Blueridge BR-160
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Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $469.
Submitted 03/09/2004
at 07:34pm
by EVERETT
Email: eph245<at>wmconnect dot com
Features
:
10
Sound
:
10
i sold a 1963 gibson and bought a blueridge 160 and i wouldnt give my blue ridge for two gibsons , i also own a alveez yairi a simon patrick a1952 harmony , my blueridge dosent have to back up for any one of them oh by the way i have owned two martins which i got rid of , my opion is the blueride is hared to beat , mine is not for sale at any price .
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
my action was perfect , perfect guitar
Reliability/Durability
:
10
definately
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
10
I"VE BEEN PLAYING FOR 42 YEARS IF IT WAS STOLE I DEFINATELY WOULDBUY ANOTHER, THE ACTION IS GREAT THE NECK IS PERFECT NOT A MARTIN SAW LOG, THE HIGHS AND LOWS PERFECT , THE BEST GUITAR I EVER OWNED I THINK IT BEATS MARTIN AND GIBSON ALL TO PIECES SOUND AND PRICE WISE
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $469.00
Submitted 01/17/2004
at 06:41am
by Don
Features
:
10
My Blueridge BR-160, was made in 2003. I purchased it from Slashman Music out of Nashville. As others have described it here, the features of this guitar are outstanding. And for a mainland China made guitar, I'm amazed.
Sound
:
10
I play Bluegrass and country music, and the BR-160 has excellant solid spruce and rosewood sound. Deep base and good treble.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The set up from the factory was a bit high for my taste, but very satisfactory. I made a slight neck adjustment, that lowered the string action to my way of playing. The solid sitka spruce top is well matched, and fit, finish and workmanship was unusually great.
The fret board could be a bit more nicely finished, but still is attractive. Just my opinion.
All frets were dressed and leveled fine.
The bone nut and bone saddle, were installed and nicely fitted.
I did replace the six factory Kluson style tuning keys, with standard chromed Gotoh's from Elderly instruments. (catalog number GTM-30) Grover's have a too large a round body, and the six o'clock wood screw hole, on each of the Gotoh's matched perfectly. The empty screw holes at the 12 o'clock position left over from the factory Kluson's, I installed six spare chromed wood screws into them, and it looks great. The Gotoh's are exellant quality.
I also replaced the six plastic bridge pins, with D'Andrea E-Z Brass string pegs. These are the older style brass pins, that the guitar strings must be fed through the bottom holes of the pins, and then the brass pins installed into the bridge pin holes. They Look great and give a secure solid fit for the strings, at the bridge postion. Nothing wrong with the plastc pins, just my own opinion.
I also use either Martin SP phosphor bronze light gauge strings, or D'Addaro phosphor bronze light gauge strings. But I found if I always use a .053" big E sixth string, I get a better sound, so I install those even when using Martin strings.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I play with local bluegrass bands, and my BR-160 holds it's own with my friends playing their Martin D-28' and 35-s. I also own a D-28 and Gibson J-45. And mt Blueridge does every thing comparing to my other guitars. I find I'm using it all the time now, at our gigs and shows. And I draw a lot of attention using my BR-160. And all favorable too.
The pick guard from the factory, had some scrathches on it. I contacted Saga about this, and they sent me a brand new one free. I'll keep it as a spare, and install it someday in the future. All in all, everything about the guitar I am happy with.
The "Dobro" style headstock, and abalone decoration may turn some players off, as too flashy, but it is attractive.
Customer Support
:
10
My contact with Saga about the pickguard, and their response, was great. Very friendly. The guitar has a short warranty period, but it is so solidly built I don't perceive any problems. From what I know of other BR-160 owners, they have no trouble.
Overall Rating
:
10
I am 68 years old, and been playing since age 15. I own a Martin D-28, and Gibson J-45. If my BR-160 were stolen, I'd replace it right away. In fact I am going to purchase another one soon. Everything about it I am well satisfied with. Comparing it to other more expensive dreadnoughts, it is a great buy.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $479
Submitted 12/24/2003
at 09:41pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
9
Not going to go much into detail. My experience is the same as the other reviewers. A copy of a Martin D28 from China. Solid top, sides, and back. For the money, what a great buy!!!!
Sound
:
9
Deep bass. Great sound. Bought this guitar because of all the great things said about it. Was suppose to be my "beater" guitar. Turned out to be more than that.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
As others have said, you might want to replace the tuners with something better. Not that I've had any problems, but they do feel cheap. Pegs do pop out when changing strings. However, over all this is a well made guitar.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Don't know. Only owned a few months. Time will tell. I don't seen anything I should be worried about.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Haven't had to delt with them at all.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing since early 70's. I play an Adamas, a few top of the line Ovations, and a couple of hand made guitars from Canada. I can safely say this this guitar holds its own against all of my other guitars!!
Best "bang for the buck" out there!!!!!!!!!
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $520
Submitted 12/07/2003
at 08:15am
by Anonymous
Features
:
8
Made in 2003. The specs are the same as others have noted before.
As others have mentioned, the top is a bit "orange-ish" and the pickguard is not the greatest, but those are minor quibbles. Otherwise, everything is appears clean and tight. The headstock inlay (if it is real inlay) might be a bit much for some tastes. I do wish the headstock was a bit wider. The A string contacts the low E string on the tuning peg a bit. Should have been spaced slightly wider. One other very minor quibble is that some of the fretboard inlays are very colorful, while the adjacent inlay is so dark that it is almost not visible.
Sound
:
10
I purchased this on a whim and based upon reviews I read on this page. I currently own a '77 Martin HD-28 and a '95 Larrivee D-10 and wanted a decent sounding "beater" for festivals. Believe me, this guitar is no "beater." Right out of the box, the guitar has tons of tone and power. I imagine it'll sound incredible with years of playing as the wood "opens up." There's no doubt in my mind that it'll hold its own in any bluegrass jam session.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The folks at Janet Davis Music did a great job of setting it up. The playability is better than my Martin and on par with the Larrivee.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Except for the pickguard, and possibly the tuners, looks like this guitar should last a long time.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Am surprised that a guitar of this quality only has a one-year warranty.
Overall Rating
:
10
Have been playing lotsa years, but mostly banjo. This guitar was a very pleasant surprise and I won't hesitate to recommend it to others. While I do support "buying American," It's hard to pass up a deal this good. My Martin will stay in the case more and the Larrivee will be used for fingerstyle playing.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: N/A
Submitted 12/04/2003
at 10:06pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
No Opinion
Hello all, this is a follow up from my review, and its still an amazing guitar. I want to tell all BR160 owners and potential buyers that to experiment with differnt strings as well. This guitar sets up so good that i changed to medium gauge strings and it feels like butter. This increased the volume as well...as if THAT was needed! Phosphor bronze strings give it a full warm tone. Regular bronze has the warmth with sparkle. Martin strings are cool, but the earthwoods 80/20 are boss IMHO.
Sound
:
No Opinion
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
No Opinion
Reliability/Durability
:
No Opinion
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
No Opinion
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $545
Submitted 11/24/2003
at 05:58am
by Anonymous
Features
:
9
I purchased this guitar on a whim! I read a positive review in Acoustic Guitar Magazine. I have a Taylor 314, but was looking for a a solid wood dreadnaught to round out my collection and provide some variety in tone. In spite of my hestiation to purchase one over the internet, I took the risk. I have not been disappointed. The purchase price included a hardshell case.
Sound
:
9
The sound is incredible! Very strong bass, with a a balanced high end and mid-range. Responds very well when being strummed. Maintains good response when played high up the neck. Capos without unexpected loss in quality. The sound is much better than significantly higher priced dreadnuaghts that I have played.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
The action is adequate . The workmanship is solid for the most part. The artificially aged top looks funny out of the box. The factory tortise shell pickguard looked cheap and was pulling up on the edges when I unpacked it. (I have replaced it with a black Martin pickguard that totally changes the look of the guitar for the better.) I highly recommend changing the pickguard. Othwerise, it is very handsome!
Reliability/Durability
:
8
Difficult to tell at this point. I am a pretty gentle player and it is new.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
10
Overall, based on the sound and general construction, I wouls say this is a great guitar for the money. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced dreadnaught that has the ke ingredients of a much finer guitar. I will be very interested to see how it develops tonally over the years. Buy one! Change the pickguard. You'll love it.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $550.00
Submitted 10/12/2003
at 10:55am
by B. Renfroe
Features
:
9
Guitar is made in China! I was skeptical until I played it! Promptly went home, thought about it a week, did research via net, went back and bought it. Blueridge 70 series has laminated back and sides, but the 160 has solid Sitka top and solid rosewood back and sides. Am not sure what kind of tuners it has, but they appear to be adequate. If I ever have a problem, I will probably swap 'em out for a name brand. This acoustic notes true up the neck according to my ear and an Intellitouch tuner! I had the option of hardshell case or a nylon cloth/foam lined one. I got the hardshell. Mine will sit on a stand 95% of the time.
Sound
:
10
This guitar has a GREAT sound for all acoustic music! Deep bass and bright treble with excellent intermediate tones! Very bright sound. I play mainly bluegrass and I would put this instrument up against ANY pre-war Martin or vintage series Martin. Great for flatpicking or fingerpicking, or for strumming back-up. Like other reviewers, I am not wild about the pick guard. Upon removing the plastic covering, mine had a small spot that wasn't real shiny. Still very functional, and I consider this, very,very minor!
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Action is better than Martin or Gibson (especially for bluegrass)! Top appears to be bookmatched. Compared to a HD-28, grain pattern is better. (I have yet to see a Martin with perfect grain) I played the Blueridge 140 model with mahogany back and sides, and there is no comparison to the 160 rosewood!! I carefully inspected the instrument for flaws and have yet to find any. The neck is what I would call low profile. Fits smaller hands great! I will probably replace the end pins with ebony version from Martin, and may/may not replace the pickguard. Bracing is forward shifted X and scalloped under the bridge, similar to Martins vintage series.
Has a aged look to the finish color of the top...I am anxious to see how the appearance changes as it ages...I bet it will be beautiful!
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Appears sturdy, I will not hesitate to play this guitar in any environment in which I would normally play, i.e., outdoors in humid summer festival conditions. Finish is gloss and appears to be excellent! All bindings, bridge, bone nut and bone bridge appear to be solid and should last. Instrument should easily last several decades with reasonable care and feeding.
Customer Support
:
8
Haven't had the occasion to use support, and doubt that I will!
Comes with 1 year warranty standard.
Overall Rating
:
10
For the money, you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT beat this guitar! I purchased this cause I liked the sound...I was preparing to buy a HD-28 LSV Martin (approx $2300.00). Needless to say, I won't be buying anything else..the Blueridge is all I need! Anyone reading this review that has any question whether you will "get what you pay for" need to fear not; this guitar is the real deal! I have been playing for 38 years and currently own a Ovation and have previously owned a D-28. When my wife heard the Blueridge, she immediately commented that it sounded 5 times better the the D-28! I would buy another if anything happened to it. Probably will never look at Martins again. How the Chinese can produce such a quality instrument at this price is astounding! I hope they seriously hurt Taylor and Martin , who have been screwing consumers for several years now with ridiculously high prices.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $469.00
Submitted 09/25/2003
at 08:10pm
by Guy in Canada
Features
:
9
All the specs are listed on other player's reviews so I'll just add a few remarks. I bought this guitar a short while ago because, like a lot of musicians, I can't justify the purchase of a D-28 Martin at the asking price and this Blueridge BR-160 was getting extraordinary reviews from real players.
Sound
:
10
I bought this guitar to get as close to a Martin sound as I could on a moderate budget and I succeeded. I have played other people's Martins and Gibsons. I've visited many a music store and I have yet to find a better sounding acoustic guitar. Highs and lows are clear and intonation is perfect according to my electronic tuner. Action is fine for my taste.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
Cratfmanship is practically flawless. The only beef I have is with the pickguard. It was improperly applied and is peeling off slightly. I suspect the task of glueing them on is left to the less experienced employees of the factory.
The action is better than on my other acoustic and as good as on my Fender Telecaster.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I have a brother who actually builds guitar so I had him go over this Blueridge for any weak points or future concerns. He could not believe the high standard craftmanship at any price. He plays a Gibson J-45 and formerly owned a Taylor, a L'Arrivee and a Weber Mandoline so he knows how good instruments are put together.
All in all a very sturdy and dependable guitar for any level of play.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
N/A
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing for 38 years. I've tried quite a few different brands of instruments but none have even come close to this one at any price. I do not know how these Chinese craftsmen do it but grab one of these now cause it may not last. I personally am planning to purchase the BR-140 and BR-143.
I wish the pickguard was better applied but that is my only problem with this instrument. As I have stated above my brother the guitar builder has reassued me of its value. He also cannot believe the sound and quality.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $450
Submitted 08/31/2003
at 10:52pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
9
This is a new line blueridge introduced, and i must say they are on to something very good. Blueridge is a newer brand that was synonymous with cheapo to mediocre acoustics...like yamaha, alvarez and washburn. They exploded to the top level arena really well to say the very least. I have been a yamaha fan for a looong time because some of their models really sing for the buck$, but now blueridge is the best for value. Hell, value is used very loosely because this axe is conservatively worth twice as much as MSRP...and thats saying alot.
ALL SOLID GUITAR, if you want a "decent" guitar, it has to have all solid woods. The guitar is very attractive. It has a darker yellow spruce top compared to other acoustics. Really nice dark indian rosewood back and sides, you can see the grain. Now the neck is a lighter piece of brown and i dont know what material that is. So theres this three tones of woodsy feel...beautiful!
It also has vintage style bracing and bone saddle and nut...they spared no expense here. Very cool frets and fast neck. Its thin enough to do cool fast runs and still maintain an "acousitc chunka wood" feel in your hands.
Sound
:
10
Heres where it all matters. The blueridge is up there with the highend Taylors, Martins, Gibsons, and so forth with "boutique" names like Collins.
Very good volume, it cuts and doesnt lose definition, actually it has a sweet spot to where you strum pretty hard and it just punches and snaps at you. Sometimes I just sit and strum a chord soft to loud to really loud just to be amazed of the range and definition. It could use a little more bass, just to be stickler.
The sound is inspiring. I'm jamming like never before, really! I cant wait to hear the guitar years from now when it just gets sweeter and sweeter. This is the best and last acoustic I'll own...maybe I'll get the BR180 if I get a deal and I'll sell this one.
First off, its REALLY hard to get a perfect 10...sound of course is number one, and $ is just the cherry on top. No other guitar manufacturer has EVER given us such a good combo.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
I hear that this guitar can get some probs with the nut. And i personally have a problem with their pickguard cuz mine is slightly sticking up...there was a dealer here in town that had the same problem.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Very sturdy guitar like a decent one should be, however I luv this puppy so much I fear taking it on gigs for fear of it getting scratched up.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
dont know much
Overall Rating
:
9
Ive been playing for almost 15 years. I've gone through countless acoustics. Never owned a Taylor or Martin, dont believe in spending that much unless its ABSOLUTELY worth it...and it seems Martin and Taylors and everyother brand out there have been selling out in quality to the low end market with "Musicians Friend." I have friends and played EXPENSIVE acoustics. Bottom line is I would have saved up and paid twice from what i paid for this baby...its my baby! Its like a combination of the acoustic triumvirate - Taylor, Martin, and Gibson. It has the brightness between the Taylor and Martin and has the bass response between the Martin and Gibson.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $795.
Submitted 08/08/2003
at 02:55pm
by Jerry Hicks
Features
:
10
Blueridge BR160. This thing has a solid sitka spruce top and solid indian rosewood back and sides. The fingerboard is either ebony or rosewood stained dark to look like ebony. the same with the bridge.
vintage butterbean tuners, solid mahogany neck with very nice looking herringbone binding. It even has a heal cap and back center stripe that reminds one very much of a martin D28. Also if you have ever seen a crafters of tennessee tennessee flat top model acoustic the heads size style and abaloney work are very similar. The pickguard
looks like real vintage tortis shell.
Sound
:
10
I am sure there are some faults in the guitar model but if there are , they are not in the sound department. The BR160 has a quality all its on. similar to martin and crafters o tennesse guitars.
I play gospel and bluegrass .on the bluegrass music ilove the great highs and on the gospel music it has a super bass end.It sounds great out of the box with the junkie factory strings. when I changed them to martin sp phosper bronze medium I could hardly believe my ears.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
The action was just a little high for me but not bad. one hold on the bridge was a little to big and the pin kept trying to pop out.
also the nut was not glued down and wanted to move when I cahnged abd tighten the strings. but a couple drops of glue fixed that problem easily. The guitar was very clean , the finish was great . In a time when many guitars come with a satin finish it was great to see that high gloss. Also all the body wood was book matched very well.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
I think this guitar will hold up fine for years. the only cocern I have is about the no name butterbean tuners, although they seem to be solid, and working fine for now. I would be afraid to play this guitar in any setting with are without backup, or in a mix of a varity of instruments.
Customer Support
:
9
The only contact I have had with customer was to inquire whwer I might fine a blueridge in my area. Happy to say they were very helpful. It only has a 1 year factory warranty. But he dealer I bought it from gave me a extented in store warranty for 5 full years for free. He also included a nice arched top 6 ply hardshell case in the $795. purchase price.
Overall Rating
:
10
I have been playing guitar for 32 years. I started out ( as did most folks with a silvertone from sears.) I nowown a martin custom sunburst,
and a gibson J30 and a crafters o tennessee. it compares nicley with all three. my favorite thing about it is the great soundn and even though i've heard some jokes about the small head, I actully love it.
The only thing i would change is the reference to china on the label.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $500.00
Submitted 08/08/2003
at 12:17pm
by Doyle Walker
Email: dwjw at neto<dot>com
Features
:
10
I have been playing from the age of 12 years am now 70 years of age played just about every kind of guitar there is..my main ones have been the j45 Gibson and the D35 Martin..I ordered a Blueridge got it in today-8-8-03 its alot perttier than the Gibson or Martin eather one tuned it--- it played stright out of the box the set up could'nt have been any better. after about two hours playing I think if i had to sell..the Gibson and Martin will go before the Blueridge will..I have never seen a finer guitar at any price...if Gibson or Martin made a guitar that looked this good and played stright of the wall like the Blueridge does it would cost 4,000 t0 6,000 dollars..Doyle Walker Texas
Sound
:
10
Bluegrass
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
could not be better
Reliability/Durability
:
10
just bought it.. But it is built ever bit as good as my Gibson j45 or my Martin D35
Customer Support
:
10
from the looks of it I will never need them
Overall Rating
:
10
I been playing for 58 years--Guitar-Dobro-Banjo-Steel-Guitar
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $500
Submitted 07/28/2003
at 01:13pm
by mike bledsoe
Features
:
9
2003 model 160,solid sitka spruce top and solid east indian rosewood back and sides,herringbone trim,small but beautifully designed headstock, really fast neck
Sound
:
9
i play mostly bluegrass gospel music, and this guitar is perfect for that style. Always cuts through and is never buried under loud vocals.This guitar has a sweet tone with the right amount of bass. For the record, i have played Martins that sound just as good, but have never played one that sounds better.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
7
Action on this guitar is average, just right for me, though other players might desire to have it lowered
Reliability/Durability
:
8
Everything on this unit appears to be very solid. this guitar will definitely stand up to hard live playing, no matter what type of music. the strap button under the neck is kind of loose, but no big deal, and i would definitely use this unit without a backup
Customer Support
:
7
One year warranty, never had to use customer support.
Overall Rating
:
10
I have been playing for about 15 years, I record all my own music, and this guitar sounds great thru my roland vs1824cd. I would definietly buy this guitar again if lost or stolen, after i killed who stole it. The bottom line is this.....The days of having to pay at least $1800 dollars for an awesome acoustic are over. My friends have Martins and after i bought this, I laughed at them.....all the way to the bank. To take it a step further, I would pay Martin price for this gutiar before I'd pay Martin price for a Martin. Many people cant handle that a foreign guitar is pretty much making void the legacy that Martin has built. Blueridge is the next king.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $450
Submitted 06/13/2003
at 08:33pm
by Jeff Sands
Email: captangst<at>aol dot com
Features
:
10
Made in China for Saga Musical Instruments...beleive me, not as scary as it sounds. Is from '02. Is settling nicely in this climate (Toronto), but will need to be humidified during winter.
Standard, mid-range quality case. Doesn't matter, as it hardly spends any time in it!
Solid Sitka Spruce Top - nicely cut, grains are neat and tight. Should hold up well with age.
Solid Rosewood back/sides. The wood is beautiful and dark, bookmatched nicely. Doesn't present the "reddish tinge" of traditional material selected for guitar making.
Nice herringbone on top, marquetry on back.
14 frets to body. Rosewood fingerboard, no binding/rosewood bridge.
Martin D28 style. Nice inlay on peghead, snowflake inlay on fingerboard..some filler present, but doesn't detract from overall look.
Bone nut and saddle.
Tuners are nice, nickle coated, enclosed 14:1 ratio.
The neck is thin in height and mid-sized in width, Takamine-like in finish. Appears to be two-peice, but I could just be fooled by the grain and staining.
Only surprise: The peghead is beautiful but really, shockingly small at first. Don't worry,it grows on you...and after a few weeks, you've stopped mentally imposing a Martin peghead on it. Angle on the pins is also tight, but not a problem.
Sound
:
9
Is a bit tight to start off with, but opens up almost immediately with some use. Has big sound, but is balanced, and is especially mellow in the mid-range. Really nice. I play Dave Matthews style, and so work heavily with the top four strings...and man, can this guitar handle it!
Granted, the top is spruce, so will take several years to open upcomletely, but I have no concerns about the sound...it's great now, and can only get better.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Set-up: is fine, maybe a bit too high for my tastes....but I'm working on developing a nice fresh set of calluses, so I'll stck with it for a few months.
Action is reasonably fast, but kep in mind that it takes time to get comfortable with any new instrument. Just becasueit says "fast neck" doesn't mean that you'll automatically get faster, the minute that you pick it up!
There is only one problem: "dead spot" eg. the "pitch" of the new-cut spruce top is apparently pretty close to the 8/9 frets on the A string, so there is little actual sustain there at the moment....but I'm sure with age, the wood will mellow and the sustain will show up. Everywhere else up and dow the fingerboard, the response is lovely and full.
That's my only real and significant complaint.
Nut is fine and the grooves should open with use; saddle has lots of room to play with. Is a matter of preference, really.
Chinsey pins, end peg...would do with a fresh set of your preference.
Strings from factory are Addagio lights and sound horrid. This guitar needs/demands/deserves the best set of mediums that you can afford.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
I would have absolutely no qualms taking this guitar on stage, without backup. Stays tuned, standard or alternate, and I have no doubt that it can only improve.
I've only had it a few months, and have played it in small pubs where I didn't even need to amp-up. Fills the room with no problem, so based on my experience with it live so far, I think it'll be my regular axe for years to come.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Don't know...don't really expect much. There's no distributer for the Blueridge line in Canada, so I pretty much figured that I was on my own, anyway.
No worries either...know plenty of talented, reliable luthiers,should the need arise.
Overall Rating
:
10
Been playing for 15 years, and have been working with a '60's Framus and a mid-80's 12-string Takamine for most of those. As a general rule, I try to stick with playing other folks' Martins. Too rich for my blood. This guitar ensures that I won't have to re-mortgage my home to sound as good as they do!
I would be devestated if I lost it ten years from now, I'm sure. The only consolation would be that I could replace it with a used one that's already been broken-in!
I took chance on a guitar that I could not play before-hand, and am not disappointed in my choice. It's not a Martin, but then again, I've only been impressed with a few of those over the years. It looks, feels and sounds like one though, and that's what counts. You'll fool and depress your musician friends by wading into a jam with this baby!
This is a solid, well-made guitar, and is definitely worth the list price of $800 US. If you're looking for a cheap guitar with that small luthier feel and sound, then this is the one I would recommend.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $425.00
Submitted 02/23/2003
at 03:21pm
by R. Tidwell
Email: rtidwell at cox<dot>net
Features
:
9
Solid Sitka Spruce Top, Solid (Beautiful) Indian Rosewood back and sides, Mohagany neck with no visible luthiers joint (one piece neck?). The inlay on the headstock is amazingly beautiful, and it has snowflake position markers on the neck. The top is bound with a solid white strip and a herringbone inlay. I was not impressed with the original "vintage" looking pickgaurd (very open tortoise shell), so I changed it to a "tighter" grained tortoise shell pickgaurd. Amazing features for the price!
Sound
:
10
I play a lot with a group of folks with some VERY nice guitars...high end Taylors, a Martin, and some original Mossmans, and I think this guitar compares nicely. It has all the "boom" of the Martin and Mossmans, and a really overall tone. It is a little "bright" at this moment, but I am convinced that over time it will do what most solid guitars do and "mellow" or "open up" nicely. I am very pleased with the overall sound. I have played in a couple of jams, and the guitar cuts through the mix well...it is LOUD!
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
I had to adjust the neck as the guitar acclimated to our weather. I may adjust the saddle some when I install a pickup. The saddle is bone...not sure about the nut. It was set up as well as any new guitar I've seen. Action is good, but may need to be adjusted to suit your personal taste.
Finish: High gloss finish all around...1 small glitch on the side of the fretboard, but nothing annoying. The inlay strip on the back joint and the end joint is a nice wood marquetry. Be warned though, that the color of the top is a little "orange"...I think it is stained this way in an effort to look vintage. It is not awful, it is just not what I expected.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I have only had the guitar for 2 weeks, but I have no concerns about durability. I think it will stand up well under heavy playing.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Supposed to have a one year warranty...but I haven't dealt with them, and I do a lot of my own work (setup, minor repair, etc.)
Overall Rating
:
9
I have been playing for 15 years, and have owned a Yamaha knockoff and a couple of Takamine's. I love my early 80's Tak, but this guitar is a great substitute. I play lots of styles (Contemp. Christian, Gospel, Country, Bluegrass, Acoustic Rock, etc.), and this guitar works in all of them. It is very versitile. I took a chance on a guitar I couldn't play, and I am more than pleased!
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $450
Submitted 01/07/2003
at 08:19pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
10
Copy of Martin HD 28,forward X bracing, parabolic scalloped bracing, made in China. Beautiful finish. Looks like a Martin. All solid wood, spruce top, rosewood back and sides.
Sound
:
10
Full, deep, clear sound. Really everything you can ask from a D guitar. Rich, mellow and it is brand new. Loud. As Tony Rice says of his Martin, a cannon.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
No Opinion
Guitar was well set up. Just brought down the nut and saddle to my taste, neck needed no adjustment.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Feels solid. Quality enclosed butterbean tuners. Its new so I really can't say more.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
I have no idea. 1 year warranty.
Overall Rating
:
10
This guitar eliminates the need to spend big bucks on an expensive guitar. I love it and have quite a guitar collection. It really is as good as it looks and can recommend it without reservation.
Product: Blueridge BR-160
Price Paid: US $600
Submitted 10/29/2002
at 01:26pm
by Anonymous
Features
:
10
this is a 2002 model br160 blueridge by saga full size acoustic it has a solid sitka spruce top solid east indian rosewood back and sides abalone snowflakes on the fetboard and beautiful inlays on the headstock with blueridge on ascroll white herringbone binding on the body butter bean tuners hold tuning very well rosewood bridge and fretboard mahogany neck is solid very impressive
Sound
:
10
this guitar is awesome sounds great with flat pick or fingers it does every thing will sound even better as this wood ages very good action and intonation harmonics bloom like jewels
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
this guitar was spick and span clean it rivals many top brands on the market has avery nice gloss finish i did not have to do any adjustments
Reliability/Durability
:
10
this guitar seems very durable will handle live playiny everything is solid
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
customer support is great only downside is one year warranty but i ordered direct they said inspect play it if you dont like it send it back no problem
Overall Rating
:
10
i have been playing for 27 years i have a carvin colbalt acoustic a martin dm alvarez 12 string the br160 is sweet i would buy again if stolen i would compare it to a martin d28
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