question about a guitar

[k_A_e_D_e]

i'm thinking of getting a Blueridge BR-160. i heard that this guitar is more likely for a bluegrass type of playing(not too much strumming? correct?) just wondering if this guitar is good for hard strumming or does it sound muddy. i want a loud and deep bass kinda guitar. any thoughts on this? do you guys recommend something else? what about the alvarez MD90? i really can't find a these guitars in my local stores to try it out. hope you guys can help. tnx.

[JasmineTea]

 

Originally posted by k_A_e_D_e i'm thinking of getting a Blueridge BR-160. i heard that this guitar is more likely for a bluegrass type of playing(not too much strumming? correct?) just wondering if this guitar is good for hard strumming or does it sound muddy.

BR-160 is a dreadnought. McCartney does'nt play bluegrass does he?

 

A dread is not a specialty guitar, use it for whatever you like.

[knockwood]

I'm not a bluegrass player, but I've tried out a couple of BR-160s and they are really nice guitars. Matches my perception of your criteria: definitely plenty loud and with nice, deep bass. Nice for any kind of playing and does not sound muddy. For the money, it's a great value. Only tricky part about buying sight-unseen is that if you don't like it & have to return it, you're out the price of shipping, which is not what I'd call cheap. Curious: what guitars DO they have in your local shops? I'm not saying I wouldn't mail-order - 'cause I would - but buying something I've had the opportunity to try out is always preferable.

 

Also, not to confuse you or anything, but in/around the same price range, maybe also take a look at these:

 

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/D03.htm

 

http://www.music123.com/Epiphone-DR-500R-Masterbuilt-Acoustic--i153205.music

 

http://www.music123.com/Epiphone-DR-500M-Masterbuilt-Acoustic-i153201.music

 

http://www.music123.com/Epiphone-AJ500R-i125864.music

 

http://www.elderly.com/fmic/items/GAD50-NAT.htm

 

http://www.elderly.com/fmic/items/GAD40C.htm

 

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/MOS.htm

 

And for comments from owners/players on many guitar models, follow this link and click on "View Listing by Manufacturer":

 

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/

[k_A_e_D_e]

we have GC and sam ash here but never been there for a while now. i plan on selling my alvarez MD80(mahogany back and sides) to get a rosewood guitar. i heard that BR-160 is one those better ones for the price.

[54merk]

 

Originally posted by k_A_e_D_e we have GC and sam ash here but never been there for a while now. i plan on selling my alvarez MD80(mahogany back and sides) to get a rosewood guitar. i heard that BR-160 is one those better ones for the price.

 

 

http://www.sagamusic.com/how_to_order.asp

 

Blueridge is a very good value. Use the link above to Saga Music to locate a dealer near you. You won't find them at GC and Sam Ash.

[k_A_e_D_e]

checked out the site and found dealers who carries it. the closest one is in NY. about 17 miles from my place. don't know if i'm going there and check it out since i don't want to drive in NY. i'm from jersey we have one here too that carries it but it's quite further(25 miles).

[JasmineTea]

Not much difference between 17 and 25 miles. Or if you meant 42 miles, still not that far.

[guit30]

The brick and mortar stores really overcharge you on the BR-160, I played one in this area , they wanted $895 plus tax ,no case, The Mandolin Store, e-bay and real store sells them with case for $499. What's wrong with a MD90?

Jim

[daklander]

Unless Blueridge has made some changes you'll need to have it set up. Most are pretty tough players from the git-go but are great when set up properly. At least from what I've seen and heard.

 

You might also try to find one of the new Ventura guitars.

[k_A_e_D_e]

i have an MD-80( a solid mahogany b/s). want a rosewood guitar. i'm choosing between the BR-160 or MD 90. just checked out the store but they don't have the BR-160 model. they only have the 140. for me, the MD-80 kinda sound thin. do you think the sound/tone will change if i change the saddle and strings?

[k_A_e_D_e]

guit30, i just checked the mandoline store. they have it for $549. didn't say if it comes with case. they still haven't replied on me yet.

[guit30]

His price must have gone up, most everything he has comes with a case, not set up, Dennis is pretty good at responding to you. However, you still won't get to try it. I have an Alvarez RD20S that I love, you have the expensive MD80 and it sounds thin? Have you tried the MD90 or PD 90-

Jim

[k_A_e_D_e]

it sounds kinda thin for me but louder than my ibanez. maybe it's just the string. i haven't changed it for a while.

[Cldplytkmn]

maybe you should put the other five strings on there. I tried it on my takamine and it really improved the fullness of the guitar.

[peace_harmony]

Bluridge BR-160

 

The Blueridge BR-160 dreadnaught has the key technical specs and performance characteristics inherent in the original "Pre-War Herringbones", that acoustic/Bluegrass musicians find so desirable. The sound and response that are great - and bound to get better over time as the guitar is played in!

 

Features of the Blueridge BR160 include:

 

Finest solid spruce top with handcarved parabolic braces in the classic forward X-pattern.

Solid, Select Indian Rosewood back and sides.

Delicate herringbone top inlay for vintage look.

White binding with fine black and white purfling on body.

Back features center strip of delicate wood marquetry.

Slim mahogany neck has adjustable truss rod.

Style B- Mother-of-pearl and abalone design on peghead.

Natural high-gloss finish with aging toner for perfect vintage look.

 

[Andrewrg]

Blueridge are generally very good-except for the awful scratchplates! I own a 280,the Braz RW model which is very nice indeed,but I would strongly recommend that you play a few if you can as they can be a bit inconsistent in quality.

[k_A_e_D_e]

anyone tried elixir phosphor bronze nanoweb strings?