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Saga Music’s Blueridge series is renown for a big range of gorgeous historically-inspired instruments that don’t break the bank, and their BR-180 was too highly-rated to leave off our chart of the best acoustic guitars under $1500.
However, on first glance, it’s very similar in looks and features to their more wallet-friendly BR-160 model. So what’s the difference, and does the BR-180 justify the extra cash?
Inspired by Martin’s famous premium D-45, the BR-180 features a classic no-cutaway dreadnought body shape. It has a scale length of 25.6”, and makes good use of tonewoods in its construction – solid Sitka spruce is used for the top, with solid East Indian rosewood used on back and sides. The top features scalloped parabolic-shaped braces in a historic forward X-pattern, and the entire body is finished in high gloss with an aging toner, to keep that vintage look in tact.
The select one-piece mahogany neck of the BR-180 is slim and comfortable to play, and features an ebony fretboard (instead of rosewood as you’d find on the BR-160), 20 frets, and beautiful mother-of-pearl diamond and snowflake inlays. In fact, the decoration on the whole guitar is fantastic. There’s some striking abalone pearl detailing on the body purfling and the sound hole rosette, while the headstock is elaborate and fitting with the timeless style of this acoustic.
On the elaborate headstock we just highlighted, you’ll find six precise and classy Gotoh open-backed vintage-style tuners with a gear ratio of 14:1 and butterbean tuning keys – similar to the BR-160, but these are gold-plated instead of nickel. On the body, there’s an eye-catching dalmatian tortoise pickguard, as well as an ebony bridge with standard bone saddle and matching bone nut.
One negative – which all Blueridge products tend to suffer with – is the lack of an included case! In the grand scheme of things this is not a huge deal, as you can purchase your ideal case separately, but in this price range you’d expect something to store it in.
The BR-180 offers a real sweet sound, with the construction quality and woods providing a tone to be proud of – one that stands up to guitars twice the price. The solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped braces offer clarity and crispness, while the dreadnought shape, and rosewood back and sides, give a booming low end and robust projection. Well-balanced, consistent and versatile enough for any style of acoustic guitar playing, whether fingerpicking or strumming.
Overall the BR-180 is hard to fault in both looks and sound, and definitely differs from the BR-160 in some features – a single-piece neck, ebony fretboard instead of rosewood, gold plating instead of nickel, some enhanced decoration, and better overall attention-to-detail. Worth the extra money? Yes – just. However, when you compare this BR-180 to the $8,000 Martin D-45 – and enjoy some of the similarities in both style and tone – then you suddenly see how much value it really offers!
For more info about the Blueridge Historic Series BR-180, click here.
For more acoustic guitar under $1500 you might like, click here.
Clinton Jones says
I have owned a BR 180 for about 6 years now.
I like it but after awhile I put it down and pick up another guitar.
The BR 180 sound I have always found a bit lacking, I can’t really pin point where. I have tried various string brands.
Well built guitar though.
John says
I own two BR180’s, one with a Fishman active p/u and one straight accoustic. The first one is a 2002, the latter a 2011. I love to play them both, they are full rich toned reads with resonance and sustain for days. Installed bone pins and vintage pick guards on both. I have played and owned many Martins over the years including the D-28, HD-28, HD-40, and the D-41. I have now been playing for 47 years and find the BR180’S to be amongst the best accoustic guitars I have owned. The biggest boon being the tone, not to mention the beautiful look and expert craftmanship. I highly recommend and enjoy them.
bill says
I agree with you Clinton.
I appreciate the materials and build quality of the BR 180, but there is something in the sound that bugs me after awhile.
I think the guitar can sound a little brash and possible overly bright.
I to have tried various quality strings.
Jeff says
Perhaps the lack of what you want to hear is subjective. No two people are going to agree 100% on any given subject. Guitars however are a completely different animal. I have played very expensive guitars that I found fault with. Gibson’s,Martins ,Taylor’s,etc; they all had tonal concerns that to my ears made them fall short of what I expect to hear from a guitar of considerable value. I personally own a Blueridge BR-180A as well as a vintage Guild acoustic guitar.to my ears these two guitars span a tonal range that delivers all I would ever need from a guitar. Guitar tone is a very subjective term. You like one sound I like another. As for Blueridge they have a tone all unto themselves as well as any other guitar brand. I will say that I am getting ready to buy a new Martin soon because I love the tone of a D-18. As for my Blueridge. it’s a tool in my guitarsenal that is staying put . Considering what I payed for it I’d be a fool to ever let it out of my sight.