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When it comes to bang for the buck ratio, Blueridge is one of the few brands which has you covered. Their BR-160 is among the best looking and best performing vintage style dreadnoughts on the market. Best of all? It's more than reasonably priced. This guitar rightfully earns its place as one of the best picks under $1500 you can get at the moment. For more solid acoustic guitars in this price range, check out our list. With that said, let us take you on a short tour of the BR-160 by Blueridge, and show you what exactly makes this guitar so great.
In many ways, Blueridge wanted to celebrate the history of the company through BR-160. They went with a vintage dreadnought design, which sports one of the best tonewood combinations out there. The top is a solid Sitka spruce piece paired with a sweet looking Indian rosewood back and sides. There's nice white binding all around the top, and the pick guard definitely reflects the theme Blueridge went for. In terms of build quality and craftsmanship, BR-160 punches above its price range, that's for sure. The neck is made of mahogany and features an East Indian rosewood fretboard with custom inlays.
In terms of hardware, we are looking at high-quality components. In order to stay authentic to the '30s-'40's era guitars, Blueridge installed a standard rosewood bridge fitted with a bone compensated saddle. The nut is also made of genuine bone, while the tuners come in form of a vintage, open back nickel plated set. The attention to detail is plain as day, no matter which part of the hardware you look at. Naturally, looks are always second to performance. Blueridge BR-160 is easy to work with, retains the intonation as well as tuning, and generally inspires confidence.
When we say that BR-160 is a vintage style guitar, that doesn't only reflect its aesthetics. The combination of solid Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood body gives off a very sweet, mellow sound which is full of that vintage warmth. The guitar is just a pleasure to listen to. Naturally, this soft nature is most obvious when you start fingerpicking. Notes sound wholesome yet clear, while the dreadnought body ensure there is enough volume and projection. Overall, the sound of the Blueridge BR-160 is somewhat specific, but refined enough to sway even the most conservative players out there.
Blueridge BR-160 comes across as a designed and well made acoustic guitar. Some will love the whole vintage theme it has going on, while others might not. However, in terms of pure performance and value for the money, this awesome acoustic guitar ranks pretty high. With a proper setup and a decent pair of strings, you can get a very impressive performance out of the BR-160. Those looking for a great gigging guitar, especially if a softer tone is preferred, will simply love this Blueridge model. With that said, we also recommend BR-160 to beginners who want to get a quality instrument right away.
For more info about the Blueridge BR-160 , click here.
For more acoustic guitars under $1,500, click here.
Jeff webber says
I own a Blueridge BR-180A. For you out there who are staunch Martin,Taylor and Gibson guitar owners. Do yourselves a favor and check out Blueridge 100 and 200 series instruments. These guitars are not made in the states (China) The parent company is Saga musical instruments, which is american and based out of San Francisco California. These instruments are on par and often exceed the build and tone quality of any martin,Taylor or Gibson guitar.But at a much lower price point. I am blown away by this line of instruments. Go play one and find out for yourselves. I did and I bought one and boy is it so sweet sounding. Way better then any Martin D-45 I have ever heard.
George M Sanders Jr says
I own a Martin HD28V and a Blueridge BR160A. I will say that if I had bought the Blueridge first, I probably would not have bought the Martin. Both have a fantastic voice, but the Blueridge ain’t a Martin, but is is the closest guitar that I have found to compare with Martin.
James Decker says
Hi I have a Blueridge BR 73…I have played them all,, Martin , Gibson,,Taylor,,, I have to say,the Blueridge out plays any of
the guitars I have or had….
its hard to find a con,, in every way these guitars are special.
Just go out and play one…
Craig Alexy says
I had a blue ridge br..70 for seven years but sold it to a good friend. I am in the process of buying a new br-160 the fit and finish of a blue ridge is awesome.For the money you pay for a martin is fine if you can afford it. My Blue ridge will be!/3 the cost of a d-28. There is a reason it is called the poor mans Martin.
Jeff says
The advertisement says its Indian rosewood but that is no longer true. It is now built with a Bolivian Rose Wood.
Close but not the same.
Keith Leach says
I have had much trouble finding these in left hand models.I did come across one on ebay but was a cutaway with no pickguard,Sent seller a question asking why and have not recieved and answer.Has anyone seen a new left handed model of this anywhere?
Dave B says
Bought a BR-160 almost 7 years ago. This is a beautiful guitar — looks and sound. Action came at about 3mm. I took it down to about 2mm and keep the stock D’Addario EJ16s on her. She sounds better today than 7 years ago — especially if you play fingerstyle. My wife says I love this guitar more than her.