Blueridge guitars

[Killa J]

Does anyone like these? I've been needing to get a better acoustic for a long time (I'm currently using a Dean Performer). There's a lefty Blueridge BR-70 on ebay for around 625 right now, which is around what I'm looking to spend. However, I can get a Larrivee D-3R for just under 800. That's a little higher than what I want to go, but if there is a big difference in quality, I'd rather the Larrivee.

[Whalebot]

Larrivee all the way, Blueridges can be nice but the workmanship is spotty. and the A string hits the E string on the tuning post on every one that I have seen.

[guit30]

For that kinda money, get the Larri, that Blueridge isn't even all solid wood
Jim

[Killa J]

I figured as much, but I always want to hope price doesn't equal quality. I do have a question about the Larrivee, though. I actually asked this about a year ago, when I was thinking about upgrading my acoustic (obviously I'm a procrastinator). I can't remember what the answer was though... Is the difference between a D-3R and a D-10 mainly going to be cosmetic, or will the more expensive one sound better and be better built?

[amackay11]

I bought a BR-40 last month and I am quite pleased. I realize that it is their entry level model but the sound is great and suits me perfect. Its true about the string touching the post. Like everyone on here says...sit down and play the things and go with your heart.

[Killa J]

I'd prefer to play them first, but being left handed, I've never even seen a decent acoustic I could try out in a store.

[rjoxyz]

That price seems high for the Blueridge--I have the 000 version of that guitar and paid about $450 with case. I know it may be tough as a lefty, but I gotta believe you can get all-solid woods at that price.

[babablowfish]

All solid wood, laminate, treated sewer sludge; who cares what it is made of if it doesn't play, feel, look and most importantly sound better than what you are comparing it to? If you prefer the Blueridge to the Larrivee based on the above criteria, then does it really matter which is made of what? Or vice versa? The reason people rave about all solid wood is that it is supposed to sound better. If it doesn't in any particular guitar's case then I submit that the added value is nil.

[couchjammer]

I have Blueridge BR-163. It's the 000 size body with solid rosewood sides and back. The tone is really really sweet. It's got the low end thump and the high end shimmer. The slim neck is about the thickness of a Taylor, maybe a hair thicker. I like it because it doesn't agravate the tendonitus in my wrist the way medium or fat necks do.

The original tuners have been changed to locking Sperzels. I think the idea behind this was to minimize the amount wraps around the tuning pegs to help keep the low E and A strings from touching each other on the headstock. I don't know that this is really something worth being concerned with. I don't think that I would worry about it. The tone is beautiful, it's rich, somehow it's both deep and sparkley.

What I don't like is that there is something about the fretboard that makes it kind of difficult to slide into or out of notes. I'm hoping that a good cleaning during my next string change will make it a little easier.

This Blueridge is a damn nice guitar. For the money I don't think that it can't be beat. Before buying it I compared with the Martin that is in the same price range. The Blueridge sounded better, played better and looked better than the $800.00 Martin. I also compared it with a Taylor 314 and 414. These two models of Taylor's cost over twice as much as this Blueridge. The difference in tone was so small that my ear couldn't detect any. But I think the Taylors played a little smoother.

[drnihili]

Guild DV 52 $500
http://cgi.ebay.com/GUILD-DV-52-DV52-Lefty-1998_W0QQitemZ130061410377QQihZ003QQcategoryZ2385QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

There's a few Seagull's out there too, but it does seem slim pickings on ebay for lefties at the moment.

[couchjammer]

Originally posted by babablowfish All solid wood, laminate, treated sewer sludge; who cares what it is made of if it doesn't play, feel, look and most importantly sound better than what you are comparing it to? If you prefer the Blueridge to the Larrivee based on the above criteria, then does it really matter which is made of what? Or vice versa? The reason people rave about all solid wood is that it is supposed to sound better. If it doesn't in any particular guitar's case then I submit that the added value is nil.

Hey babs, I've got a Cort parlor guitar that I thought sounded pretty good until I got this Blueridge. The Cort sounds like {censored} now, I don't even like playing it anymore.

[kwakatak]

Originally posted by Killa J I figured as much, but I always want to hope price doesn't equal quality. I do have a question about the Larrivee, though. I actually asked this about a year ago, when I was thinking about upgrading my acoustic (obviously I'm a procrastinator). I can't remember what the answer was though... Is the difference between a D-3R and a D-10 mainly going to be cosmetic, or will the more expensive one sound better and be better built?

 

 

Structurally there is no difference. The D-10 just has lots of abalone and a gloss finish. The only difference in tonewoods is cosmetic.

[Siwash]

Blueridges are nice guitars. Play one before you buy. It's the kind of guitar purchase that you should be REACHING for, rather than a price point that you're just OKAY with. . . if you can afford a bit more, it may be worth REACHING to that $800 level.

[Killa J]

Ok, so I've decided against going with the Blueridge. I'm going to save a little longer and get one of the lower priced Larrivees or Martins. Now I can't decide which model... I'm thinking either the Larrivee D-3R or Martin D-15. I've never played an all mahogany guitar though. I mostly just strum on acoustic. I'd say around 90% strumming and 10% lead playing. I almost never play fingerstyle.

[knockwood]

Originally posted by Killa J Ok, so I've decided against going with the Blueridge. I'm going to save a little longer and get one of the lower priced Larrivees or Martins. Now I can't decide which model... I'm thinking either the Larrivee D-3R or Martin D-15. I've never played an all mahogany guitar though. I mostly just strum on acoustic. I'd say around 90% strumming and 10% lead playing. I almost never play fingerstyle.

 

 

Based on what you've said, you're probably right to look for a dread (no rhyme intended). It is pretty difficult to go wrong with the Larrivee 03 series, IMO. The Martin 15 series is well loved for some very good reasons - fantastic sounding guitars at equally fantastic prices. But they are a departure. If you're going to save for a while (can't go wrong doing that, as you can only open up more options for yourself), consider the Martin 16 series as well. Depending on the dealer, you could get hold of a D-16GT for around $850. Play around as much as you can before you buy. Even if you can't get your hands on some specific models you're considering, at least try to play different species (rosewood vs. mahogany, mainly, since this is a lot of what's out there) to get a better handle on your preference.

 

Here're some video/sound clips of Martins, including some 15's:

http://www.maurysmusic.com/martin_guitar_video_clips

 

Musician's Friend also offers two custom D-15s: one with mahogany back/sides and a spruce top, and one with rosewood back/sides and a spruce top. They seem like excellent deals and I've heard a lot of good reviews. Only drawback is that you can't try one before you buy it, since it's only available online. The rosewood model seems like a particular bargain. If I were considering the mahogany model, I'd probably go for a D-16GT instead. Slightly less $, but -w- scalloped braces. I've played a few of these and think they kick ass.

[Killa J]

I prefer the slightly warmer sound of rosewood guitars, but I was thinking the mahogany top might sound warmer than a mahogany/spruce combination. I was considering the D-15 because it's the only solid wood left handed Martin I saw in my price range. I guess I could go to some stores and play some different guitars upside down to try out different models. I can actually play somewhat decently that way, but I feel like a douchebag playing upside down in public.

[knockwood]

Originally posted by Killa J I prefer the slightly warmer sound of rosewood guitars, but I was thinking the mahogany top might sound warmer than a mahogany/spruce combination. I was considering the D-15 because it's the only solid wood left handed Martin I saw in my price range. I guess I could go to some stores and play some different guitars upside down to try out different models. I can actually play somewhat decently that way, but I feel like a douchebag playing upside down in public.

 

 

You can get any Marty model in left-handed mode at no additional charge. Only hitch is you might have to wait a while for an order to come in, as I imagine not many lefties are stocked in the stores. Some good shops will allow you to order stock models through them for a refundable deposit. You'd have to check on the local level. Mandolin Bros. in Staten Island, NY, does this. Not sure they do it for lefty gits but maybe worth an ask if you're interested.

[Killa J]

I didn't realize that about the Martins. From Musician's Friend, only a couple of lefty Martins show up in the left handed section, but a bunch more lefties show up if I just search for Martin. They have a lefty D-15 with a spruce top and rosewood back/sides for $999. The specs on it seem pretty similar the the Larrivee D-3R, but the Larrivee has an ebony fretboard (which I prefer to rosewood). Would I be better of with the Martin, or should I get the less expensive Larrivee? I know Martin is a bigger name, but I know that doesn't necessarily mean a better guitar.

Edit: I guess I should say, which would you prefer? I'm sure I'd love either one, but I'm just looking for opinions.

[toddinjax]

If you buy something off ebay, you're likely stuck with it with no possibility of return in many cases. Buy from a reputable dealer and if it's a dog you just send or bring it back. That's worth something. I'm always bewilderd when I see an item listed on ebay with ALL SALES FINAL and buyer pays shipping when the same item will be available from music123, musiciansfriend, zsounds etc.ect. with free shipping and a 45days satisfaction policy, often at the same or lower price than ebay.

[Ultimate Dave]

i hadnt really looked into blueridge guitars much, but when i type the name into google the association with "Saga" comes up..

i can see where the complaints on worksmanship arise from..