{"id":126988,"date":"2021-11-24T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/?p=126988"},"modified":"2023-05-31T20:08:39","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T03:08:39","slug":"review-breedlove-pursuit-exotic-s-concert-edgeburst-ce-features-exotic-tonewoods","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/review-breedlove-pursuit-exotic-s-concert-edgeburst-ce-features-exotic-tonewoods\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE Features Sustainable Tonewoods"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Designed in the U.S. and built in China, <a href=\"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/tag\/breedlove\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Breedlove\u2019s<\/a> Pursuit Exotic S series was conceived to be more than just another entry-level import line. Yes, starting at $749, these guitars cost a fraction of their American-made counterparts. But according to Breedlove, they also demonstrate both the need for and the benefits of using unusual and sustainable tonewoods\u2014and of sourcing those materials responsibly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Breedlove\u2019s website lists 11 Pursuit Exotic S models, with a range of wood and finish combinations, from $539 street. At $1,399, the single cutaway acoustic-electric <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3cELvxk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE<\/a> featured here sits at the top of the series\u2019 price pyramid\u2014but it\u2019s still about $700 less expensive than Breedlove\u2019s lowest priced U.S.-built Concert model.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Handsome and Well Built<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Right out of the box, the Pursuit\u2019s appearance lives up to the Exotic handle, thanks to a dramatically figured solid koa top highlighted by Breedlove\u2019s Edgeburst gloss finish. Photographs don\u2019t quite capture the beauty of the koa\u2019s contrasting grains, with dark stripes flowing along the length of the top, offset by rich tobacco brown. The back and sides are made from layered koa and African mahogany. Though less eye-catching than the top, their grain and finish continue the visual statement to give the guitar a cohesive appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 25.3-inch scale 20-fret fingerboard is made from ovangkol, a sustainable alternative to rosewood, as is the bridge. Both the 1.69-inch nut and bridge saddle are Tusq, a synthetic ivory substitute. Other details include handsome faux tortoiseshell binding, brass fretboard inlays, and an attractive matte copper motif seen in the headstock\u2019s Breedlove logo, as well as the tuners and strap buttons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"418\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE acoustic guitar front\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-126903\" data-id=\"126903\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA.jpg?resize=418%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA.jpg?resize=418%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 418w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA.jpg?resize=123%2C300&amp;ssl=1 123w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA.jpg?resize=245%2C600&amp;ssl=1 245w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA.jpg?resize=627%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 627w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 418px) 100vw, 418px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE acoustic guitar in koa<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"663\" height=\"1024\" alt=\"Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE acoustic guitar close up\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-126901\" data-id=\"126901\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA_2.jpg?resize=663%2C1024&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA_2.jpg?resize=663%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 663w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA_2.jpg?resize=194%2C300&amp;ssl=1 194w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA_2.jpg?resize=389%2C600&amp;ssl=1 389w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA_2.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE acoustic guitar in koa<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"551\" alt=\"Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE acoustic guitar electronics\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-126905\" data-id=\"126905\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA-Elec.jpg?resize=750%2C551&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA-Elec.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA-Elec.jpg?resize=300%2C220&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA-Elec.jpg?resize=600%2C441&amp;ssl=1 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE acoustic guitar in koa with a Fishman Presys piezo pickup and preamp system<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"848\" alt=\"Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE acoustic guitar in koa output jack\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-126904\" data-id=\"126904\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA-Elec_1.jpg?resize=750%2C848&#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA-Elec_1.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA-Elec_1.jpg?resize=265%2C300&amp;ssl=1 265w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/PSCN44CEKOKO-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-KOA-Elec_1.jpg?resize=531%2C600&amp;ssl=1 531w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE acoustic guitar in koa with a Fishman Presys piezo pickup and preamp system<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of fit and finish, almost every detail is outstanding right out of the box. The neck\u2019s satiny texture is smooth and comfortable. The nicely dressed frets and well-rounded nut all feel great to the touch\u2014not a jagged edge to be found. Intonation is spot on, and tuning proved to be remarkably stable in typically unpredictable Northeast weather. Often, I\u2019d take the guitar off its stand, strum a chord, and find it was still in tune from the day before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My only complaint is that the action above the tenth fret is a little high for my taste. Looking closely, however, I\u2019d say setup is more to blame than construction. If I owned the guitar, I\u2019d take it to a trusted tech, and a good guitar dealer would probably adjust the setup before it hit the display rack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tonal Pursuits<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to gig-friendly instruments, it\u2019s hard to beat a concert-sized guitar. The body dimensions are comfortable, while still providing enough volume to produce very strong tone. At 19.875 inches long, the Pursuit\u2019s box ranges from 3.58 inches deep at the neck to 4.2 inches at the tail block. With a 15.37-inch lower bout, 11.28-inch upper bout, and a nine-inch waist, the guitar hangs nicely on the strap and perches happily on the knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pursuit\u2019s African mahogany neck joins the body at the 14th fret, with an unobtrusive cutaway open to around the 16th fret. Its profile is rounded and moderately deep\u2014fitting in what I think of as the comfortable middle\u2014and should accommodate most players.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unplugged, the Pursuit has a rich, warm sound that projects well, with a strong midrange emphasis and tight but polite low end. Played fingerstyle, the midrange emphasis adds weight to arpeggiated lines and single-note passages. The guitar isn\u2019t as bright or cutting as you might get from other tonewood combinations, and whether that\u2019s a plus or minus is really a matter of individual taste and musical application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some players might prefer a punchier bass relative to the midrange, but plenty of guitars deliver that kind of sound. The Pursuit\u2019s midrange focus makes for a nice contrast to more conventional-sounding flattops. I really like how smoothly the tone transitions from low to midrange to treble\u2014especially on arpeggiated chords and stacked triads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, if the Pursuit I tested has one outstanding strength, it\u2019s the way it resonates and sustains with bell-like overtones on single notes. Held notes have an impressively long and steady decay, and after I lift my fingers, the guitar maintains the harmonic vibrations in a way that makes simple passages sing. Even expensive guitars can sound a bit thin on the high E string, but the Pursuit\u2019s mid focus lends fullness to those notes as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Changes to finger and pick attack demonstrate the guitar\u2019s range of sonic colors. Strummed, it produces a loud and muscular sound that would hold its own in a fairly large ensemble. It wouldn\u2019t take much to overpower a quiet instrument or singer, so dynamic awareness is essential. A lighter pick seems to open up the sound for strummed chords, while the pad of the thumb produces a percussive \u201cthonk\u201d for jazzier comping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Simple But Effective Electronics<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While not all models in the Pursuit series come with onboard electronics, those in the Exotic S subcategory sport a Fishman Presys piezo pickup and preamp system. The control panel sits in the guitar\u2019s upper shoulder\u2014not the prettiest solution, though it\u2019s more compact than that of most preamps. Instead of being housed in the endpin, the output jack sits in a panel on the lower side of the guitar, which also has a battery compartment\u2014a plus since you can add or remove a strap without unplugging.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Presys\u2019 control layout is basic but effective: You get a single volume knob and pushbuttons for Contour (a mid-cutting EQ), Phase, and Tuner. The preamp puts out plenty of level. Some players might prefer a more elaborate onboard EQ, but I find the simplicity appealing. Unless you\u2019re plugging into an amp or mixer with inadequate tone controls, an onboard EQ isn\u2019t strictly necessary.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need a tonal variation, the Contour button works well. There\u2019s more midrange with the button up (off); activating the control produces a nice scoop that brings out the bass and treble\u2014perfect for open chord strumming. The overall level doesn\u2019t change much between the two settings, so you could easily use Contour to switch from scooped rhythm to thick lead. The Presys also has an onboard tuner, which mutes the output when active. It may not be fancy, but it\u2019s fast, its display is very easy to read, and it\u2019s accurate enough for day-to-day use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pursuing New Ideas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Taken on its own, the Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE is an attractive and well-made guitar at a reasonable price. If the instrument I tested is anything to go by, a good setup is all you\u2019d need to make for a gigging workhorse equally effective for unplugged or amplified performances. Unplugged, its mid-focused timbre and overtone rich sustain give it a unique voice that encourages melodic playing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But I think there\u2019s also a bigger picture to consider. If Breedlove\u2019s use of alternative woods is meant to be a statement about sustainable guitar building, I\u2019d argue that delivering that message through a relatively affordable product like this makes the Pursuit Exotic S series more than an exercise in socially responsible messaging. Over time, this may bring these materials into the mainstream while encouraging sustainable growth and harvesting. That\u2019s a noble pursuit indeed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Specs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>BODY<\/strong> Cutaway Concert shape; solid koa top; layered African mahogany and koa back and sides; ovangkol bridge; Tusq saddle with 2-1\/8&#8243; spacing; faux tortoiseshell binding; Edgeburst finish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>NECK<\/strong> 25.3&#8243; scale African mahogany neck; 20 frets; ovangkol fretboard with 16&#8243; radius; 1-11\/16&#8243; Tusq nut; copper closed-gear tuners; stained satin finish<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>OTHER<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3xLN3Q3\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3xLN3Q3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> D\u2019Addario XT Phosphor Bronze Light strings<\/a> (.012\u2013.053); Fishman Presys I electronics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>MADE IN<\/strong> China<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PRICE<\/strong> $1,399 street<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shop for this guitar on <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3cELvxk\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3cELvxk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Amazon <\/a>or <a href=\"https:\/\/imp.i114863.net\/a1rQVY\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/imp.i114863.net\/a1rQVY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sweetwater<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/breedlovemusic.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">breedlovemusic.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; margin: -5px 5% 0px 5%;\"><hr><a href=\"https:\/\/store.acousticguitar.com\/collections\/back-issues\/products\/no-332-january-february-2022\"><br><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"width: 150px; height: 198px; margin: 0px 20px 10px 0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/001_332_Cover_150px.jpg?w=1290&#038;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"><\/a>\n<p style=\"font-family: sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 15px 0px;\">This article originally appeared in the <a href=\"https:\/\/store.acousticguitar.com\/collections\/back-issues\/products\/no-332-january-february-2022\">January\/February 2022<\/a> issue of <em>Acoustic Guitar<\/em> magazine.<\/p>\n<hr><\/div> <br clear=\"all\">\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/store.acousticguitar.com\/products\/acoustic-guitar-care-maintenance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/acoustic-guitar-care-maintenance-lessons.png?resize=600%2C200&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"acoustic guitar care &amp; maintenance - keep your guitar in perfect playing condition\" class=\"wp-image-122577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/acoustic-guitar-care-maintenance-lessons.png?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/acoustic-guitar-care-maintenance-lessons.png?resize=300%2C100&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE, constructed with responsibly-sourced woods, is an attractive and well-made guitar at a reasonable price.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":126894,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"video","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"The Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Concert Edgeburst CE, constructed with responsibly-sourced woods, is an attractive and well-made guitar at a reasonable price.","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false}}},"categories":[1679],"tags":[199,1372],"ppma_author":[1588],"blocksy_meta":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/breedlove-eco-collection-guitar-CONCERT-EDGEBURST-side.jpg?fit=750%2C468&ssl=1","authors":[{"term_id":1588,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"emile-menasche","display_name":"Emile Menasch\u00e9","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Emile-Menasche.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Emile-Menasche.jpg"},"user_url":"","last_name":"Menasch\u00e9","first_name":"Emile","description":"Guitarist, composer, writer."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126988"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=126988"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126988\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":137505,"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/126988\/revisions\/137505"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/126894"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=126988"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=126988"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=126988"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/acousticguitar.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=126988"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}