Breedlove Oregon Series (Concertina)
The Breedlove Oregon Concertina is a modern take on the parlor guitar. Despite its compact size, it produces a surprisingly full, rich tone that defies expectations. It's the perfect travel companion that doesn't compromise on sound quality.
With a XII-fret neck design (neck meets body at 12th fret) and all solid wood construction, this guitar delivers an intimate, focused sound perfect for fingerstyle, recording, and travel.
- ✓Compact size perfect for travel
- ✓Surprisingly full tone for the body size
- ✓XII-fret neck design (neck meets body at 12th fret)
- ✓Comfortable for smaller players and long sessions
- ✓Easy, low action setup from factory
- ✓All solid wood construction
- ✓Fits in overhead compartments (with proper case)
- ✓Intimate, focused sound perfect for recording
- ✗Less volume than full-sized guitars (physics)
- ✗May feel cramped for players with large hands
- ✗Not ideal if you primarily need rhythm/strumming power
- ✗Still requires investment (~$1,200-1,800)
The Parlor Revival
Parlor guitars were once the most popular home instruments in America, before the rise of the louder dreadnought shape during the rock and roll era. Today, with the popularity of fingerstyle, singer-songwriter music, and intimate performances, smaller-bodied guitars are making a comeback.
The Breedlove Concertina takes the traditional parlor concept and applies modern design principles. Rather than just scaling down a dreadnought, Breedlove optimized the proportions for the smaller body, resulting in a guitar that sounds balanced and complete rather than simply "small."
The XII-Fret Design
Unlike most modern guitars where the neck meets the body at the 14th fret, the Concertina uses a XII-fret (12-fret) design. This places the bridge closer to the center of the soundboard's lower bout, which:
- Increases warmth and fundamental tone (less emphasis on overtones)
- Creates a more balanced, "vintage" voice
- Positions your fretting hand closer to your body (more comfortable for some players)
- Reduces upper fret access slightly (compensated by cutaway)
Who Should Consider a Concertina?
Travelers: Musicians who fly frequently or want a guitar for camping, road trips, or couch playing.
Smaller Players: Those who find dreadnoughts uncomfortable or unwieldy.
Fingerstyle Players: The focused tone and comfortable body make intricate patterns easier.
Recording Musicians: The intimate sound sits well in mixes without competing with other instruments.
Second Guitar Seekers: Many players find the Concertina perfect as a complement to their full-size dreadnought.
The Breedlove Oregon Concertina proves that great tone doesn't require a large body. It's a thoughtfully designed instrument that delivers professional quality in a travel-friendly package.
While it won't replace a dreadnought for players who need maximum volume and bass response, it excels at everything from intimate performances to studio recording. For travelers, smaller players, or anyone seeking a unique voice, the Concertina is an excellent choice.
