar with a slim neck and a modern, sustainable build.

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If you do not need a pickup, this is the purest Breedlove experience you can get in the Discovery line. The Concert body is the brand’s most popular shape for good reason: it is compact enough to hold comfortably against your body, yet it produces a full, articulate tone across the frequency range. The European spruce top and African mahogany back combine to give you a sound that is clear in the trebles, present in the mids, and warm in the lows — exactly what you want for fingerstyle or vocal accompaniment.

The satin finish is a practical choice. It will not glare under stage lights (not relevant here, since it is acoustic-only), and it feels fast under your picking hand. The downside is that a satin finish can develop a sheen over time from arm contact, but that gives the guitar character. The slim neck is a standout: Breedlove’s hand-rubbed finish process leaves it smooth and slightly tacky, not sticky. For a beginner or an experienced player looking for a reliable couch guitar, this is a fantastic option.

3. Breedlove Rainforest S Concert CE African Mahogany: Best Value Acoustic-Electric

Pros

• Fishman Presys I electronics with built-in tuner are reliable and easy to use
• Concert body with soft cutaway gives great upper-fret access
• African mahogany produces a crisp, warm sound that works for many styles
• EcoTonewood construction keeps it affordable

Cons

• The Orchid gloss finish is an acquired taste
• Not a solid wood guitar; laminate back and sides

Best for: The player who needs a dependable acoustic-electric for gigging or open mic nights without spending for an all-solid instrument.

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The Rainforest S Concert CE sits in a sweet spot: it gives you the Concert body shape, a soft cutaway, and a factory-installed Fishman Presys I system, all within the EcoTonewood construction that keeps the price manageable. The African mahogany body (top, back, and sides) is responsive and clear — not as complex as solid wood, but more alive than a typical laminate. The Fishman pickup includes volume and tone knobs plus a phase switch to fight feedback, and the battery box is on the bottom for easy changes.

The soft cutaway is a real advantage. It allows your hand to reach the 14th fret without the shoulder of the body getting in the way. The gloss finish is high-shine and shows the Orchid color (a subtle purple burst) well, but it is not for everyone. If you want a stage-ready guitar that can handle damp rooms, busy bars, and the occasional drop, this is a solid choice.

4. Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE: Best for Fingerpicking

Pros

• Solid red cedar top delivers warm, complex harmonics at lighter attack
• Ovangkol bridge adds sustain and visual contrast
• Concert body is ideal for fingerstyle
• All-solid construction (solid cedar top, solid African mahogany back and sides)

Cons

• Cedar has less headroom for hard strumming — it compresses early
• The edgeburst gloss finish shows scratches more easily

Best for: Fingerpickers and light strummers who want a guitar that blooms under gentle play.

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This is the only guitar in our selection with a solid red cedar top, and it sounds exactly like you hope. Cedar is softer than spruce, so it responds to a light touch with a bloom of overtones that spruce cannot match. It is the classic choice for fingerstyle players who want a warm, intimate voice. The solid African mahogany back and sides add a clean, woody snap to each note.

The Ovangkol bridge is a nice detail — it is a dense hardwood that anchors the strings firmly, transferring vibration efficiently. The guitar also features a slimmer neck profile and a hand-rubbed finish. The trade-off with cedar is that it does not take well to aggressive strumming; if you play with a heavy hand, the sound will compress and lose clarity. But if your playing is nuanced or you play fingerstyle exclusively, the Solo Pro Concert CE is a revelation.

5. Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE (Koa): Best for Showstopping Looks and Tone

Pros

• Hawaiian koa top is visually stunning with rich grain and gloss edgeburst
• Scalloped bracing adds nuance and dynamic range
• Concert body shape suits both fingerpicking and gentle strumming
• Soft cutaway for upper-fret access

Cons

• Koa can be polarizing — some find it too bright
• Higher tier than Discovery models in features and materials

Best for: The player who wants a guitar that looks as good as it sounds, with a complex, zingy top end.

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The Pursuit Exotic series is where Breedlove brings in visually striking tonewoods that also have distinct sonic signatures. The Hawaiian koa on this Concert CE is gorgeous — the edgeburst finish highlights the grain, and the tortoise binding frames it nicely. Sonically, koa is known for its bright, clear treble with a slight midrange scoop, reminiscent of a good mahogany guitar with extra shimmer. The scalloped bracing (typically found on custom instruments) gives the top more freedom to move, translating into a wider dynamic range.

This is not a guitar for hard strumming; koa’s treble-forward character can become harsh with a heavy pick. But for fingerstyle and delicate flatpicking, the clarity is addictive. The soft cutaway and slim neck make it easy to play up the neck. If you are the kind of player who notices the difference between a good guitar and a great one, this is a strong contender.

6. Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concerto (Myrtlewood, Tiger's Eye): Best for Strumming

Pros

• Myrtlewood tonewood blends the best of rosewood, mahogany, and maple
• Concerto body delivers huge volume and low-end punch
• Pinless bridge improves sustain and simplifies string changes
• Soft cutaway for upper-fret access

Cons

• The Tiger’s Eye gloss finish may be flashy for some tastes
• Myrtlewood guitars have a break-in period before they open up fully

Best for: Strummers and singer-songwriters who need a powerful, room-filling sound with a complex, balanced tonal palette.

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Myrtlewood is Oregon’s native tonewood, and Breedlove has championed it for years. It offers the low-end depth of rosewood, the warm mids of mahogany, and the clear treble of maple — all in one tree. The Concerto body shape amplifies those qualities, making this one of the loudest guitars in the lineup. When you strum a D chord, the guitar seems to inhale and then exhale sound. The pinless Delta bridge is a clever design: no bridge pins to lose, and the strings have a more direct path from saddle to bridge plate, increasing sustain.

The Tiger’s Eye gloss is striking — a burst of amber and brown that reveals the wild myrtlewood grain underneath. It is not a subtle guitar visually or sonically. If you play in a band or need to be heard without a PA, this is your guitar.

7. Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert (Myrtlewood, Amber): Best All-Rounder

Pros

• Myrtlewood top, back, and sides for a truly all-wood sound
• Concert body is balanced and versatile
• Pinless bridge for streamlined look and improved sustain
• Slim neck profile comfortable for all hand sizes

Cons

• Gloss finish can be reflective under stage lights
• Myrtlewood grain varies widely — some guitars look plainer than others

Best for: The player who wants a single guitar that can handle fingerstyle, strumming, and everything in between, with a unique wood that stands out.

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This is the Concert counterpart to the Concerto above, and it trades some low-end oomph for balance and clarity. The all-myrtlewood construction (top, back, sides) gives the guitar a unified voice that is hard to find in mixed-wood guitars. It is warm without being muddy, clear without being thin — a true all-rounder. The pinless bridge is the same as on the Concerto, and the electronics handle the plugged-in sound well.

The Amber Burst gloss finish is more subdued than the Tiger’s Eye, with a gentle gradient from natural to dark amber at the edges. The guitar feels compact and responsive. This is the kind of instrument you can pick up for a two-hour practice session and only put down because your fingers hurt. It is not the loudest guitar in the stable, but it is the most adaptable.

8. Breedlove Performer Pro Concert CE: Best All-Solid Professional Guitar

Pros

• All-solid construction (European spruce top, African mahogany back and sides)
• European spruce top offers clarity and projection that improve with age
• Aged Toner finish gives a vintage look
• Slim neck and comfortable Concert body

Cons

• No cutaway on this model — upper-fret access is limited
• Gloss finish on the neck may feel sticky to some players

Best for: The serious guitarist who wants a solid-wood instrument that will mature sonically over years of playing, and does not mind the lack of a cutaway.

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The Performer Pro series is where Breedlove moves into all-solid wood guitars, and the difference is immediate. The European spruce top is stiff and responsive, producing a sound that is articulate and projecting. The African mahogany back and sides provide a warm, woody foundation. As the guitar is played in, the top will open up and the sound will become richer and more complex. This is an instrument that rewards commitment.

The Aged Toner finish (a light amber tint) gives it the look of a well-cared-for 1960s guitar without the wear. The stain-black bridge is a modern accent that breaks up the vintage vibe. The main drawback is the lack of a cutaway: if you live above the 12th fret, you will have to reach across a deep upper bout. For players who stay in first position or use a capo, it is not an issue. This is a guitar built for sound, not flash.

9. Breedlove Performer Pro Concertina CE: Best Compact Pro Guitar

Pros

• Concertina body (12-fret design) is small and comfortable, with a unique harmonic sweetness
• All-solid European spruce and African mahogany
• Cascade Bracing for optimized sound
• Soft cutaway for upper-fret access

Cons

• 12-fret design means the neck joint is at the 12th fret, shifting the bridge position and changing the feel
• Smaller body may not satisfy players who want deep bass

Best for: Fingerstyle players and blues guitarists who want a portable, all-solid guitar with a vocal-like midrange and easy playing feel.

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The Concertina is Breedlove’s answer to the vintage parlor, but with modern engineering. The 12-fret design moves the bridge to the center of the lower bout, which places it directly over the soundboard’s sweet spot. The result is a guitar that sounds bigger than it looks, with a focused midrange that sits beautifully in a mix. The Cascade Bracing pattern (named after the Cascade mountain range) is designed to balance stiffness and flexibility.

This guitar is a joy to play if you use a lighter touch. The shorter scale length (likely around 24.75 inches) makes bending strings easier, and the soft cutaway gives access to the 14th fret despite the 12-fret neck join. The Fishman electronics capture the acoustic character well. For anyone who travels, writes on the couch, or plays blues and fingerstyle, the Concertina is a serious contender.

10. Breedlove Organic Performer Pro Parlor Concertina CE: Best for Travel and Subtlety

Pros

• Parlor size is extremely portable and comfortable for small-handed players
• All-solid European spruce top and African mahogany back and sides
• Fishman Flex Plus-T electronics with true acoustic reproduction
• Suede Burst back is a striking visual detail

Cons

• Very small body lacks low-end punch for strumming
• 12-fret design limits high-fret access even more than the Concertina

Best for: Traveling musicians, singer-songwriters recording at home, and blues players who value tone and portability over sheer volume.

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The Organic Performer Pro Parlor is the smallest guitar in this roundup, and it is also the most specialized. Breedlove took their professional all-solid specs and shrunk them into a parlor-sized body with 12 frets to the body. The result is a guitar that fits in a compact case, weighs almost nothing, and produces a focused, intimate sound that works beautifully for fingerpicking and slide guitar.

The European spruce top is thin enough to vibrate freely, and the African mahogany back and sides add warmth. The Fishman Flex Plus-T electronics are among the best in the lineup for reproducing the natural acoustic tone when plugged in. The Suede Burst back (a textured finish) is a unique aesthetic choice that sets it apart from the rest of the Organic series. This is not a guitar for campfire singalongs where you need to project. It is a guitar for late-night writing sessions, small open mics, and recording direct into an interface. If that is your world, it is perfect.

Buyer's guide: how to choose breedlove guitars

Before you buy, you need to understand how Breedlove categorizes its lineup. The series name (Discovery, Pursuit, Rainforest, Solo, Performer, Organic) tells you the construction tier and the likely tonewood quality. The body shape (Concert, Concerto, Concertina, Parlor) defines the playing feel and sound character. And the electronics package determines how well the guitar works on stage.

Body shape and size

Breedlove’s four main body shapes serve different players. The Concert is the most popular: it is about the size of a Martin 000, with a balanced sound that works for fingerstyle and strumming alike. The Concerto is larger, with a deeper lower bout that pushes more air, making it louder and bassier — think of it as a dreadnought alternative that is more comfortable to hold. The Concertina is a 12-fret small-body design with the bridge shifted into the sweet spot; it produces a focused, mid-forward sound that is great for fingerpicking and blues. The Parlor Concertina is even smaller, built for portability and quiet playing. If you play mostly alone or in small spaces, a Concert or Concertina is plenty. If you need to fill a room acoustically, go with a Concerto.

Tonewood selection

Breedlove uses several tonewoods across the lineup. European spruce is the standard for tops in the Discovery and Performer series: clear, articulate, and dynamic. Red cedar appears on the Solo Pro and is softer, warmer, and more harmonically rich at low volumes — ideal for fingerpicking but not for heavy strumming. Myrtlewood (from Oregon) is a proprietary tonewood that blends the best of rosewood, mahogany, and maple; it is used on the Pursuit Exotic models and offers a complex, versatile voice. Hawaiian koa is bright and articulate, with a shimmering top end. African mahogany is the backbone of the Discovery and Rainforest lines: warm, clean, and reliable. For back and sides, solid wood offers better sustain and long-term improvement, while EcoTonewood (laminate with a mahogany core) is lighter and more affordable but still musical.

Electronics and pickup systems

If you plan to amplify, pay attention to the electronics. The Fishman Presys I (found on the Rainforest) includes volume, tone, and a phase switch — simple and effective. The Fishman Flex Plus-T (used on the Organic Performer Pro) is a more advanced system that captures the acoustic sound more naturally, with a built-in tuner. Some older models may have a basic undersaddle pickup without active EQ. For stage use, the Flex Plus-T is preferable. For occasional open mics, the Presys I is fine.

Sustainability and construction

Breedlove takes sustainability seriously. The EcoTonewood construction uses individually harvested African mahogany as a core layer, avoiding clear-cut forestry. The Organic series emphasizes all-solid woods from responsible sources. If environmental impact matters to you, look for the EcoTonewood badge or the Organic label. The build quality across the range is consistent: Breedlove guitars are made in China (Discovery, Rainforest) or in the USA (Performer, Organic), but even the import models benefit from the company’s design and quality control.

Neck feel and playability

Breedlove’s slimmer neck profile is a defining feature. It is not as thin as an electric guitar neck, but it is noticeably more comfortable than a traditional acoustic neck, especially for players with smaller hands. The hand-rubbed semi-gloss finish on the back of the neck reduces friction. Most models have a soft cutaway that grants access to the 14th fret. The Concertina and parlor guitars have 12 frets to the body, which changes the neck angle and makes the guitar feel different — try before you buy if you are used to 14-fret acoustics.

Frequently asked questions

Which Breedlove guitar is best for fingerpicking?

The Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE with a solid red cedar top is the top choice. Cedar is naturally warm and overdrive-friendly at lower volumes, and the Concert body is comfortable for fingerstyle. The Performer Pro Concertina CE is also excellent if you prefer a smaller body.

What is the difference between Concert and Concerto body shapes?

The Concert is a smaller, balanced body that works for most playing styles. The Concerto is larger, louder, and bassier, competing with dreadnoughts while being more comfortable to hold. Concerto models are better for strumming and flatpicking; Concerts are more versatile for fingerstyle.

Are Breedlove guitars good for beginners?

Yes. The slim neck profile and comfortable body shapes make them easier to play than many traditional acoustics. The Discovery S Concert EcoTonewood is a great starting point: it is light, affordable, and has a balanced sound that will not fight a new player.

What is EcoTonewood?

EcoTonewood is Breedlove’s laminate technology that uses a resonant core of clear-cut-free African mahogany instead of softwood fillers. It is lighter and more sonically alive than standard laminates, and it is used in the Discovery and Rainforest series to keep costs down without sacrificing tone.

Do Breedlove guitars come with a case?

Most Breedlove guitars ship in a gig bag. Higher-end models like the Performer Pro may come with a padded bag. Check the listing details, as case availability varies by retailer and condition (new vs used).

How do I care for a solid wood Breedlove guitar?

Solid wood guitars are sensitive to humidity. Keep the guitar between 40% and 60% relative humidity. Use a room humidifier in dry climates and a dehumidifier in damp environments. Wipe the strings after playing to prevent corrosion.

What is the play style system on Breedlove guitars?

Breedlove assigns a play style icon to each model — Light, Versatile, Heavy — to help you match the guitar to your approach. Light is for fingerpicking and jazz, Versatile covers most styles, and Heavy is for aggressive strumming and bluegrass. The system is a guide, not a rule.

Final verdict

The Breedlove Discovery S Concerto is our top pick because it combines a new, comfortable body shape with excellent projection and a versatile tonal signature. It is the guitar that will satisfy most players, from beginners to gigging musicians. If you want an all-solid wood instrument that will age beautifully, the Breedlove Performer Pro Concert CE is a better choice. For fingerpickers, the Solo Pro Concert CE with its cedar top is something special. And for travelers, the Organic Performer Pro Parlor Concertina CE packs professional tone into a tiny package.

No matter which you choose, every Breedlove in this roundup shares the same core DNA: a slim, fast neck, a well-thought-out body shape, and a commitment to sustainable materials. The hardest part is deciding which voice fits yours.

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