After a less than stellar experience with another acoustic bass guitar, I decided to explore Breedlove’s offerings, specifically the Solo Pro Concerto model. Still determined to find the Best Acoustic Bass Guitar for my needs, I opted for this step-up model, hoping for a significant improvement. This guitar boasts solid mahogany sides and back paired with a solid Western red cedar top. My initial tap test revealed a pleasing, bell-like resonance, immediately suggesting a richer tone than my previous experience.
One notable feature of the Solo Pro Concerto is a removable side port designed to project sound directly to the player. I experimented with playing both with and without the port cover. In noisy environments, opening the port definitely helped me hear myself more clearly. The guitar came strung with D’Addario EXL acoustic bass strings, and unfortunately, this set also arrived with noticeable grime, though thankfully not as severe as on the previous instrument. While the Solo Pro didn’t exhibit the same level of string squeaks and squeals as the earlier model, those factory strings are still destined for replacement. I have a fresh set of coated D’Addario XT acoustic bass strings ready to install if I decide to keep this instrument.
The Solo Pro Concerto retails for approximately $600 more than the Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S I initially tried, but this price increase includes a hardshell case, a definite plus. While my guitar cases are becoming a storage issue – my instruments are usually on display or in racks for easy access – a good case is essential for environmental protection during transport. Upon initial inspection, the neck had excessive forward bow. Following advice from a respected luthier, I made small truss rod adjustments over a few days, allowing the neck to settle between each tweak. This gradual approach, while perhaps not strictly necessary, has always served me well when dealing with significant neck adjustments. Breedlove deserves praise for the easily accessible truss rod adjustment located just inside the soundhole.
The crucial question, of course, is how does it sound plugged in? The Solo Pro features a Fishman Flex Plus T pickup system, a more premium option. Through my AER Slope 60 amplifier, the initial plugged-in tone was recognizably Fishman piezo – somewhat nasal and bright. However, the onboard bass and treble controls (a welcome feature!) allowed me to dial in a more balanced and warmer tone. The cedar and mahogany tonewood combination definitely contributes to a smoother, less harsh amplified sound compared to the myrtle and laminate construction of the Pursuit Exotic S. The amplified tone is certainly usable, if not exceptional.
The electronics package also includes a built-in tuner. Unfortunately, it’s incredibly sensitive and, frustratingly, positioned so that it’s obscured when your hand is on the tuning pegs. This design flaw seems to be on Breedlove’s end, not Fishman’s. The tuner’s stability and reliability are comparable to a poor-quality tuner I recently encountered. If I keep this bass, a Snark Air headstock tuner will be a necessary addition for practical tuning adjustments. Visibility while tuning – a seemingly basic requirement – is clearly overlooked in the built-in tuner design. On the positive side, the Solo Pro is noticeably louder and more resonant acoustically than the Pursuit Exotic S. A fresh set of strings will undoubtedly enhance this natural resonance even further. If the coated D’Addario XT strings don’t meet my expectations, I plan to consult with Curt Mangan and Stringjoy for their string recommendations.
My evaluation of the Breedlove Solo Pro Concerto is still ongoing, but I am currently leaning towards keeping this instrument. It’s manufactured in China and designed in Oregon, a common origin for many products today. Given that this acoustic bass will be an occasional instrument for me, justifying the expense of a high-end, locally built bass is difficult. Perhaps if luthier Robert Boucher ever decides to build acoustic basses, my perspective might change, but his guitars are in such high demand currently that availability would be a significant wait.
Speaking of Boucher guitars, if you haven’t had the opportunity to play one, you are truly missing out. While not widely available or inexpensive, every Boucher guitar I’ve owned has impressed players, even those accustomed to high-quality US-made Martins and Taylors. But that’s a bit of a tangent for now.
The fit and finish on both Breedlove acoustic basses I’ve examined have been excellent. Aesthetically, I preferred the faux tortoiseshell binding on the Pursuit Exotic S over the black binding on the Solo Pro, but this is a minor personal preference. Both basses feature a poly finish. While I generally prefer nitrocellulose lacquer, polyurethane finishes are more practical and less susceptible to environmental changes. They are also better suited for laminated instruments, which naturally release gases that poly finishes can help contain due to their thickness and less breathable nature. Considering these instruments are shipped overseas, the finish choice is understandable.
Overall, I appreciate the Breedlove Solo Pro I currently have. The tuning machines feel more refined and precise than those on the Pursuit Exotic S. This could be partly due to the Tusq nut used on the Solo Pro, potentially reducing friction. Ideally, I would prefer the Solo Pro without the Fishman electronics and instead opt for a K&K Pure Bass pickup. K&K pickups are contact-based and, in my experience, produce a less harsh tone than piezo systems. They lack onboard controls, requiring adjustments at the amplifier, but their superior tone is worth it. An upgrade kit is available to add a soundhole volume control if needed. I personally use K&K Pure Minis (now Pure Pickup) and their Trinity System (which includes a belt-mounted preamp and internal microphone) and highly recommend them over most other acoustic pickup systems. The LR Baggs Anthem system is perhaps the closest competitor in the aftermarket pickup realm. Maton Guitars from Australia also utilize a blend of contact and condenser microphone in their instruments, producing fantastic amplified tones, especially through a high-quality acoustic amplifier like an AER.
To provide a sound sample, I recorded a bass track using the Breedlove Solo Pro directly into Logic Pro via an Apollo interface. I added drum and keyboard loops to provide context. The only processing applied to the bass track was a subtle LA-2A compressor. This recording gives a good representation of the instrument’s plugged-in sound.
[Sound Sample Link (if available)]
In conclusion, the Breedlove Solo Pro Concerto shows promise as a contender for the best acoustic bass guitar in its price range. While some aspects, like the built-in tuner, could be improved, the solid wood construction, enhanced acoustic resonance, and workable amplified tone make it a significant step up from entry-level models. My search for the ideal acoustic bass guitar may be nearing its end with the Solo Pro.
