Guitar Body Shapes featuring Breedlove's Draco Series

0:00 - The Draco series
3:00 - The Companion
5:11 - The Concertina
7:19 - The Concert
9:51 - The Concerto
11:33 - Impressions
Featured in this video, Breedlove Draco Series:
Companion: sweetwater.sjv.io/Qy7qoM
Concertina: sweetwater.sjv.io/baYZAP
Concert: sweetwater.sjv.io/AW7zzj
Concerto: sweetwater.sjv.io/Gm766V
Recorded with:
Neumann TLM 103 condenser mic: sweetwater.sjv.io/XY1qBM
Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII Microphone Preamp: sweetwater.sjv.io/9ge3kY
Check out my ‪@jamplay‬ / ‪@TrueFireTV‬ course on technique in service of creativity: bit.ly/gretchenjp1
I'm now a ‪@sweetwater‬ affiliate: sweetwater.sjv.io/GmD5E9
Anything you buy from Sweetwater after clicking that link or any of the gear links below directly supports my channel and ability to do more videos, demos, reviews, and at no extra cost to you. Much appreciated. 🙏
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SOCIALS
Website: gretchenmenn.com/
Patreon: / gretchenmenn
Instagram: / gretchenmenn
Facebook: / gretchenmennguitar
TikTok: @gretchenmenn
Twitter: / gretchenmenn
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GEAR I have, love, and highly recommend
GUITARS - Acoustic
Breedlove Oregon Concert CE - Natural Myrtlewood: sweetwater.sjv.io/xknPmR
Breedlove Oregon Concerto CE - Bourbon Myrtlewood: sweetwater.sjv.io/5gj3q9
Breedlove Eco Limited Edition, Exotic S Concert, Twilight Blue Burst: sweetwater.sjv.io/PyaZAN
Breedlove ECO Pursuit Exotic S Concert CE Nylon String - Red Cedar-Myrtlewood: sweetwater.sjv.io/Vm4WRa
Martin SC-10E: sweetwater.sjv.io/1rb3Xa
AMPS - Acoustic
Fishman Loudbox Mini: sweetwater.sjv.io/Or7XRW
Fishman Loudbox Artist: sweetwater.sjv.io/vNYXnv
ToneWoodAmps: www.tonewoodamp.com/GEM
(discount will be applied at checkout)
GUITARS - Electric
Music Man Sabre: sweetwater.sjv.io/PyaZNe In love. My Sabre has become one of my main instruments now.
Music Man Cutlass: sweetwater.sjv.io/y2r5XB Classic with great feel and flexibility.
Music Man Majesty: sweetwater.sjv.io/75b7vV Love this for recording. Perfect for modern metal guitar.
Gibson Les Paul Standard '60s: sweetwater.sjv.io/Or1J7K My main guitar for Zepparella. I have one in cherry burst and one in a limited-edition Manhattan Midnight.
Gibson Custom 1961 Les Paul SG Standard Reissue: sweetwater.sjv.io/3e73gy The first Gibson I bought. I had played a few off-the-rack SGs, but then found a 61 reissue. It hurt my wallet, but it plays and sounds amazing.
Amps - Electric
Laney Ironheart IRT-SLS 300-watt Hybrid Tube Head: sweetwater.sjv.io/Vm7nyO This fits in my checked luggage and is my go-to amp for fly-in gigs. Sounds great plugged into a cabinet (my preference), but can also go DI, which has saved me on gigs with backline issues.
Laney Lionheart: sweetwater.sjv.io/Py7L1Q
Laney Cub: sweetwater.sjv.io/AW7zL7
STRINGS
Nylon strings: sweetwater.sjv.io/NkNVeb
Ernie Ball strings, 10-52: sweetwater.sjv.io/5gj3JD
EFFECTS/PEDALS
Laney Black Country Customs Secret Path Reverb: sweetwater.sjv.io/0ZVrkJ Favorite reverb pedal ever
Laney Black Country Customs Spiral Array Chorus: sweetwater.sjv.io/21ZPGQ This converted me on chorus
Laney Black Country Customs Monolith Distortion: sweetwater.sjv.io/Qy7BP3
Laney Black Country Customs Difference Engine: sweetwater.sjv.io/eKYDvO
Strymon TimeLine Delay: sweetwater.sjv.io/xknPMO Incredible-sounding, seemingly endless delay possibilities
Strymon Lex Rotary Speaker Simulator Pedal V2: sweetwater.sjv.io/9ge3kQ Spot on Leslie!
Xotic XW-1 Wah Pedal: sweetwater.sjv.io/5gj3rD I love this pedal so much I bought two. It is more expensive than other wahs, but worth every penny.
Strymon Ojai R30 Low-profile Guitar Pedal Power Supply: sweetwater.sjv.io/R5RXM2
AmpRX BrownBox II Tube Amplifier Input Voltage Attenuator: sweetwater.sjv.io/m5nBMZ If you love your amp…
Pedaltrain Classic 2 TC 24"x12.5" Pedalboard with Tour Case: sweetwater.sjv.io/nLnz5R
Pedaltrain Metro 20 20-inch x 8-inch Pedalboard with Soft Case: sweetwater.sjv.io/6eGKYE
RECORDING/STUDIO
Neumann TLM 103 condenser mic: sweetwater.sjv.io/XY1qBM Yes, it’s a lot of mic, but it sounds like it, too.
Yamaha HS8 8-inch Powered Studio Monitor Pair: sweetwater.sjv.io/Vm4WXk
Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII Microphone Preamp: sweetwater.sjv.io/9ge3kY
Two Notes Torpedo Captor X Reactive Loadbox DI and Attenuator: sweetwater.sjv.io/XY1qMy
Tascam Portacapture X8: sweetwater.sjv.io/daRAD7
VIDEO
I LOVE my Lumix S5.
Lumix S5 Camera + Lens: sweetwater.sjv.io/zNjkd7
Lumix S5 Camera only: sweetwater.sjv.io/R5RXQy
Rechargeable Battery for Lumix S5: sweetwater.sjv.io/NkNVLN

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

Thanks for reminding me how much I enjoy Jimmy Page's acoustic guitar work!

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you for being here! I appreciate it!

[@pnwrocker1965]

Always have loved your demos and lessons. You have a way of explaining that’s easy to understand…and remember for us amateur players. Thank you.

[@gretchenmenn]

I am so glad to hear that! My goal is to make video that might be helpful to others in some way!

[@rrpatriot1584]

Anyone notice how the guitar colors compliment Gretchen’s beautiful hair?😊

[@michelthibodeau8550]

WoW they all sound great, specially when it's Gretchen Menn that plays ! Beautiful and good idea as these song choice because we all know them well. It's always a pleasure to listen to your performances, anytime Gretchen, anytime ! Thanks again and take care !

[@gretchenmenn]

You are so kind! Thank you so so much. Wishing you the best. 😊

[@andydinesguitar]

I'm sure the guitars are great but just here for Gretchen's playing😊

[@gretchenmenn]

I appreciate you being here!

[@metalpunk9519]

Most impressive playing Gretchen 👏something about standard tuning that brings out the best in a acoustic guitar Bravo!🙏🎼🍷

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you!!

[@metalpunk9519]

@@gretchenmenn 🤘

[@wayneharrod9363]

Wonderful playing and they are great sounding guitars .

[@gretchenmenn]

They really are lovely instruments! And thank you!

[@yadabotbingo]

Your speaking voice is just as hypnotic and pleasurable to my ears, and is as expressive and precise, as your guitar playing.

[@gretchenmenn]

You are so kind!

[@killerwolf13777]

Such a wonderful spokesperson! You make it look so easy.

[@gretchenmenn]

That's very kind!

[@ChrisBrown-oo4bf]

Great explanations, and of course, the usual fantastic playing with great feel.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate it!

[@skateborg]

I've never owned a Breedlove guitar, but this series might change my mind.

[@paul_domici]

Good Lord they all sound so incredibly amazing!!!!

[@gretchenmenn]

Right? Just different flavors of amazing. 🥰

[@SantaAgain77]

The latest model sounds very good, but !? What a beautiful, beautiful Lady .....! The hair, the eyes, and the wonderful pronunciation of the voice........!

[@gretchenmenn]

That's very kind! ☺️

[@mwhcherokee1]

Gretchen I love listening to you play any of these acoustics. You put a smile on my face when it has been needed all day. Thank you Gretchen ♥️

[@gretchenmenn]

Your comment put a smile on my face! Thank YOU!

[@franklinj1038]

Beautiful Gretchen! Hope your well

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you! Wishing you well, too!

[@franklinj1038]

​@@gretchenmenn I appreciate that and your work!

[@steveg1700]

Gretchen, what a great demo! Jimmy and crew would surely be proud. Beautiful music, beautiful sounding guitars and a beautiful guitarist what more could you ask for?

[@sil.lum.quan.]

Bravo👏You did a fine job of demoing the guitars.

[@scottalbee3211]

Wow. Such great warm tone. Thank you for demonstrating these with very fine playing!😊

[@gretchenmenn]

My pleasure! Thank you for being here!

[@hotplug56]

So many choices. Thank you for this.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@metalheadpunk]

Great work Gretchen! Those look amazing and sound great.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so so much, badass!

[@leewells9331]

Beautiful playing as usual Gretchen. They all sound great, but that Concert sounds huge with that tuning! It is always a pleasure watching you play.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you for being here! I appreciate it!

[@JNathanSimmons]

Your playing never gets old & admire your straight forwardness on your descriptions of the various guitars :) amazing as always ❤️

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

[@DorothyOzmaLover]

Very stylish collection which sound unbelievably nice so this is a thrill!

[@gretchenmenn]

It was a fun and interesting video to get to do! I've never had the opportunity to compare body shapes like this, so I learned something for sure.

[@michaelstrickland6592]

Nicely done, Gretchen. An entertaining and educational video. I've also enjoyed your instructional book and video on how music works, by the way. Peace!

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! Very happy to hear if you found them helpful! That's always my goal!

[@themaltese]

Dreadnaught for me, always! What a great sounding guitar!

[@gretchenmenn]

Yesssss!

[@BenjWarrant]

For a moment I thought this was going to be Gretchen going through all the shapes that a guitarist throws when performing on stage. You know, the _head back in ecstasy_ shape, the _bestriding the world_ shape. Gretchen's really good at those, just watch Zepperella live!!!

[@gretchenmenn]

🤣🤣🤣

[@iam4rb]

Beautiful playing and tone - you inspire me to get to practicing on my Passport

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you! Happy practicing!

[@davidclark846]

So great to hear some "Fast Crowd"!

[@gretchenmenn]

Oooh! You get the attentive ears award!

[@Serega-Pitersky]

Thank! you Fairy Queen.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you for being here!

[@obertsons]

Likeed the songs and the overall feel of each guitar.... Great playing.... maybe add a short session with each guitar playing the exact same song in order to hear the different tones ... thanks

[@gretchenmenn]

Sweetwater did a video of exactly that, so I was asked to do something a bit different with this video, though I do agree hearing the guitars side-by-side on the same passage is helpful. Here's that Sweetwater video if you want to check it out!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6GpZZSJZaqEmLc

[@pelicanrouge9188]

Gretchen c'est toi la meilleure 🤘🎸👩‍🦰💙

[@gretchenmenn]

Vous êtes trop gentil!

[@metalpunk9519]

Im going to like before i watch the whole video because i know like always it's going to be a great video🤘

[@gretchenmenn]

You are so kind! Thank you for being here and for the support!

[@metalpunk9519]

@@gretchenmenn🙏🌈

[@lhvent]

These guitars look really interesting.

[@gretchenmenn]

They are for sure! Sad to send them back! Hahaha

[@clivetaylor27]

whenever you play Page's work you elevate it to ethereal heights and these beautiful instruments carry it, not discounting your arrangements as well. Got to look at your catalog to find more as they are enthralling,. Would you consider a collection exploring Jimmy's work; they are fundamental to MUSIC?

[@johnvandam106]

Hi, Gretchen... Thanks for this really informative & pleasing demo video... I'm curious as to how you chose which songs to play with each one of the guitars... I so love Zeppelin's acoustic material, as much as their harder stuff... My cousin & I saw Zepperella last Fall in Lynnwood, Wa., & both loved it! He's a drummer, so was particularly interested in Clementine's kit... Thank you for sharing your gifts & talents with us! 🫂🙏❤️🤘😎

[@gretchenmenn]

Good question! I tired to pair up songs with strengths of the instrument, though it was often a toss up, as they all sounded great in their own ways. Hope to be back your way before long!

[@snapfinger1]

Rolls Royce boutique versions of Taylor’s narrow waisted, cutaway E/A’s. Madame Spiderfingers.

[@gretchenmenn]

Ha! Yeah, these are veeeeery nice guitars!

[@snapfinger1]

@@gretchenmenn did you get to keep that motorcycle in the “Victory Lap” video ? ~ Die Hard Fan Boy.

[@roloah27]

It will be nice to see a nylon discovery concert to be showcased, a solid top with ecotonewoods back and sides.

[@gretchenmenn]

I'll pass along your request to Breedlove!

[@roloah27]

@@gretchenmenn thanks.

[@glenndavid8725]

Listen to Alexander Whittingham playing her childhood £1 guitar, I'll tell you all you need to know.

[@gretchenmenn]

Or Brian May constructing the Red Special from part of their fireplace! Magic is more about the player than the instrument for sure!

[@stevecordero9274]

Nice playing and nice guitars. The materials used in the production also reflect the price point too. The prices are on par with Martin and Gibson higher end acoustic guitar models.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you! And you are absolutely correct about price point/materials.

[@EnglishRalph]

Off-topic again I’m afraid (I don’t use social media as a rule). I bought Abandon All Hope recently and my immediate impression was that it’s a proper labour of love, blood, sweat and tears piece of work. My dad’s first impression which you might prefer, was that bits of “Shadows” made him think of Eric Johnson. I had been actively looking for an instrumental (broken tooth, singing is painful) concept album (alleged prog rock dinosaur - slightly true, no shame) so I was never likely to be your toughest crowd but I’m more than happy. I’m less than happy because I don’t currently have a laptop, so I haven’t been able to go full-on concept album on it yet, but I’m more than happy that I soon will have, so I soon will be! Thank you.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words and checking out my original music (yes, I worked hard on that album and have another in the works). You can download the album art here, if that helps! www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/d69sfal3yom1wlzpp6n2x/Gretchen-Menn-Abandon-All-Hope-Digital-Booklet.pdf?rlkey=m584rndacfab1wcdehrkia96l&dl=0

[@EnglishRalph]

@@gretchenmenn A-ha! Nice one, cheers. I would’ve loved to have stumbled across this album in an olden days record shop, on 12” vinyl, gatefold sleeve with maybe “Shadows” as a scene-setter, nice big pullout artwork/synopsis supplemental… Wouldn’t work for me now because I live on a boat and vinyl ain’t exactly practical, widespread or cheap but we’re a nostalgic breed, us dinosaurs.

[@jbear4662]

Been a Zep fan from the old days until know. Jimmy is the reason I picked up a guitar. Came acrossed you in the tribute band a years or so ago and now I see you have your own site. Your an awesome player. I need another guitar like a hole in the head, but you got me thinking at least about these. I Like the concert and you did great, but would be nice to hear that model in a standard tunning. It sounded nice in that tunning and your playing also.

[@gretchenmenn]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words. I hear you about the various tunings. There was a lot to cover in a short amount of time, and this video is already double the length of what Breedlove and Sweetwater were thinking--leave it to me to make more work for myself! But if you're voting for a more extensive coverage on the Concert, I'll pass that along and maybe we can do a video on just that body shape. I can attest (as it's the model I own, though not the Draco series), it sounds insanely good in standard and altered tunings.

[@jbear4662]

@@gretchenmenn No worries. I'm sure you are a busy young lady. It's just that tunning can really make an acoustic guitar sound quit different then normal tuning I think, anyways. Friends sounded great though

[@175epi]

A video with this much information AND excellent playing needs more than one "Like" button. I clicked it once, but that didn't seem like enough. An exponent option would have been nice.

[@gretchenmenn]

Ha! You are so kind! I really appreciate it!

[@JackZucker]

beautiful but i wanna hear you through that two rock!

[@gretchenmenn]

There are videos of that, too! Two Rock amps are insane.

[@oliverforty]

you're so beautiful Gretchen :)

[@gretchenmenn]

Oh, you're very kind!

[@onesource9527]

Love the instruments and Gretchen's playing, but OMG, sticker shock! If I bought a brand new Martin HD-28 from Sweetwater I'd still have money left for half a 000-28. Hard to justify that kind of expense when there are so many excellent instruments at a lower price points. The tonality of sinker redwood is hyped a lot but it doesn't standout against other Redwoods enough to justify the expense unless it has some unique figuring. I'd like to hear a back to back against Breedlove Myrtlewood and cedar guitars.

[@gretchenmenn]

I hear you. These are out of my price range as well, but the hope was that having the consistency of materials between the four body shapes might provide a bit of illumination on how body shape affects sounds when all other materials are consistent and therefore perhaps help people narrow their search as it relates to guitar body shape. I've now played Breedloves whose price point is about $500 and now these that are about ten times as much. These are special instruments for the guitarist looking for something on this level, to be sure, but I do really appreciate that Breedlove offers really solid instruments at a wide range of price points.

[@judsonclayto7813]

Nice job there Miss Gretchen. Does anybody know if they have a nice playing room where one could test drive their various models in their Bend shop?

[@gretchenmenn]

Good question. I still need to visit their shop--we just recently played in Bend, but so little time when on the road. This particular series, the Draco, is a Sweetwater exclusive. But Sweetwater does have a pretty sweet return policy, just in case you needed to try one. 😉 www.sweetwater.com/help/returns-exchanges.php#:~:text=%22No%20Hassle%22%20Return%20Policy%3A&text=If%20you%20are%20not%20satisfied,date%20(usually%2030%20days).

[@judsonclayto7813]

@@gretchenmenn Thanks for the link. I've always had great experiences with the fine folks at Sweetwater. It would just be nice to hear the differences in one locale and not have to buy 5 just to send back 4. But knowing myself, I'd end up only returning 2.

[@billpiotter8190]

Thanks for the demonstration. By what means are we getting the sound, mic, pickup, combo?

[@gretchenmenn]

I should have mentioned that! These were all recorded with: Neumann TLM 103 condenser mic: sweetwater.sjv.io/XY1qBM Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKIII Microphone Preamp: sweetwater.sjv.io/9ge3kY Then into Logic. About as simple as it gets, but the nice mic helps with getting good, faithful sound in a home studio/living room.

[@MikeUIibarri]

I don't know how you ever manage to get them back to Breedlove!?

[@gretchenmenn]

Ha! Massive self control and a tiny apartment helps!

[@rrpatriot1584]

Look at her fingers. Yikes!

[@gretchenmenn]

🕷