Blueridge BR-6S

As per earlier review

I've decided to update my earlier review because I have made som alterations to this guitar which have dramatically improved its performance. The reason I got this guitar in the first place was because of its incredible value for the money and the awesome quality of the solid spruce top. Initially the sound was quite compressed and tight, although I could tell that the potential was there for a really good sound. I examined the top bracing and discovered by feel that they were quite heavy and crudely finished (although the back bracing, which you CAN see through the soundhole, is quite clean). I scalloped the bracing with a finger plane, shaped and finished them with sandpaper, and in the process took off some considerable bulk. I also adjusted the nut and saddle to my specs, although I did not replace them because they were made of a very hard synthetic and I did not think that replacement with bone would yield enough difference. Upon restringing the guitar, I noticed that the tone opened up quite a bit, especially in the bass register, which had been comparatively weak before the surgery. The tight, compressed tone of before had become much more alive, with a very nice balance and clarity to each note. The tone can now be described as clear, crisp, and balanced all across the spectrum. Whereas my Martin 000-15S is mellow and soft-edged, the Blueridge offers a tone of comparable volume but with a sparkle lacking in the Martin. I had almost purchaced a Martin D-15 instead of the Blueridge, but I'm glad I got the Blueridge because its tone is so different from the mahagony Martins. Not better, just different.

Generally, the fit and finish on this guitar is quite good except for the crude bracing finish work on the soundboard braces which I corrected with my "voicing operation". Also pickguard was lifting off the soundboard. I tried to reglue it, but it still looked lumpy. I again removed it and replaced it with a nice Martin tortoise pickguard which looks mighty fine.

It's a great guitar if you're willing to put some time into souping it up. Its certainly had more inherent quality and potential than 90% of the stuff out there in its price range. On my latest gig no one could tell that I was playing a relative "cheapo" in comparison to the usual Martin, Bourgeois, or Larrivee that I usually gig with. I'm certainly not ashamed to take it anywhere, because it both looks good and sounds good.

This is a top of the line acoustic from Saga, the company famous for its knockoffs of vintage mandolins and banjos. It's made in China and features remarkably high quality for the money.
the body of this dreadnought is advertised as "Brazilian rosewood", but it's obvious the only rosewood on the back and sides is the outer laminate - but a very beautiful selection it is, with beautiful figure and elagant swirl. The inner laminate appears to be mahogany which probably influences the tone more than the outer wood laminate selection, but that's okay because I really like the mahogany tone more than I like rosewood anyway. The top of the guitar is the most gorgeous and beautiful selection of solid spruce that I have seen in a long time. It is a beautifully clear and defect free piece of spruce which is perfectly quartersawn. Luthiers would undoubtably consider this master grade without a doubt. It is just an astounding selection of wood. The bridge and fretboard are beautiful indian rosewood and the inlays are abalone octogon outlines similar to some special edition Martin D-45s of ten years ago. The neck is three piece mahogany with glued on heel and peghead extension. The peghead overlay is again brazilian rosewood and the inlay is an abalone "torch" similar to the Martin design. The soudhole rosette is beautiful abalone and the guitar is bound in fancy cream colored plastic binding. The finish is high gloss and very well done. the tuners are Gotah or Ping and finished in gold. The nut and saddle are hard synthetic and the pickguard is a very attractive light colored tortoise similar to the Tony Rice Santa Cruz. the guitar is supplied with a hardshell Canadian case.

This guitar is brand new and sounds somewhat tight and compressed, probably due to the stiff top. But it is apparent that this guitar will someday sound great after it is played in for awhile and has a chance to loosen up. The current tone is really quite refined and balanced, and since the body is a laminate of rosewood (outside) and mahogany (inside), the tone falls somewhere in the middle of what is usually expected of those woods. But I would expect that with the beautiful soundboard this guitar features and the overall good workmanship, that this guitar will season out to something quite outstanding, especially considering the price.

Like most products from Saga, this guitar was in need of a set-up; the nut slots were not deep enough for good playability, the truss rod needed adjustment, and the mock-tortoise pickguard was lifting from the soundboard. Granted, these are small matter, but you don't usually find such problems on Sigmas or Alvarez. Martin and St. Louis Music pay more attention to final set up detail. On the other hand, this guitar is basically really well made. The materials are really first rate, the top is perfect spruce (I say it again), and the interior joining of wood joints appears almost as perfect as something Martin would do. It just knocks me out that the workmanship of this Chinese made guitar is this well executed. The finish is very nice as well. You just can't beat the materials and workmanship of this guitar for the price. All it needs is a littel time to set it up right.

This guitar seems well made and durable, but only time will tell. Japanese made acoustics had proven very reliable and Korean guitars are now quite well regarded. Will Chinese guitar follow suit and hold up in the long run? The only potential trouble spot could be the neck joint. Is it dovetailed, doweled, and butt-jointed? It's impossible to say from the outside. Hopefully, I won't ever have to find out.
Otherwise, the guitar appears to be rock solid.

Saga doesn't have the sterling reputation for custoner support that some other major players have, but they'll eventually satisfy you if you keep pestering them. I think the warranty on this rig is one year.

This is a really cool guitar for the money. I got it to replace a really beat up only Washburn D-60SW which is somewhat louder than the Blueridge but not as refined. It was just a great deal and I couldn't pass on it even though I really didn't need it. I was planning on purchasing a really nice Martin D-15 which cost $170 more.
I really made my choice based on looks, price, and that gorgeous perfect spruce top.

This is a new acoustic "dreadnaught" guitar imported from the Far East. It has a beautiful creamy colored premium solid spruce top. The body and side are a beautiful laminated Brazilian Rosewood. It has deluxe gold tuners 15/1 ratio...gotoh style. It has a thin mahogany neck with premium quality rosewood fretboard with german silver frets and beautiful abalone "race-track" octagon inlays, which is also featured around the soundhole and on the headstock. All work is of the best quality! This guitar is a knock-out looker!

I will use this guitar for playing at bluegrass festivals and around the house. It has the perfect "ring" to the strings that is sought afer for this style. It is bright sounding...can't wait to get a good set of DR strings on it!

This guitar looks like it was custom made for someone. The back, sides and top are perfectly bookmatched....I would call the back double bookmatched as the two sides of laminate are bookmatched to widen out the figure. This is factory done and hard to see, it makes a beautiful pattern. They advertise "Quality Built from the Inside Out" and they mean it. I can't find a defect of any kind...and I've really looked it over! It plays really easy with a low action.

I wouldn't hesitate to play out with this guitar but, I only play as a hobby. All the hardware, finish...everything is first class. This guitar is top quality (imported by Saga Musical Instruments) and I believe will last my lifetime without any problems.

I saw this guitar in a guitar show and traded my vintage "Vega" mandolin for it (with a new hardshell case) I was so excited I didn't even get the dealers name or address, only a handshake! I wouldn't know how to go about getting customer support...especially as how I don't even have a receipt!

I own numerous guitars (3 from Saga) I'm into bluegrass guitar, dobro's and slide guitar. I also have several electrics collected through out the years. This guitar hit me with its beauty and quality looks...and it sounds and plays really as well to boot! I would be sick if it were stolen or lost. I also have a Martin/Sigma DR-35 so would not be out a guitar...it's a winner also. So, I may or may not replace it. In the mean time I will really enjoy it!