First question--

Hey everyone!
So I went to Guitar Center yesterday and fell in love with the American Series C25/CRe for $1,799. I would buy it but its just to far out of my budget right now. The main reason I like it is because of the Cedar and Rosewood warm tone. I think I saw that there is a Cascade C25/CRe coming out and that would be wonderful- but I also LOVE the look of the Atlas Stage C25/SRe with the beautiful inlays and binding. But I've heard it does not have much volume. I tried it out at GC but I can't say I noticed that problem (i was also in the beautiful acoustically balanced room they have to make it sound better). It also has a VERY friendly price tag at $999.00.
FYI, I will be plugging in most of the time so will the volume problem be much of an issue? Might be even better for me because less chance of feedback?

What do you guys think? I have never owned a breedlove and look to you for any help

Welcome Trevor to TSS. Since you are plugging in most of the time I don't see how volume is an issue. Be sure to plug in whatever guitar you are looking at buying into the same or as similar as possible to yours when trying them out. GC has acoustic amps in their acoustic room for trial. For what it's worth we here in this house love the Breedloves because of their rich balanced volume.

Hey Trevor. Welcome to the forum!

First of all I'm of the opinion that asking for others opinions is fine, but it's your ears that matter. I am referring to your statement "I've heard it does not have much volume" Who said it, and in what context, and compared to what? Again, if you are happy with the TONE, and didnt notice any volume issues dont give it another thought.

As for the plugged in question, the Atlas series uses a UST, or undersaddle transducer as the pick up. UST's are not prone to feedback issues. Regardless of the acoustic volume of the guitar. Thats one of the biggest benefits of a UST. The downside is that they dont deliver as authentic a reprodution of some of the other pick up systems (SBT's, Dual source systems with microphones etc.) but with a little EQ'ing, they can do a pretty good job.

Hope this helps in your quest for that first Breedlove!

Thanks Tom-
"For what it's worth we here in this house love the Breedloves because of their rich balanced volume."
Would you say that plugging in won't have as nice of a balanced volume then? Or are you saying maybe going Cascade might be the better rout because it has a better volume projection?

Idk, what would you guys do? Slightly better tone (to my ears) or much prettier and cheaper? I'm on the fence!

Great points Tele!

To my ears, it didn't sound much different so I think I'll go for it. I have a Taylor 310ce right now and as I somewhat like the tone without amplification (yes, only somewhat which is why I will be selling it very soon), I hate the electronics! I've never messed with changing out the pups so first I'll try it strait for a while and if needed, I know where to come for more help in that decision

Forgot to ask. I know the American Series has a bolt on neck while the Cascade has a dovetail neck. Wouldn't the bolt on neck be better/more substantial?

Oh, and when I said I knew which guitar I was going to get, I forgot the atlas series do not have a cedar top. Sad Face

Wish I could get a nice Master Class!! So nice!

Not sure about relative strength of bolt on versus other neck joints. I do like Taylors way of bolting on necks that allows for quick and easy and cheap adjustment of said neck. Not sure if Breedlove's design allows for similar shimming and adjustment but I guess it would if I was forced to guess. < grin >

Being the owner of two MC Breedloves I can attest to their niceness. Very, very nice.

I do like Taylors neck. BUT, I have a cheaper 12-string Takamine eg-335 and its neck twisted. Brought it to Music Center and he said no use in fixing it on that guitar (unless it some sentimental value for me) because it would cost to much to do. I haven't looked it up but I'm assuming it does not have a bolt on neck. Its also a 12-string and when I was younger, I only kept 6 strings on there so that very well may have twisted the neck. Sucks but I can deal with a little high e string first fret buzz

http://www.theperfectguitar.com/Breedlove-Atlas-Stage-C250-CK-35th-08124696.htm

What about this one? The only thing I see that may be an issue is the Koa Laminated back and sides. Do you think this would change the sound much? It looks so pretty

Laminates have their pluses as well Trevor. Much more stable and less affected by things like humidity and getting knocked over to name a few. Being a laminate versus a solid Koa will affect it's sound but if it is too much only you can decide. Many people feel the sound is much more determined by the top wood choice than the back and or sides. I tend to be in this camp. For what it is worth.

Guild's D25 's with laminated arched Mahogany backs are legendary for their big, powerful, balanced sound, with sustain for miles. Laminate needn't mean "cheap".

So do you guys think the Atlas studio c25/ck would be a good buy? no music store around me has a koa wood guitar so if you guys know, what would be the sound difference between koa lam and rosewood?