Fill me in on the Breedlove KF Quartz please...

[telepbrman]

I saw one on Music 123...what's the deal on these? What style, tone, volume....thanks, dy.

[otterly2k]

The Quartz line from Breedlove are all kind of basic models...no frills... but solid, well made, good sounding instruments. These are their base models. As you go up to their other lines, I think there are differences in wood grade, appointments, binding, finish, etc. There are oval hole (OO and KO) and f hole (OF and KF)Quartzes. The differences between these are about the same as the diffs between any oval vs. f-hole.... f's are said to have more projection and cut better in a bluegrass setting, oval holes are said to have richer tone, but somewhat less projection.

From everything I've read, and a few I've played, there is little difference between the K design and O design soundwise... the main difference is how they look. Re: the design... some people really like the modern styling of the Breedlove intruments. Some people really don't. That's a personal preference thing.

Another thing about Breedloves is that their standard neck is a little different from most mandos.... Slightly wider neck, radius, and thick fretwires give the Breedlove neck a particular feel... and the neck joins the body at the 14th fret, so if gives you a lot of room to move. Whether it's right for you is a matter of personal preference.

KE

[VictorLouis]

... and the neck joins the body at the 14th fret, so if gives you a lot of room to move. KE
I've not had the chance to try one of their oval models yet. However, I see it's just about the only one with a 14-fret neck length. Does that effect the tone much, or does it still have typical oval-hole roundness and bass? IOW, the same difference as that between other makers F and oval models?

Thanks. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[otterly2k]

Thanks for the correction...didn't mean to misrepresent the whole Breed' bunch. #I can't tell you exactly how it affects the tone, as I haven't really had the opportunity to play the OO (I have one) next to one of the others. #

I'd say, however, that the Breedlove Quartz OO that I have is not as "tubby" as the old vintage A's. #Has roundness, #and enough bass, but I think more characterized by it's midrange. #I'd say it has a more modern tone... nice and even across the strings and up the neck, clear, plain uncomplicated tone. #I find it to be very versatile for that reason. #Probably not best for a grasser purist, but good for just about anything else, imho.

IMHO, if you like the modern styling, I think the Quartzes great intermediate level instrument at a very reasonable price (esp. used). #A good instrument for those who want to move up from inexpensive starters, but aren't yet ready to spend big bucks. #Worked well for me in that way.

**disclaimer... yes, my Quartz is listed in the classifieds, but I said the same things about them when I wasn't looking to sell one! And in fact, these were the reasons I bought one in the first place, and it was a good move. Happened upon a good deal on an Old Wave oval, so the Quartz will have to go. If I could afford to keep both, I would.

KE

[telepbrman]

Great info...I have a "family man" budget, and I am really after more volume/projection than that of my Hyalite. I was looking at a beat up A9 Gibby for $999, but that is not a good price for a beater. Anyhow, I am thinking about that Music 123 Breedlove Quartz KF for $1100. My budget is $1K and I can stretch to $1100...BUT, I am hoping KF's have punch. I will keep doing research, eventhough today is payday...I need to stay way from Music 123.

P/S My Hyalite is a "D" hole, so I want the Quartz to be "F" holes...I did see the Quartz in the classifieds, and I will skip that one, but thanks for the info.

[otterly2k]

Makes sense to me, tele --
keep an eye on that auction site and the classifieds. they do turn up from time to time, and used is a much better deal as long as the instrument is in good shape.

In that price range, you might also want to keep an eye out for Rigel A naturals... they're discontinued, but sometimes pop up used. There are other very fine A shape/f hole mandos in that range that may well have the volume and projection you're looking for (so go play some, if you can)... but if it's the K shape you like, then hold out for a good deal on a Breedlove.

good luck!

[telepbrman]

Here is a nice hook up...my Hyalite was custom ordered with a 1 3/16 ths nut width...I hope KF's are about the same...dy.

[otterly2k]

I believe that measurement is standard on Breedloves.

[TeleMark]

I love my KF. I did swap out the tuners (the originals are fairly "slippy") and tailpiece (the Allen is easier to change strings on). It's plain looking, which is fine with me, and I think it's about the best bang for the buck you're going to get at that price range.

And, you either like the look, or you don't. I get positive comments when I play at the local jams.

[otterly2k]

I didn't have problems with the tuners on mine. I do like the Allen tp on mine also.

[telepbrman]

Good info, so I may need to track down a tailpiece and keys, maybe maybe not...no trouble. I did look up the nut width info, and yep, otterly2k my Hyalite and the KF are the same. I am also pleased that they look a bit alike due to the natural non finish look. How is the back of the neck finished on the KF? My Hyalite is "sealed" and not really with a finished feel, very natural. How about the KF? Also, tell me how to attach a strap to a "D" body. Do I use a strap button or loop like on an "F" scroll? Would a loop fit on that "K" segment? Later, and thanks for your'all's MAS time on this....I think Music 123 is a 24 hour operation, dy.

[TeleMark]

Good info, so I may need to track down a tailpiece and keys, maybe maybe not...no trouble. I did look up the nut width info, and yep, otterly2k my Hyalite and the KF are the same. I am also pleased that they look a bit alike due to the natural non finish look. How is the back of the neck finished on the KF? My Hyalite is "sealed" and not really with a finished feel, very natural. How about the KF? Also, tell me how to attach a strap to a "D" body. Do I use a strap button or loop like on an "F" scroll? Would a loop fit on that "K" segment? Later, and thanks for your'all's MAS time on this....I think Music 123 is a 24 hour operation, dy.
Mine came with a strap button in the heel, but I didn't like the balance that way (very neck-heavy), so I have the strap tied to the headstock. Now I can take my hands off the mando and not have the neck head south. There's no way you could attach a strap to the "stump" of the KF, but I have seem some who run a strap under the fretboard extension and around the stump, and that looked OK. I suspect that this would also be neck-heavy, though...

The neck has the same light satin finish as the rest of the instrument. I love the feel... It's not the shiny, sticky feel that some finishes give. To me, it feels like a lightly sanded neck.

[telepbrman]

Thanks Telemark...you notice I am the Telepbrman, OFF TOPIC, do you play a Telecaster? Later, dy.

[Lane Pryce]

I had a KF and I can not say anything bad it,especially after a good setup. Good all round mandolin. Lp

[Greenmando]

I think Music 123 is a 24 hour operation,
They might have a operator taking orders. But if you run into problems you will find their hours are vague at best. My experience with music123 was a nightmare. I will never deal with them again.

[telepbrman]

Green: Thanks for the input...You and I were talking about the A9 deal: Man, I really would like to have tracked one down for sure, yet I like the idea of the Breedloves nut width and waranty deal with a new instrument...so, yes: I have bought a Quartz KF. I'll fill you in on how things turn out...thanks to you all for the info, later, dy.

[telepbrman]

Ok, she's here at work with me. I just swapped out strings and gave her a basic once over, tied my leather boot lace strap around the body/neck joint like many of you all suggested, and jammed out with her for a good hour. Here is the deal: I love the case it came with, a nice hard box with shoulder strap and big center compartment; the KF has a great feel, so smooth, easy on my hands, neck shape is full, frets great, and the tailpiece is the black one, not an F-style. I like the volume. Ton's more than the Hyalite, and I think I hear a bit of bluegrass tone. She is tight, not even close to opening up yet, but I have a big pick and a hard chop for this all night jam I will be putting her thru, so I hope she'll open up by next week.

Recap: No Music 123 issues, great customer support, $1150 on the green, cool case, and fantastic finish and feel and volume. I wish this could have been my first Mandolin, a great bang for the buck. I am a Breedlove fan for sure....later, time to pick, dy.

[Repent34]

Ok, she's here at work with me. #I just swapped out strings and gave her a basic once over, tied my leather boot lace strap around the body/neck joint like many of you all suggested, and jammed out with her for a good hour. #Here is the deal: #I love the case it came with, a nice hard box with shoulder strap and big center compartment; the KF has a great feel, so smooth, easy on my hands, neck shape is full, frets great, and the tailpiece is the black one, not an F-style. #I like the volume. #Ton's more than the Hyalite, and I think I hear a bit of bluegrass tone. #She is tight, not even close to opening up yet, but I have a big pick and a hard chop for this all night jam I will be putting her thru, so I hope she'll open up by next week.

Recap: #No Music 123 issues, great customer support, $1150 on the green, cool case, and fantastic finish and feel and volume. #I wish this could have been my first Mandolin, a great bang for the buck. #I am a Breedlove fan for sure....later, time to pick, dy.
I got a quote from Music123 and it was for $1299 for a Quartz with the cheapo gig bag. Still don't understand why they don't supply a hard case... Do you know why your price was cheaper? Was there a sale or something?

Also, is the Breedlove Quartz a good mando for all around styles like celtic, country, etc? Having a maple body makes it more bluegrassy/bright? Doesn't a mando with a mahogony body have a deeper tone and thus better for styles other than bluegrass? I like the sound of bluegrass but to be honest the high lonesome vocals are like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. I like groups like Allison Kraus and Nickel Creek (modern bluegrass I guess). Is that considered "Newgrass"?

Lots of questions here but important ones (I hope)to help me decide on the mando to buy. Currently I'm looking at the Breedlove Quartz or a Weber Bitterroot, either with the mahogony or maple body, based on the answers to the above. I want a F/K style, blond, matte finish, radius

[TeleMark]

Thanks Telemark...you notice I am the Telepbrman, OFF TOPIC, do you play a Telecaster? Later, dy.
I used to... I had one of the Mexi 50s Classic models, but I play electric so infrequently that I sold it. I do miss that twanger, tho...

[Steve L]

I play Irish and Scottish traditional on my KF and get lots of compliments on the tone (As well as strange looks about the body shape). I think it suits this music really well if you want the projection of an F hole arch top, which I did. I've actually found the people who don't care for it are bluegrass players who think it's weird looking and doesn't have the "right" sound. I know nothing about bluegrass so I have no opinion about that, but it's a great instrument for the money. I love mine.

[Repent34]

I play Irish and Scottish traditional on my KF and get lots of compliments on the tone (As well as strange looks about the body shape). I think it suits this music really well if you want the projection of an F hole arch top, which I did. I've actually found the people who don't care for it are bluegrass players who think it's weird looking and doesn't have the "right" sound. I know nothing about bluegrass so I have no opinion about that, but it's a great instrument for the money. I love mine.
Cool, I really like it's looks as well and I'm getting an itchy trigger finger. Just got in my Wegen and Tortis picks and I'd love to hear what they sound like on the Quartz. Guess I'll have to settle for my Johnson 100.

R

[otterly2k]

R-
If you want a sound that's more different from bluegrass, you might want to consider the oval hole quartzes...either shape.
KE