Breedlove Eco Pursuit Exotic S 12-String Review
Verdict and Review Summary
The solid Myrtlewood gives you a beautiful, warm midrange with some nice boom, which really promotes the fullness of the 12-string sound. It's also easy on your hands, even with the added workload of the extra strings.
Full disclosure, this was the first time I've ever even touched a 12-string guitar. So I'm writing this review after playing the Eco Pursuit Exotic S, but only the basics. Simple chord progressions, arpeggios, and some simple melodies were the order of the day. Because, if I'm honest, an acoustic 12-string is definitely out of my comfort zone.
Though I suppose 12-strings are made for simpler playing anyway, while letting the unique and full bodied sound do the heavy lifting.
So that's exactly how I tested it.
And, somewhat to my surprise, the experience with it was just fantastic.
Take my word for it, or read on for my full Breedlove Eco Pursuit Exotic S 12-string review (that's a mouthful).
By the way, here's some more info on Myrtlewood.
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The Myrtlewood works great with the 12-string's profile with a really rich bass and focused, clear high-ends.
Guitar Chalk content is written and produced by me, my wife, and the people we work with. It's all based on real life experience from actual musicians. We hope you find it helpful.
Breedlove Eco Pursuit Exotic S 12-String Price Guide
Here we've added some live pricing from Sweetwater for the Eco Pursuit 12, along with alerts and price history.
Even with tables like this that are updated constantly, pricing and availability are subject to change, depending on where and when you look. Note that this also does not include anything from the used market.
We've included the six-string nylon version here as well, just for reference.
Prices updated Wed, June 07th, 2023.
Pricing from Sweetwater
Price Alert Tool
Price History
Price History for Breedlove ECO Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE 12-string Acoustic-electric Guitar - Myrtlewood
Statistics
| Current Price | $799.00 | June 2, 2023 |
| Highest Price | $799.00 | May 12, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $799.00 | May 12, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $799.00 | May 12, 2023 |
IDEAL FOR: Recording, performing live, intermediate acoustic players, songwriters, church.
TONE
90
BUILD
92
VERSATILITY
82
PRICE/VALUE
89
THE PROS
THE CONS
How does it sound?
As I've mostly already covered, there are multiple things to like about this guitar's tone. Both the open air (natural) and recorded sounds are beautiful and appreciably similar.
Here are a few descriptors I would use:
- Warn and heavy lows
- Richer midrange
- Highs have a little bit of sparkle and come out really clear
- Very strum-friendly
Here's my demo video. I just do audio most of the time because it's a lot quicker to make. Hopefully you can pick up on the tone qualities I mentioned. Keep in mind, this is through the Fishman PreSys and not a microphone. Surprisingly, the PreSys comes close to doing it justice, at least to my ear.
Note about Playability
I wish I could do a better job of conveying how this guitar feels in your hands.
It's a slim C shaped neck, though with a wider 1.88" nut width. So I'm sort of surprised that it was so easy on my hands, especially given I'm not at all used to fretting a 12 string guitar.
So it took me a little bit of time to get the feel, but not nearly as long as I thought.
Great tone and great playability - no complaints.
Ignore my blanket reflecting on the finish. That reminds me, it's a really nice gloss finish.
Construction Quality
I've already touched on a lot of these features, so I'll keep this section short. The bracing is a traditional scalloped X brace setup, similar to the non-V class Taylors. You get solid Myrtlewood for the top, and layered Myrtlewood on the back and sides.
A Note About the Back and Sides
Laminate is usually meh, but I like what Breedlove did there.
You have three-ply laminate, which is typical. But for the middle layer they used African Mahogany, avoiding the softwood layer that a lot of builders employ to save money.
This higher quality inner ply levels up the back and sides and is partly responsible for the warmth and rhythmic appeal of this guitar.
African Mahogany is used for the neck as well.
- Solid Myrtlewood top
- Layered Myrtlewood back and sides with Mahogany inner ply
- Scalloped X bracing
- Mahogany neck
- Slim C neck shape
Took me awhile to figure out how to tune, but I have a new found appreciation for 12-string guitars. This one just looks great.
Price and Value
Considering the unique tonewood, the upgraded laminate, and the Fishman PreSys system, you get a lot for what you pay, so I'm fine with the value here.
I do want to note that when I wrote this review, this guitar was under the $1000 mark around $800.
With prices rising lately, that's a great deal for a beautiful instrument.
It truly feels nicer than it costs.
Check our price guide above because these numbers can change. As it stands right now, this guitar is very reasonably priced, and chances are it'll just follow market norms.
Wrapping it Up
Uses cases for 12-stringa are a bit limited, but if you're in the market for one, the Breedlove Eco Pursuit Exotic S gives you an excellent balance of price and quality. We like the tone, construction, playing feel, looks - all of it.
Bonus points for recording since it has the PreSys and pickup installed.
If you have questions about our review, drop them in the comments section below.
I respond to all comments, so I'll do my best to help out.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Acoustics & Reviews
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Acoustics & Reviews
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