Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE Review: Versatile Solid Wood Cutaway

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE is a mid-range acoustic electric guitar positioned by the product listing as a versatile professional grade instrument. It pairs a solid red cedar top with a solid African mahogany back, and the cutaway body gives access to the upper ovangkol fretboard. The listing highlights a side monitor soundhole as a distinctive feature that lets the player hear the guitar more accurately without reducing forward projection. This body design is intended to balance comfort with enough air volume for a full acoustic voice. Compared to many mid-range concert models, the side soundhole is a meaningful differentiator for live performance.

The model carries Fishman Flex Plus-T electronics with volume and tone controls and a built-in tuner. The Edgeburst finish provides a visual identity, and the concert body shape suggests a balanced, comfortable size. The listing does not state scale length, neck material, or included accessories, so this review works from the published specifications and general acoustic guitar knowledge rather than direct testing. On paper, the guitar appears aimed at players who want a single instrument for practice, performance, and recording. The use of solid tonewoods on the top and back, rather than laminate, suggests a focus on resonance and tonal complexity at a mid-range price tier.

The Breedlove brand is known for concert style guitars and the Solo Pro series often emphasizes player comfort and clear monitoring. This model sits in a competitive space with other solid top and solid back instruments like the Yamaha FG800 series or Fender CD-60S, but adds the side soundhole and onboard tuner. Buyers should note that the product listing leaves some specifications unpublished, which makes it harder to verify every aspect of the build. In this review, every claim is drawn from the listing text and general acoustic guitar knowledge, not from physical inspection.

Body, Neck and Playability

The concert cutaway body is central to this guitar's ergonomic design. The published specifications describe a solid red cedar top and a solid African mahogany back. The sides are not specified in the listing, but the use of solid tonewoods on the top and back suggests the brand intends a more resonant and responsive instrument than an all-laminate budget model. A cutaway allows easier access to the frets above the body join, which is useful for lead lines and modern acoustic techniques. The side monitor soundhole is also part of the body construction, located on the upper bout for improved player feedback during performance.

The listing states a 1 11/16-inch radiused neck. In practice that dimension usually refers to the nut width, and it places this guitar in the familiar territory of many acoustic players who prefer a medium profile. The fretboard is ovangkol, a wood that offers a smooth surface and a slightly brighter response than rosewood. The neck material itself is not published in the listing, so the overall neck stiffness and feel can only be assessed on paper. A medium nut width like this tends to suit both flatpicking and fingerstyle, similar to the Fender CD-60S and many other mainstream acoustics. The radiused fingerboard should feel comfortable for chord work, though the exact radius is not specified.

The side monitor soundhole also affects the playing experience. The listing says it puts the player in the audience while preserving forward projection, which can be useful for monitoring tone during performance. This feature is not common on all acoustic guitars, and it suggests a focus on live use. Overall, the published geometry points to a comfortable mid-sized instrument for both seated and standing play. Players who have tried a Taylor GS Mini or Martin LX1 will find this concert size fuller in the lower register, though without the exact scale length it is hard to compare directly. The cutaway adds upper fret access without a large visual or physical penalty.

Tone and Projection

Based on the listed tonewoods, the Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE should lean toward warm, rounded tones. A solid red cedar top tends to produce strong overtone content and responds well to light fingerpicking as well as moderate strumming. The solid African mahogany back adds midrange depth and helps anchor the sound, according to the listing. Cedar is also known for having a fast attack, which can add immediacy to notes, especially compared to spruce tops on instruments like the Yamaha FG800 or Epiphone DR-100. The combination of cedar and mahogany is often favored by fingerstyle players and singer songwriters who want a rich, intimate voice.

The listing states that this guitar performs equally well with heavy strumming and subtle fingerstyle. That claim suggests a balanced dynamic range, though cedar tops generally compress a bit under very aggressive attack compared to spruce. The side monitor soundhole is described as allowing the player to hear a more audience-like sound without diminishing forward projection, which can be especially useful in group playing. The solid back should help project midrange frequencies more clearly than a laminate back, though the sides are not specified. The overall tonal profile should be warmer and more overtone rich than a typical spruce and mahogany concert, but less bright than a spruce top instrument.

Since this review is based on published information rather than direct testing, the true tonal character will depend on the specific build, string choice, and setup. On paper, the combination of cedar and mahogany is a classic pairing for players who want warmth without sacrificing clarity. It is a versatile starting point for both acoustic and amplified work. The side monitor soundhole may slightly reduce the internal air volume of the body, but the listing claims forward projection is preserved, so the impact should be minimal. For comparison, some players find cedar tops on the Taylor GS Mini to be responsive and warm, and this larger concert body should offer more low end and headroom.

Hardware and Electronics

The Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE includes Fishman Flex Plus-T electronics. The listing specifies volume and tone controls and a built-in tuner. These features make the guitar ready for direct connection to an acoustic amplifier or PA system. The built-in tuner is a practical addition for stage and practice use, reducing the need for a clip-on tuner. The side monitor soundhole is also part of the hardware design, though it is an acoustic feature rather than an electronic one. The Fishman Flex Plus-T is a common system found on many mid-range acoustics, and it typically provides a clean, natural amplified tone with minimal fuss.

Details such as tuner hardware, strap buttons, and output jack placement are not specified in the listing. The cutaway and ovangkol fretboard are noted, but the actual tuning machines are not published. The Fishman preamp is a widely used system, and the presence of tone and volume controls gives basic sound shaping at the guitar. Players who need more detailed EQ may require an external preamp or mixer. The listing does not mention a phase switch or notch filter, which are common on higher end preamps, so the control set is intentionally simple. The built-in tuner is a convenience feature that many acoustic electric players appreciate, especially when busking or gigging without a pedalboard.

• Fishman Flex Plus-T preamp with volume control
• Tone control for onboard EQ shaping
• Built-in tuner
• Side monitor soundhole
• Cutaway for upper fret access
• Ovangkol fretboard

Build Quality and Finish

The published specification presents the Solo Pro Concert CE as a professional grade instrument, with a solid red cedar top and a solid African mahogany back. The Edgeburst finish is the only finish option mentioned. Solid tonewoods are typically associated with better long-term resonance and responsiveness than laminate tops, though the sides are not specified in the listing. The marketing language around professional grade quality is common at this price tier, but the actual build quality cannot be verified from the spec sheet. However, Breedlove has a reputation for careful construction on their higher end models, and the Solo Pro series is generally regarded as well made.

Without direct inspection, details such as bracing pattern, neck joint, and fretwork cannot be verified. The product listing does not state the country of origin or the type of glue or finish thickness. The use of the term professional grade is a marketing description rather than a measurable specification. On paper, the materials suggest a mid-range build that prioritizes tone over cosmetic ornamentation. The Edgeburst finish likely adds visual appeal without being overly flashy, and it should help protect the cedar top from minor dings and humidity changes. The solid African mahogany back is a meaningful upgrade over laminate, but without knowing the sides material, the overall build cannot be fully assessed.

Compared to other instruments in this price range, the published wood choices are competitive. Many guitars at this tier use solid tops with laminated backs, so having a solid back is a positive sign for resonance and structural integrity. The side monitor soundhole adds a unique structural element that must be carefully braced, so build quality around that area is important. The listing does not mention any reinforced neck or truss rod details, but a truss rod is standard on modern acoustics. Buyers should examine the guitar in person or ask the seller for more build details before committing.

Setup Out of the Box

Factory setup details are not specified in the listing. The product listing does not state the string gauge, action height, or relief settings. Setup out of the box is therefore unknown from the published data. Many mid-range acoustic guitars arrive with a playable but conservative setup that can be adjusted by a technician to suit personal preference. Without a known standard, a new owner should plan to inspect and possibly adjust the action. The 1 11/16-inch nut width is a common size, so most techs will be familiar with optimizing it.

The listing does not mention any Plek setup or similar automated process, so this review avoids making specific claims about factory quality control. A typical acoustic guitar at this price point may benefit from a professional setup after purchase, especially if the player prefers low action for fingerstyle or medium action for strumming. The concert body size and medium nut width should feel comfortable for most adult players, but the neck relief and string height are unknown variables. Players coming from a poorly set-up budget guitar may find even the factory setup acceptable, while experienced players may want immediate adjustments.

The solid cedar top is softer than spruce, so it may be more sensitive to humidity and string tension changes after shipping. A proper setup should check the saddle height and nut slots to prevent buzzing or high action. The side monitor soundhole does not affect setup, but it may slightly change the acoustic feedback for the player. Without exact scale length and string gauge, precise setup specs cannot be calculated, but a qualified technician can quickly optimize this guitar for the owner's playing style.

Daily Use and Practice

The concert body size and cutaway make the Solo Pro Concert CE a practical choice for daily practice. The listed nut width is comfortable for many hand sizes, and the ovangkol fretboard provides a smooth playing surface. The side monitor soundhole may help players hear themselves more clearly in a room, which can be a useful practice aid. The cutaway reduces the barrier to playing higher positions, encouraging more complete exploration of the fretboard. The built-in tuner means you can tune up quickly without reaching for a separate device, which is convenient during a busy practice session.

The built-in tuner is a convenience for practice sessions, and the Fishman electronics mean the same guitar can serve as an acoustic instrument or an amplified instrument. The listing does not state the weight, but concert size acoustics are generally lighter and smaller than dreadnoughts, which can reduce fatigue during long practice sessions. The solid cedar top may also respond well to a lighter touch, which is beneficial for building fingerstyle technique. Players who prefer to practice without an amplifier can still use the side soundhole to monitor their playing more accurately, as the listing describes that it puts the player in the audience perspective.

For daily use, the Edgeburst finish is likely durable enough for regular handling, and the concert shape fits easily on a stand or in a standard gig bag. The lack of included accessories means the buyer will need to budget for a case, strap, and picks, but those are personal items anyway. The solid top and back will open up slightly with regular playing, especially cedar, which may become more responsive over time. Overall, this guitar seems designed for players who want a reliable, comfortable instrument that can handle daily practice and spontaneous plugged in sessions.

Versatility and Styles

The published description emphasizes versatility, stating that the guitar handles heavy strumming and subtle fingerstyle. The solid cedar top tends to respond well to fingerpicking because it produces good volume from a light touch. The mahogany back helps the midrange stay present in a mix. This combination is common in folk, singer-songwriter, and light rock settings. It may not be the first choice for bluegrass flatpicking, but it covers a broad middle ground. The cutaway extends the range for lead playing and more modern acoustic styles.

The side monitor soundhole is described as useful when playing with a group, as it helps the player hear themselves without turning up too loud. The Fishman electronics add flexibility for live performance and recording, though the listing does not specify any onboard EQ beyond tone control. The overall package appears designed for working musicians who need one guitar for many roles. Compared to a larger dreadnought like the Epiphone DR-100, the concert body will have less bass response but a more balanced and present midrange, which can be better for fingerstyle and ensemble work.

The solid red cedar top is known for warmth and overtone richness, which suits jazz influenced chords, Celtic fingerstyle, and gentle strumming. It may not have the projection of a spruce top for aggressive flatpicking, but it will be more forgiving for players with a lighter attack. The built-in tuner and volume tone controls make it a practical stage guitar for singer songwriters, worship musicians, and small ensemble players. The lack of a phase switch is a minor drawback for feedback prone environments, but the side soundhole can help the player hear themselves without needing excessive stage volume.

Who Should Buy It

This guitar could suit an intermediate to advanced player who wants a mid-range solid top and solid back acoustic electric with a comfortable concert body. The cutaway and onboard tuner make it practical for stage use. The listing's emphasis on versatility suggests it may appeal to players who move between strumming and fingerpicking. The side monitor soundhole is a differentiator for performers who struggle to hear themselves on stage. Compared to the Taylor GS Mini, this full size concert body offers more low end and volume, and the cutaway adds upper fret access.

Players who prefer a warm, overtone-rich tone from cedar and mahogany might find the published specs appealing. The side monitor soundhole is a distinctive feature for those who play in ensembles or who want to hear themselves more accurately. However, the listing does not specify included accessories, so buyers should not assume a case or gig bag is included. This model is best evaluated as a solid top and solid back platform rather than a fully accessorized package. Those who like the Fender CD-60S but want a solid back and built-in tuner may find this Breedlove a compelling step up.

The mid-range price tier suggests this is for serious hobbyists and working musicians rather than complete beginners, though a well chosen starter guitar can also serve for years. The 1 11/16-inch nut width is standard and comfortable for most hand sizes, and the cutaway encourages exploring higher frets. If you need a stage ready acoustic electric with a warm voice and useful monitoring features, the Solo Pro Concert CE deserves a close look. Buyers who are particular about neck profile and setup should plan to try one in person or order from a seller with a good return policy.

Verdict

The Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE offers a compelling set of published specifications for a mid-range acoustic electric. A solid red cedar top, solid African mahogany back, Fishman Flex Plus-T electronics, a cutaway, and a side monitor soundhole all point to a versatile instrument. The listing's claim that it performs well for both heavy strumming and subtle fingerstyle is consistent with the tonewood pairing on paper. Compared to other mid-range concert models, the side soundhole and built-in tuner give it practical appeal. The score of 80 reflects a strong value with some specification gaps.

The main unknowns are the sides material, neck wood, tuning machines, factory setup, and included accessories. Those gaps make it hard to give a full evaluation without direct testing, but the published core materials and electronics justify a solid score in the upper 70s to low 80s. The playability breakdown of 24 out of 30 assumes a standard setup and comfortable neck, which the listing suggests. Tone at 21 out of 25 reflects the warm cedar and mahogany combination. Build at 11 out of 15 is tempered by the unknown sides and lack of completed spec sheet. Hardware at 8 out of 10 is for the Fishman system and tuner. Versatility at 8 and value at 8 round out a balanced, honest assessment.

For players who want a warm, amplified concert guitar with a built-in tuner and distinctive side soundhole, the Breedlove Solo Pro Concert CE is a rational mid-range option to consider. It rewards careful buyers who are willing to verify the missing details before purchase. If the sides turn out to be solid wood and the factory setup is good, this could be an excellent value. As it stands, the published specification is strong enough to recommend for intermediate players seeking a versatile workhorse. The side monitor soundhole alone may be worth the price of admission for live performers who struggle to hear themselves on stage.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

PRS SE P20

Players seeking a compact parlor acoustic electric with a solid top and stage ready onboard electronics.

Read the PRS SE P20 review →

Martin GPC-X1E

A player who wants a Martin branded cutaway acoustic in black finish and is comfortable verifying missing specifications independently.

Read the Martin GPC-X1E review →

Breedlove Discovery S Concert CE

An intermediate player or serious beginner seeking a mid-range concert body acoustic-electric with a spruce and mahogany voice.

Read the Breedlove Discovery S Concert CE review →

Questions Buyers Ask