Blueridge BR-180

I just played one of these last week at a guitar shop in Toronto and it sounded amazing. I played a Breedlove to compare the two and the Blueridge beat the sound by far. It was incredible. I would have bought it right then but I was on vacation and didn't have any way of taking it home. It's a great sounding instrument though.

It was very playable, I know that many people have issues with the necks on these guitars, but I found it very comfortable and easy to play. The headstock is a bit small but other than that it's fantastic!!! The action was fine.

Like I said, I would have bought this guitar right then if I could have and I've been kicking myself ever since for not.

Solid rosewood back and sides, solid sitka spruce top. Very decorative abalone purfurling and bond neck. Made in China.

Nice sounding guitar for the money as I bought mine used in 2005. I am a bluegrass guy, so it is right for that sound.

The original setup was ok. I eventually had to take it in for some adjustments, which is understandable for a guitar that lives in the midwest with changing weather conditions. The construction of the instrument was without any visible flaws that I could detect.

I replaced the gold tuners with vintage nickle butter beans, which actually look better against the abalone headstock. This was not by choice, as I accidently broke one of the original tuning machines when the guitar slid off of my lap when I was changing strings. Oops! This guitar is definitely dependable and would hold up playing out.

No expeience

I think this is a great looking guitar. I really like the sound for what I paid. I think this guitar is an excellent value, especially if you want a solid wood guitar with a lot of high end features.

This is a standard BR-180. I purchased a BR-160 for my son as a beginner guitar and was blown away by the sound/quality for the price. I bought a BR-180 from Janet Davis online the next week. I had a local luthier set it up but it played ok right out of the box. I've also installed a LR Bags element which works really well in this guitar.

I think the sound is absolutely great. I own a Martin acoustic and have played many other Martins and Taylors. This guitar is not as good but very, very close. The sound is full, well balance with a strong dreadnought bass. With the LR Baggs run through a Genz Benz Shenandoah, the sound is natural, warm and full. I love this guitar.

Here's where things fall off a bit as to be expected from a guitar in this price range. I've now owned the guitar for almost 5 years. The pickguard has developed a small crack and some of the side neck plastic has cracked. My 1962 Martin 00-21 has no pickguard or cracks anywhere. The frets were good and did not need to be filed. The tuning pegs are ok but some day I'll probably upgrade. All of the wood is great and is aging in terms of sound extremely well. I didn't personally like the color of the vintage top stain. Too orangeish for me but it does seem to fading into a lighter, nicer color.

I've played this guitar live and have no concerns about withstanding live playing. I'm not a jump around stage and sometimes drop my guitar on the ground kind of guy, so I'm not even sure what "withstanding live playing" even means. The finish is lasting and is good. Strap buttons were repleased when I installed the L.R. Baggs. I would never gig without a backup.

Never needed it but did send an e mail. No response. I don't think the Saga folks sit around answering customer service questions often. You probably have to cut costs somewhere.

I've been playing for 48 years. I own the Martin 00-21, an Epi Joe Pass and Epi 175, a Fender strat, a PRS Custom 24 and another custom built electric and a custom bass guitar. I play through a Bill Billm Blues Jr, several Trace Elliot Velocette's and two Gibson Gold Tones.
I think I'd buy another one if stolen. There are now so many good $800-$1000 acoustic guitars I'd probably look around a bit.
I pretty much love everything about it except the top finish which as mentioned is looking better with age.
I seem to pick this guitar up the most often. I like bringing it out because I'm not so concerned about damage or theft. Remember, I'm comparing this guitar to other $800-$1000 guitars. In this category, I think it's definitely one of if not the best.

Select solid Sitka Spruce top with hand-carved parabolic top braces in authentic prewar forward X-pattern
Abalone border and sound hole rosette
Premium solid East Indian Rosewood back and sides with abalone pearl on all borders
Premium ebony fingerboard and bridge
Abalone position markers on fingerboard
Delicate marquetry center strip on back
Accurate vintage-style 14:1 ratio gold-plated open-back tuners with butterbean-style buttons
Nut and saddle are made from bone
Full D-45 style ornamentation
Slim mahogany neck has adjustable truss rod and 1 11/16" nut width the traditional diamond volute on back of headstock
Scale length of 25.5"
Rosewood peghead overlay with uniquie, Mother-of-pearl and abalone design on peghead
Natural high-gloss finish with aging toner for perfect vintage look
All this from the saga web site.
My Br-180 was made in 10/02. The spruce top excellently book matched with light yellow/ cream top. Not like the newer BR's very amber in tone. The tuners are gold closed back. Very Very good nice and tight keeps guitar in tune nicely. Neck is smooth and fast very comfy. Rosewood is topnotch. The ebony on the fingerboard is excellent. Same as the bridge which is striped. It comes with ebony pins with abalone. The guitar is gorgous and the abalone is just electric.

The sound was the icing on the cake. Very full,loud,complex over tones. Really nice depth and sustain with a great balance between highs and lows.The spruce top really vibrates.Alot, This guitar is well boken in and now is 5 years old. It really opened up nicely. Itonation is perfect. I also have have a Br-160 that is also 5years old but the BR-180 is much more clear and refined. I tried a Br-260 in a music store after I bought the BR-180 and I would say I they sound was same. And that's saving a couple of grand.

I bought it used. The action was perfect out of the case. Very low like 2/32nd. No buzz anywhere. the spacing on this guitar seems a litle wider than my BR-160. And all who have tried it say it plays like a dream. It has become my #1 guitar. I can't put it down. My guitar instructor hi-jacks it at every chance. So far everything he has played on it sounds fantastic. From Classic rock to alternative. I remember once at my local guitar center they had a new Martin HD35 with perfect action and a swore it played itself. This Br-180 sounds like it but with light strings. Guitar was well taken care of looked like new. No flaws to be found.

5years and counting

Playing close to a year. I was looking for a br-180 after I bought my Br-183, I had some bad luck 2 that I bought from ebay were stolen in transit. This one I traveled all over Colorado and Houston Tx. Finally found one ebay and picked it up from the seller. I have not put it down since. My other guitar's are BR-160,Br-183, Br-163. I have had this guitar a month ang my local GC has a BR-180, 160 & 183. The 180 they I have to say sucks and they want 1200 bucks used?? I'm very happy with guitar and I love the older ones. It seems blueridge used a better wood to me. If it were lost distroyed or stolen I would start the hunt again for another 02 Br-180.

The features have been aptly noted by many,but I will add that I've had my BR-180 for over 2-1/2 years now(bought it over the internet in 4-'04) and have had ZERO issues and the tuners work perfectly...I shaved the saddle down once, have added a strap button on the heel and a Fishman Rare Earth soundhole pickup/endpin...it sounds terrific in all applications....

I play a variety of styles both flat and fingerpicking,and this guitar is fabulous for all..I've been at this since the mid 60's and have owned Guild,Gibson and Taylor acoustics..The BR180 is fuller and better balanced than all of them to my ears...seriously!..it records amazingly too..numerous friends own Martins and I truly prefer the 180 to the HD28,D28 and D35's I've tried in comparison....it doesn't matter to me where an instrument is made...I'm looking for tone and playability..by chance I discovered that this 180 sounds the best so far with Elixir nanoweb phosphorus bronze lights..

Beautiful in all ways...the ONLY thing I did was drop the saddle height a bit...mine also has a beautiful top with not too much amber toner like a few of the 160's I've seen and owned..

Well I've had this guitar now for over 2-1/2 years and it is still rock solid and it's been out and about at gigs/studio and home..I play it ALL the time...it's my #1......

Prior to buying the 180,I owned a few 160's,and had to return 2 of them to Saga for structural reasons...The folks at Saga were extremely professional and prompt..I owned the 3rd 160 and the 180 at the same time and only sold the 160 because it was so close to the 180 in tone.. and I preferred the 180 ....

I'm a singer/songwriter now,but have playing/recording pro and semi pro since the early 70's..guitars/pedalsteel/dobro.. a real tone nut..when I first heard about these guitars I was skeptical..got a call one day from a friend who had just bought a BR160 and was raving about it.Drove to his place and tried it out for half an hour or so and was completely impressed..I bought a 160 immediately and then this 180..the tone and playability are astonishing....for 800 bucks?!...Fantastic value is an understatement...

Dreadnaught size body (14 frets to the neck)
Gloss, transparent, urethane finish.
Solid rosewood sides and back, solid spruce top, ebony fingerboard and bridge.
1 11/16" string spacing at the nut.
Thin profile neck with volute behind the nut.
Abalone inlay on front binding, side binding and back binding.
Very pretty snowflake/diamond/cateye abalone inlay on the fingerboard.
Headstock abalone and pearl overlay.

In the 40+ years I have played and repaired acoustic guitars, I have not heard a single guitar sound better. The sound is full and rich. The bass is bottomless and the trebles are crystal clear. The sound jump out at the listener. This guitar is very loud! It is a true banjo killer.

Set up was normal for an acoustic. The action was higher than I like. But a few minutes of filing down the underside of the saddle and the action was perfect. The nut was cut very well and the frets were perfect. Even my M-38 Martin did not have better fretwork right out of the factory. The rosewood back and sides matched perfectly. The rosewood headstock overlay was slightly lighter in color. There was a very small (1/8th inch) spot near the inside edge of the sound hole that was not finished properly. If you looked carefully inside the guitar, you could see a spot where there was a "glue wipe" discoloration. Other than that, there was no excess glue or poorly fit sections anywhere.

The guitar is very light weight and resonate. Yet it feels very solid. It is so loud that I love to really strum/pick hard when I play and just scare other guitar players with the volume. Fact is, even when playing lightly, it is still louder than most other guitar being played hard. The finish is relatively thick and looks like it will outlast Mount Rushmore. I have already gigged with it and I have no problem playing it all day.

I bought this instrument over the internet. The only thing I asked of the salesman is that they pick out and send me their loudest BR-180. The first one I received had a slight problem with the neck shape, so I sent it back and they sent me another. I did not have to pay shipping. The second BR-180 I received was perfect. Both guitars were amazingly loud and full sounding.

These guitars only carry a 1 year warranty though.

Been playing over 40 years. I teach guitar for a living and have been teaching 33+ years. I own about 13 guitar right now. I have been repairing fretted instruments for over 35 years. I own 3 Martins right now and although all the Martins are exceptional sounding instruments, I like the sound of this Blueridge better for bluegrass. It is loud, full and cuts really well. If it were to grow legs and leave me, I would buy another in a heartbeat. These are a great guitar at any price and are nothing short of amazing for $800 with a hard shell case.

As described by others.

Well, it is NOT better than my Martin D-16RGT, especially it hasn't gotten all the deep bass that I need.

It is a fine guitar, but not cheap: $900 is almost $1000 that I paid for the aforementioned USA made Martin.

Some Yamaha guitar in this price range also have a great sound.

To beat it you have to pay ?3000+ for a Collings, Goodal, McPherson ...

In summary, it is 9.

All fine.

No idea on anything else.

I live in Europe and nobody here has heard about these Blueridge gigis.

So, I have to stay with Martin: in case I have to sell her I can, but with Blueridge I would loose money (unless she is PERFECT, which isn't the case).

So the overall rating is more like 8, as inexpensive Martin like D-16RGT gets 9 to 9.5 while really cheap $300 Seagulls get 10 as they sound great for little money that we pay to the Master Godin !

This BR-180 of mine was made January 2006. It is made in Mainland China. It has a higher quality solid spruce top than the lower priced BR-160. This is the same with the sold rosewood sides and back.Every feature of this guitar is very high quality. Fit and finish inside and out is really great.

The sound and tone, with Martin "SP" Phosphor Bronze strings, either light gauge or mediums, plays very well with this guitar. There is not the deeper ringing bass sound of a Martin HD-28, but is comparably very close to a standard production D-28 sold today. Very good sustain and tone. My BR-180 is very good for playing bluegrass, flat picking and finger style.

The factory set up was just right on my guitar.The action was medium low all up and down the fretboard. Bookmatched top was very well done. The tuning keys must be replaced by any serious dreadnaught Blueridge player. I installed standard Grover "Roto-Matic gear enclosed tuners, and the six shaft holes accepted the Grovers just fine, along with the six o'clock position of the wood screw. The six 12 o'clock upper empty screw holes I just simply filled them with the Blueridge six wood screws. It does not detract from the looks of the back side of the head stock.

This guitar has taken a lot of playing with local bands I play with, all acoustic bluegrass and folk music shows and gigs. I own a Martin HD-28, and an HD-35. I play my BR-180 much of the time, and it holds up well. Fit and finish is very durable. Dependability is right on. Of course I added a strap button to the heel as any player would do.

I have not had to deal with Saga-Blueridge with any problems. I don't forsee any problems the way this guitar is built.

I have been playing forty years. If this BR-180 was stolen or lost I would definatetly replace it. And if I did I'd still replace the factory tuning keys. There other brands of guitars in this price range class that very good quality. But the BR-180 is worth considering.

This is a late-2005 Chinese-made guitar. I bought it because (a) it emulates the Martin D-45, (b) it cost $799.00 to the D-45's $6,700.00, (c) I wanted something like the D-45, but am too cheap to spend that much for a guitar, and (d) my daughter has a Chinese-made cello that has been a spectacular instrument for her. The manufacturer says that this guitar has a Sitka (isn't that a place up in Alaska?) spruce top, rosewood sides and back and a mahogany neck. They also say that the inlays that are on every edge of the box are abalone and that the inlay on the peghead is abalone and mother-of-pearl. They say that the fingerboard and the bridge are ebony, and that the saddle and nut are bone. I say "the manufacturer says" because I have no way of knowing what these guitars are made with so I'm relying on the statements they make. (Well, I suppose I could slice off a piece of the saddle and try burning it to judge the smell for bone. Nah.) The body is a dreadnaught style. The hardshell case it was shipped with does not fit the guitar's body side-to-side, so the guitar slops around in the case a bit. The tuners are open, with shells that look like pressed steel. They're plated in what looks like gold. The top on mine is finely-ringed, bookmarked and quarter-sawn, so it yields a very nice visual ripple to a tilt in the light. Very pretty. The back is also book-marked, and the middle seam is not abalone, but what looks like a multi-colored wood marquetry. Also pretty. There is what the manufacturer calls a "diamond valute" at the peghead just above the nut. It doesn't seem to interfere with your left hand or to act as a stop for your hand. It's just there.

I'm judging the sound "out-of-the-box" here. The shipping strings were D'Addario, two of which snapped as I was bringing the guitar into tune. I re-strung with Elixir medium. The guitar sounds about o.k. I'm comparing with my previous guitars, a D-18 Martin, a Guild, a custom-made Ralph Baker, a Yamaha and a Tacoma Chief. The bass seems a little less projecting than with any of those guitars. The midrange and treble sound about o.k. Overall, the guitar most reminds me of the Baker. It has to be pushed a little to sound out, and when pushed it does o.k. Good sustain. This guitar (this particular guitar - no aspersions being cast on other BR-180s) seems a little "dead" overall.

The peghead is on the small side, narrow. As a consequence the tuner shafts lay too close to in line, and each of the windings on the high and low E-sring shafts edges against the upper string coming across it. This is NOT GOOD! The pegheard has a very "busy" inlay with no particular theme. It's probably the ugliest thing I've seen on a guitar. If you're at all sensitive to this kind of thing you'd like the BR-160 or the Carter Stanley model better. Wow! What a mess. Well executed for what it is, but what a busy confusion of vase-forms, curlicues and such.

The finish is high gloss urethane all over. There's an toned finish on the top that makes it look a little orangish-yellow on the top, as though it's been around for maybe 25-50 years. It's not as ugly as it sounds. It does seem pretty heavily laid on, and I wonder if it's holding the top back, deadening it.

I have my doubts about the tuners. They're holding o.k. for now, but they just look light. The tuner knobs feel small and thin to the hand, with rather sharp edges. I don't like them at all. My tuners have no roughness to them and haven't slipped pitch yet, so maybe they're o.k. despite how they look.

The nut holds one of the strings a bit during tuning. An annoyance, as the string "squeaks" into approximate place and has to be retuned.

I really think that the finish is too heavily applied all over. The back of the neck is thick with glossy finish. No drips, no runs, but man that's a lot of gloss.

There is abalone at every edge of the box. It's pretty narrowly cut, of mixed color, some a bit dark. It's attractive as heck. The guitar looks like it's plugged in when you put it away in a darkened room with a light source coming from another room. It just twinkles. Very pretty.

But that peghead! Yeeesh.

I'm guessing that this top is going to lift up at the bridge pretty quickly. Even my old D-18 lifted some, but this box already has a hint of a buldge at the bridge. I hope I don't regret this purchase. That's my biggest fear about this guitar - that the top will begin to bulge prematurely. Since it hasn't happened yet, and may just be the product of my paranoid fantasies, I'm going to leave this rating alone.

Never had to deal with the maker.

However, Musician's Friend has been great to deal with.

I've been playing for 42 years. I don't own another guitar now. Oh, wait, I do have a Fender Squire electric. Fun little machine. I've given my Martin, my Ralph Baker, my Yamaha and my Tacoma to each of my children. They're all holding up fine.
As to this BR-180, I wish I'd seen one in person before I bought it. I'd probably have gone for the BR-160. Less flash, more class. If this BR-180 were lost or stolen I'd probably get one of the Martin D-18s. What do I love about it? Well, I like the abalone inlay on the box. What do I hate? The peghead, both as to configuration and inlay, and as to tuners. My favorite feature? Price. No pre-purchase comparison. I relied entirely on reviews and opinions. Anything I wish it had? Yeah: "Martin" stenciled on the headstock and "D-18" branded inside.

I bought this guitar about a year ago. It is, as described by others, a fine instrument with very nice workmanship. The tuners are a bit funky, but I wouldn't go as far as calling them
cheap. My evaluation takes into account the price, which is why most guitarist have purchased this guitar instead of an equivelent Martin. It should also be taken into account that while China is best known for it's cheaper quality immitations of other products, they have excelled at producing great musical instruments (e.g. Cellos) for a great price.

It has a full bodied sound, with excellent tonal balance. I won over a dozen quality guitars, and every time I pick this guitar up I am blown away by the sound. The sound of an intrument is both objective and subjective. I have read all of the previous postings, and concur wit the majority of them as to sound quality-- excellent.

Now this is where my experience may be somewhat unique. I purchased my guitar from a renowned luthier, who set my guitar up to perfection. Hence, the action and fit is flawless. I have inspected every inch of this instrument and found the finish to also be flawless.

No issues here. Like another reviewers comments, I have not taken the guitar out of my home for fear of damaging it. I play and record using this instrument.

No comment, have not had to deal with costomer support.

Let's see, I have been playing for 30 years, mostly as a hobby. I also collect guitars. I would purchase another if it were lost/stolen. I am not one to wish that an instrument had the features/finish/look of another -- I appreciate this instrument for what it is - a great guitar, especially for the price.

Bought this BR-180 Two years ago, thats why I'm updating my review.

It started out sounding O.K. by my previous review. Two years later it is turning into the cannon that I heard about. The sound is smooth and stays in tune well. I've played new Martins, all of them except a D45 and I can say they don't sound or play this good. I've seen the feedback from Martin players defending their D28's. Fellas, a D28 can't touch this. and at a price starting at twice this. It could be a little brighter, but in time I'll probably change to Elixer strings. No Martin has a low end like this. I had to take the bridge down, but I do that on every guitar. The neck could be wider for fingerpicking.

China made with a solid spruce top and rosewood back/sides. There are sweet mother-of-pearl inlays around the binding, sound hole, head, and fretboard. The finish is seems flawless. Musiciansfriend.com gave me a case.

I really have been looking at Martin and Breedlove guitars. I found these at store out of town and after playing a few of them I decided that it sounded and felt just as good as a top of line Martin. Every time I play this thing I smile and think about what a solid made guitar it is. Back to the tone, it really has some nice low end with just enough bite. I play bluegrass and next to a mandolin or fiddle it really takes care of the lows.

The neck size is the reason I bought this guitar. I am not one to buy those beefy thick necks so I wanted something a bit on the thin size and easy to play. Well these guitars are it. I hear that the old martins have thin necks too. Although, the BR-180 does have one of the thicker necks in the Blueridge line. Not too thin, just perfect. The action is exactly where I need it so thumbs up to guys in China.

This guitar is solid.

N/A

I know that in the past couple of years the price has jumped at least $100 on these guitars. So it is still worth the $$$. I have been playing guitar for 11 years and teaching for about two. I am also in a bluegrass band and play in the band at my church every Sunday. I am very pleased at this purchase. If you are thinking about getting this guitar you are saving yourself at least 4X the money than getting a high end Martin. I know that I will enjoy this guitat for a long time.

I recently purchased a BR180. The features have been previously described and do not need repeating. However, I really must say the guitar is cosmetically beautiful. I do have a little concern about the the bridge pins staying in place when changing the strings, but if you hold them in place when tightening the strings, they tend to lock in place. So far the tuners seem fine.

I am a bluegrasser and have two HD-28's. I have owned a D-35, D-18V and a D-18. In my opinion, the BR 180 resembles more the sound of the 35 than the 28s'. I have shopped for and played Santa Cruzs', Collings, Huss and Daltons, and other high end Martins and feel that by all means, the Blueridge has it's place in the market. I'm really not sure if a fair comparison can be made to the higher end makers. When you play the Bueridges next to these makers, you can really distinguish the difference. But, the BR 180 has good tone and volume. You really cannot go wrong for the price. In fact, I am considering, buying a BR 240 Mahogany. I would not consider trading either of my Martins for a Blueridge, only because I do not perceive the Blueridge increasing in value over time the way a Martin or the above mentioned makers would.

The setup seems fine. It plays well and appears to be made nicely. I've read some of the negative comments on the tuners, but my Blueridge does seem to stay in tune fairly well. The bone nut and saddle are nice enhancements. Martin and some other makers use Micarta. I've spent as much as $125.00 alone to have a bone saddle made.

I will be playing it out at our next gig to see how it sounds miked. Before doing that, I will take it to a jam. If it can withstand a bluegrass jam, which I am anticipating it will, it will easily withstand a two hour set.

No experience

I really like the workmanship and it's looks. I compare it to my Martin D-35. It has very nice tone and volume, but time will tell. It would have been nice to have a compensated saddle.

The tuners sucks, really crap, however the value of THIS guitar is worth an upgrade to good pair of tuners. For more, se the other review's.

The sound made me do this review :-) The seller told me, it sounded like a Martin HD 28. And you know what??? It is TRUE :-)

Bone-stuff. Nice frets. Nice fretboard. VERY nice top on this guitar. Once again, tuners really sucks for such a greath guitar!

No comments.

No comments. Bought used.

I played for 15 years, own a Gibson J-45, Martin D-18, the finish of these two is a lot better than on the Blueridge, but surprisingly the Blueridge is a winner in sound. Don't know any of the other models from Blueridge??? With a solid wood guitar at this level, you will get a LOT of value for your money.

Bone nut and saddle, excellent tight grained Spruce top, solid Rosewood back and sides, ebony fretboard and pins, Martin style pre-war scalloped X-bracing, and abalone everywhere, which doesn't look ugly, like I REALLY thought it would. You can still see and feel the grain through the gloss finish. The worst thing about it is the headstock inlay (if you have seen pictures you know what I mean) but I have to say that it isn't ugly AT ALL when you see it in your hands. I just don't get it. I figured it would be pretty nice, but it has far exceeded my expectations. It has a nice set of gold open back tuners (waverly style) that are nice and smooth.

It is really amazing sounding. The guitar is very much nicer looking in person than it is in pictures. My friends Dad (bluegrass player) has a D-28 from the 50's (original owner) and I just can't fathom how Saga has been able to build as much of a guitar for so little money when I compare them. I played them both and I would say that the 180 has ALL the character and overtones, maybe a slightly less bass (but the 180 has lights on it and the D-28 is sporting mediums) but it is much more articulate. I have never heard a better sounding dred when fingerpicked. It just purred. I want to go play it again, but I don't want to wake up my wife--its pretty darn loud. The funny thing is its not only loud, but it actually sounds good at the same time. I have played a number of guitars that are loud but sound like garbage.

Nut and Saddle were perfect. Intonation perfect. I can't understand it. How is it so good and so inexpensive? Frets were smooth inlay perfect.

One year warranty, but it looks like you won't need it.

Only dealt with the dealer, so I can't comment.

I had to wait a little while to comment on this one--to be sure I wasn't just having new gear syndrome, but I was quite nervous about buying simply because it is built in China, but it is really amazing sounding. The worst thing about it is the headstock inlay (if you have seen pictures you know what I mean) but I have to say that it isn't ugly AT ALL when you see it in your hands. I just don't get it. I figured it would be pretty nice, but it has far exceeded my expectations. It has a nice set of gold open back tuners (waverly style) that are nice and smooth. If you can get over the country of origin, which I must say, I wrestled with philosophically, it is just beyond comprehension. No hyperbole intended, if you haven't played the BR-180, you should. I don't know how the others sound, but if this is any indication, I may be looking this way again. It is so exciting to energize your playing with a new instrument once in a while. I had to share the experience and try to remain as objective as I could, but I give this one a big thumbs up for price to performance, it would be REALLY tough to find an equal in the market right now. If you read the last issue of ACOUSTIC GUITAR magazine where the builders were interviewed and said that it is hard to compete with the level of guitars coming out of asia right now, I can see their point. I just don't find anything wrong with it that is not politically motivated--it is just that good.

Admittingly, I was sceptical of instruments made in China. I take note that some very tallented musicians play excellent stringed instruments, such as cellos, that are made in China. The Blueridge BR-180 is no exception. I bought this guitar yesterday and I am sure that it will become one of my favorites. This guitar shows quality in terms of the raw materials, workmanship and finish. It does have a orange tint to the finish, which to me is not so much an issue. If I had to pick one thing out of this guitar that appears to be of lesser quality than the rest, it would be the tuners. Otherwise, I have looked this guitar very carefully and can not find a flaw - impressive.

I own 11 guitars and I need another guitar like I need a hole in the head. I took one of my guitars to a trusted luthier, and he showed me this instrument. Although the wood and the workmanship initally caught my eye, it was the sound that closed the deal. The sound is well balanced and rings like an instrument three times the price.

I had the luthier do some minor tweeks, but out of the case it played and sounded great. The fretboard was finished very nicely and the action was fine from the manufacturer.

I have not owned it long enough to rate this category, but as with most acoustics, it is really dependent on how they are taken care of.

N/A

I have been playing for nearly 30 years, not that it means a damn thing to someone else. I guess that I have learned what sounds good, at least to me. I don't buy into all of the hype, if it sounds good to my ear, that is the main thing. I would not have bought yet another guitar if I did not think that it had something very special to offer, this guitar does. Before you buy a similar guitar at 3 times the price, you owe it to yourself to check out the BR-180.

I received my BR180 last week after waiting several months. U nyst say that the wait was well worth it. The guitar is beautifully constructed, and does not seem to have any of the problems that I have been reading about. The gold tuners seem solid and well built. They look like they are cast and not pressed. The pick guart is well attacted to the top, and the fit and finish are stunning. I can find now flaws in the construction. The inlay work is beautifully done and the toner is not nearly as orange as i expected. In fact it is an almost perfect match to my 71 Guild D40

The sound that this guitar puts out is wonderful. Lots of depth and sustain with a great balance between highs and lows. I love it

The guitar played beautifully right out of the box. The neck has an excellent feel. I love playing this guitar and have a hard time putting it down!

I try to take good care of my guitars and always keep them in their cases. I suspect that this guitar will stand up well over the years

I have found people at Saga to be courteous and prompt with their replys. I called with questions concerning the BR180 before I purchased, and a rep phoned me and we had a very nice discussion. He answered all my questions. I would like to see a longer warantee, but honestly I have never had a problem with a guitar in the past

I purchased a 2004 Blueridge BR-180. The guitar includes all solid woods, rosewood back and sides and spruce top. The soundboard has a toner with an orange tint. Personally, I don't find it overbearing. In fact I believe it gives it that antique look of aged wood. The spruce top was not as fine-grained as some of the reviewers found, but this did not seem to detract from the great sound. The abalone trim was stunning except for the fretboard where some of the markers were dark. Nut and saddle were excellent. No problem with fit and finish.

This is why I originally bought the guitar. I purchased the guitar unseen or unplayed except for reviews I had read on the internet. Out of the box the guitar's sound was loud and clear on every fret. No buzzing. I did a sound test with my wife by bringing out the d-45, the hd 35, the Taylor 810, and the Larivee d-09. The br-180 won hands down. The tone is even between bass and treble much like the Taylor 810, only louder. It does not have the heavy bass of the 35, but then I tire of that muddy sound. My wife was pleased of course because I only spent $800 on the guitar. You can't lose and believe me I was nervous about the purchase. I had seen the guitar advertised in a bluegrass magazine I subscribe to which usually only showcases the usual American Guitar Companies. I couldn't believe the price. Too good to be true. It is true.

The action was perfect. It is one of the few guitars I have had that I won't have to adjust the action. However, this is a personal choice for all of us. I play all types of music but concentrate on bluegrass and rhythm, some fingerpicking. I could find no flaws in the finish. The nut and saddle were fine. I did not find the frets to be unfinished-the same as my more expensive guitars.

I've only had the guitar for 5 months. I have had no problems and don't expect any.

To be honest, I've never had to deal with warranties with any of my guitars. If you take care of them, they take care of you.

For the money this is a beautiful guitar. I smile everytime I think about the "deal" I got on this purchase. At some point the price has to go up when more people find out about them. I am 51 years old and have been playing for about 35 years. I've had many guitars and although I would stop short of saying this is the best one I've ever played, I would wholeheartedly say it's the best guitar for the money. When I purchase a guitar I look for two things-playability and tone. This definitely has both in addition to being a very attractive guitar.

2004 blueridge BR-180, 20 frets, all solid quality wood construction, solid sitka top tight grained. mahogany neck with volute, genuine albalone inlay, pre-war forward shifted x-bracing(martin d-45 specs) parabolicly shaped scallopped. Finish is high-gloss aging orange toner. dreadnought shape. tuners are butterbean klusons. ebony bridge and fretboard. bone nut and saddle.These features were a consideration in purchasing a Blueridge

Sound suits my style very well, hard strumming, hard picking, soft fingerpicking, folk, punk blues, country, neil young style.The sound is rich, full, and bright all at the same time. The bass response isn't as big as some of the Martins i compared it to(hd-28, hd35) I actually breifly owned these 2 Martins, but sent them back because I was dissapointed in the sound for the price. The Blueridge is More focused, More woody midrange, more sparkle in the high end. To the untrained ear when I played the Martins for friends they said that it sounded that the bass sounded trapped in the guitar(hd-28), and better bass, but brittle high-end(hd-35). Now a lot of my friends don't know the diiference between a Martin and a Blueridge, they just know they liked the sound of the Blueridge better. They would say thing like warmer, clearer, woody sounding. I have to say That the Martins I've tried and had feel great and I like the quality of the woods and construction, the smell, but I feel that compared to some of the older Martins, they feel and sound over built. Maybe with different string and set-up and a year to break in I would feel different. I friend of mine told me if you like the sound of the guitar now, you'll love it in years to come. If you not blown away by the sound now, there's a good chance you won't be blow away by it later. My Blueridge sounds a little better day by day. Very happy with BR-180's sound, felt that the marginal difference you get with some of the Mrtins that are $1,000's more wasn't worth the money.

Set up was great, the action wasn't too high or too low. It was right in the middle where I wanted it. I immediately change the strings(d'addario lights) too bright and brash for my taste. I put on Vintage bronze med's. Vast improvement, louder, bassier, clearer treble. (Try not to judge the Blueridge on the strings it is shipped with). I have heard that the nut on some of the Br-180's is cut too close, but mine seems perfect. I must have got lucky. Also, I am having none of the tuner problems that people have talked about. Even with the strings off the tuners stay tight and so far are not falling apart. As a matter of fact even after throwing the guitar in a gig bag it still stays in tune. As with all guitars no matter how good you can always pick out faults. I wish I had a little more saddle height to work with, like the Martins give you. However, I have talked with other Blueridge owners who have had there guitars for years say the even with harsh temperature changes and humidity they have only had to shave off about a 32'd on the saddle. We'll see what the future brings.

So far so good. i have had a lot of guiatrs in my years and have done some heavy touring and this guitar seems like it will hold up. As I said before the tuing hardware on my guitar seems solid. Maybe I got lucky or they improved on this? A luthier I talked to said that the amount of glue/type that China uses on thses Blueridge will hold up really well through the years.

Been playing for on and off for 20 years, seriously with touring and atleast a 100 shows a year for the last 10 years. I own gibson, martin, guild. Have owned many other brands. If it was lost or stolen I would be heart broken and i would immediately get another one. Blueridge BR-180's went up a hundred dollars and they are getting more popular they are getting harder to find. Every place I've called are sold out and have been for weeks. My suggestion is get one while the quality control is good. I really think thses guiatr will go up in value over the years. Proof is in the pudding and they sound awesome!

The Br 180 and 183 are truly great guitars. Like all instruments a picker can find problems. I have owned almost everything on the market and at this time have the top end of most makers. I also am a Luthier with 28 years of experience and do repairs. These Blueridge guitars of mine are really great not only for the price but materials and workmanship. Try to build your own with these materials and try to beat them at what they do and you will be a sick puppy.I had to do minor fret work and neck adjustments on mine but I only paid $800. with a HSC. I have never owned a Martin that I didn't have to do some adjustments on.Yes I have owned or repaired several thousand instruments in my 30 yrs. I find that most of the instruments are actually better than the people playing them. I learned this while studying Classical guitar and Violin.In a way the Blueridge instruments are cutting at my market but I still have to be honest and say they are very good instruments. I wish they would install the neck after applying the finish so there would not be a build up of finish around the heel. They need to watch their neck sets I would like more saddle above the bridge. This is very hard and the best American Luthiers miss this sometimes. I also would like less toner on the top but that is just a personal thing.I think they will be a good investment and I believe most of them if treated properly will hold up under time.I have lost more $$$$ on high end guitars than the well made cheaper instruments.However, They don't sound like my 36 or my 39 D-18 but the new Martins don't either.I don't believe they can continue building these for the price.If you have one I hope you enjoy it.

you already know the major stuff.
I have had no tuner problems. The string pegs are poorly made. No bridge relief before the pegs. Had to cut string slots so they went sufficiently downward after the bridge. (Didn't see that one, did ya guys?) String winders position cause contact with previous winders. Frets not trimmed at body and neck joint.

I have been playing for many years. The tone is great. But I did not find it at all to be the "cannon" as I've heard it described. And since I am a fingerpicker it is less than anticipated in volume. It is however an acoustic which can be recorded without EQ if you can find a mic that good. Like most guitars (including Martins) it comes with action too high at the nut.

Fairly good setup but they missed a few things. The building of the body seems flawless. Beautiful to see, unlike Dean guitars (and some others) that LOOK great but have no tone at all.

This one will last forever. Unfortunately it will probably take forever to loosen up.

Get one while you still can for this price or before somebody else buys the company. Nothing can touch the tone for the price.
If at all possible find a store where you can try more than one. So far I haven't.

This guitar was made in China in 2002.
It's a dreadnaught shape, a solid spruce top, ebony finger board, Indian (farmed) rosewood back and sides and abalone pearl borders and trim.
The neck is thinner than the Martin D series this guitar is patterned after.

It suits my music style perfectly. I play jazz but use a different guitar and folk/rock with this guitar.
The sound is very warm with a big dreadnaught bass and clear bright highs. I pulled out my Martin 0021 for tone comparison. This guitar actually sounds warmer to me.

The fit and finish of the guitar inside and out are first rate. I took a small mirror and looked inside. I would probably ask Blueridge to tone down the aged top wood finish they use but it's not bad.
The frets could use a little work. They're o.k. but need a bit more finish and fine filing. The neck in general needs to be re-set up by a good luthier. I'll probably switch out the tuners at that time and put in Gotoh's. The guitar plays just fine. Keep in mind I keep comparing this guitar to my Martin and Martin D-45's I've played. Some of you may be laughing at comparing a $740 Chinese guitar to a Martin D-45 but you really should see and play one of these. I'm a Martin guy but I'm also a guy who can't afford spending $5,000 or $8,000 for Another acoustic guitar. So this one makes me very happy.

The guitar sure looks like it will hold up. Except for the tuners, everything else seems fine. The finish looks very solid and yes this is perfect gig guitar. I hate playing or bringing any expensive guitar or bass to a gig and I'm an old guy who only plays nice parties and gigs ;)

No contact, no opinion.

I've been playing for 35 years. I own a Martin, A strat, A custom electric, a Joe Pass Jazz guitar, a Kinal custom bass guitar, a Gibson 5 string banjo and assorted amps.
I'd buy another one in a minute.
I love just about everything about it.
My favorite feature is the sound and look.
I compare it to Fenders, Seagulls (same price) and Martin's (much more expensive). It compared much more closely to the Martin's.

a lot has already been said about the blueridge br-180 so you know most of it. it's all solid w/ rosewood and spruce.... but the tuners are a modified Waverly design and are no name brand. to replace these tuners with gotohs that look like them but are very high quality go to stewmac.com cost is 49.99 that is what I am going to do as I was informed that the tuners are a trouble spot on the Br180 as you read on down you will see what I mean. seems like the gold tuners on all the blueridge guitars are a problem while the nickle tuners don't have the problems of falling apart.

it already sounds so good I cannot believe my ears that I am not hearing a very high priced martin. think Hd-28 or a very deep d-28. this is the best sounding guitar I have owned. better then a dy-91 koa alvarez yairi that retailed for 2000.00, better then my taylor 614. my old guild D40 or any of the three other br-180's I have tried. it is so rich and full I might be spoiled for any other guitar

well here's where the problems come. nut poorly fit sticking out the high side a bit. bridge pin holes oversized and pins pulling out. I will have to get oversized ones from stewmac and if that don't help I will get the bridge replaced. the pickguard was coming up so I heated it with a hair drier and pulled it off. didn't like its looks anyway. now for the tuners. the low E and A both came apart while I was putting on new strings.this released the tension and of course the tuning could not be done. I have fixed the problem for now by pulling the tuners and repinging them to hold the backs on because the first job at the factory wasn't done right or at all.
although these are Waverly copies they are not built like Waverly. the back supplies tension to the peg gear to keep then in place unlike Waverly's that have a solid complete ring that hold the tuning gears in place. I am sure the gotohs are much higher quality then these as some top guitar makers are now using them. should solve my problems.

well if you want to trust the tuners you can but after my incident I won't because I have seen the insides and they are an accident waiting to happen. there is just three tiny ping indents holding the backs on and when the back pulls off the tuner is worthless, the tuning knob and gear fall right off into your hand. I can see this happening to someone using a string winder on stage "in a hurry" as buttons are sometimes stressed sideways a bit when using a stringwinder. off comes the back and the tuner falls apart.
fix this tuner problem and it should be ok. but know that stewmac is the only place to find goodones like the gotohs or the waverlys which are really expensive at 149.00 a set or more.

well I contacted saga music {called them ,as the several emails I sent either came back or were not answered}and they said "I would have to go back through the person I bought it from on ebay" I warned them that I was going to do this write up and it wouldn't look good but they said they didn't care. well then I don't care either. but I paid a good price for this guitar and the least someone could do is be honest and help me out as I would do for them.
be careful about buying anything on ebay. ask a lot of questions and get a guaranty or warranty of some sort. otherwise I doubt I will buy anything from ebay again. be sure you know who you are dealing with and that you will have support if something happens

well I have been playing about 24 years and have owned many fine guitars and some not so fine. I didn't really have a good acoustic until I got this one because I sold my taylor recently and all the others I mentioned are also gone. I went full electric for a long time and the acoustics I had on hand were never used but now am trying to go back to acoustic as I don't want another band situation. electric guitars do not make for a one man band but a good acoustic can go a long way.

Blueridge
BR-180
a lot has already been said about the blueridge br-180 so you know most of it. it's all solid w/ rosewood and spruce.... but the tuners are a modified Waverly design and are no name brand. to replace these tuners with gotohs that look like them but are very high quality go to stewmac.com cost is 49.99 that is what I am going to do as I was informed that the tuners are a trouble spot on the Br180 as you read on down you will see what I mean. seems like the gold tuners on all the blueridge guitars are a problem while the nickle tuners don't have the problems of falling apart.

already sounds so good I cannot believe my ears that I am not hearing a very high priced martin. think Hd-28 or a very deep d-28. this is the best sounding guitar I have owned. better then a dy-91 koa alvarez yairi that retailed for 2000.00, better then my taylor 614. my old guild D40 or any of the three other br-180's I have tried. it is so rich and full I might be spoiled for any other guitar. I have a mountain coming that has the same spec's as this one beinteresting to see how it sounds.

well here's where the problems come. nut poorly fit sticking out the high side a bit. bridge pin holes oversized and pins pulling out. I will have to get oversized ones from stewmac and if that don't help I will get the bridge replaced. the pickguard was coming up so I heated it with a hair drier and pulled it off. didn't like its looks anyway. now for the tuners. the low E and A both came apart while I was putting on new strings.this released the tension and of course the tuning could not be done. I have fixed the problem for now by pulling the tuners and repinging them to hold the backs on because the first job at the factory wasn't done right or at all.
although these are Waverly copies they are not built like Waverly. the back supplies tension to the peg gear to keep then in place unlike Waverly's that have a solid complete ring that hold the tuning gears in place. I am sure the gotohs are much higher quality then these as some top guitar makers are now using them. should solve my problems. I DO NOT SEE HOW ANYONE CAN CALL THIS A PRO GUITAR with all the problems they are having with the tuners. I have been at a bunch of web sites where people are raving about this being a pro insturment. I say hogwash. give me a takamine or even a cheap yamaha that will stay in tune and not fall apart and that will be a pro piece of equitment in the right hands.

well if you want to trust the tuners you can but after my incident I won't because I have seen the insides and they are an accident waiting to happen. there is just three tiny ping indents holding the backs on and when the back pulls off the tuner is worthless, the tuning knob and gear fall right off into your hand. I can see this happening to someone using a string winder on stage "in a hurry" as buttons are sometimes stressed sideways a bit when using a stringwinder. off comes the back and the tuner falls apart.
fix this tuner problem and it should be ok. but know that stewmac is the only place to find goodones like the gotohs or the waverlys which are really expensive at 149.00 a set or more.

well I contacted saga music {called them ,as the several emails I sent either came back or were not answered}and they said "I would have to go back through the person I bought it from on ebay" I warned them that I was going to do this write up and it wouldn't look good but they said they didn't care. well then I don't care either. but I paid a good price for this guitar and the least someone could do is be honest and help me out as I would do for them.
be careful about buying anything on ebay. ask a lot of questions and get a guaranty or warranty of some sort. otherwise I doubt I will buy anything from ebay again. be sure you know who you are dealing with and that you will have support if something happens.
as I write this I have contacted the dealer and he will get me a new set of tuners. he seems to really want to help so I am not placing blame on him. the rest of the problems I will have to deal with.

well I have been playing about 24 years and have owned many fine guitars and some not so fine. I didn't really have a good acoustic until I got this one because I sold my taylor recently and all the others I mentioned are also gone. I went full electric for a long time and the acoustics I had on hand were never used but now am trying to go back to acoustic as I don't want another band situation. electric guitars do not make for a one man band but a good acoustic can go a long way. be sure to ask questions if you buy on ebay or from an unknown person. this is the second guitar I have bough off ebay that leaves a bad taste in my mouth. but once again I do thank the dealer I got it from for trying to help out.I leave this guitar with an eight because of the sound. its a shame they could not go a bit father and put decent tuners on it.

The feature I like best is the sound. This guitar is a BIG sound, I couldn't believe it when I first played it. As good as any flat top I've ever played. Other than that, the quality of workmanship is outstanding, and I love the head stock.

As I said, the sound is amazing. Full, alive, great. After a week of playing the BR180 I had to sell my old guitar (which I thought was pretty good) because it's sound couldn't hold a candle to the Blueridge.

Plays like a dream. The neck is the perfect shape (for me) easy to get my hands around. The action couldn't be better.

Can't say for sure, but it looks well made. This guitar uses the forward X bracing of the pre-war Martins, and that bracing is weaker than new bracing patterns (which is why Martin stopped using it), but it also sounds better than the new bracing (which is why Martin is now offering it again). Only time will tell how this guitar will hold up.

Bouht from Janet Davis Music, so the support was great during the buy. The guitar is made by Samick, and I have no idea whether the warranty support will be good or bad, but Samick is established and will be around for a long time, so I expect it will be good.

Been playing for 35 years, owned a lot of guitars and am very picky about sounds and looks. This is the first guitar I've ever owned that completely blew me away for sound, looks AND value.