Blueridge Guitars Reviews - What options are good for you?

Blueridge, a brand made by Saga Musical Instruments, is known for high-quality, historically-inspired guitars that are still relatively affordable. No matter your musical style, you're likely to find a Blueridge acoustic that's right for you. Our Blueridge Guitars reviews will help you do just that.

Our Top Picks for Best Blueridge Guitar

Best High End Auditorium

Blueridge BR 283A

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Best for Performers

Blueridge BR-180 CE

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Best High End Dreadnought

Blueridge BR 260A

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Review of our Top Picks

Blueridge BR-163 000 -- Best for Fingerpickers

Important Features

Forward-shifted, scalloped X bracing offers clear, full tone
Sitka spruce and Santos rosewood are the same woods that were historically used for guitars like this one
The smaller 000 body is ideal for fingerpickers and folk players
Snowflake fingerboard inlays and an ornate headstock inlay make this guitar a visual standout
A rosewood fretboard and slim, fast-playing mahogany neck make this guitar a fantastic player's guitar

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Pros & Cons

Pros

It's made of all solid woods for excellent tone
Santos rosewood back and sides offer clear, defined bass
Like most Blueridge BR models, this one has excellent note separation
It's a perfect guitar for history enthusiasts and lovers of vintage sound

Cons

Santos rosewood (also called Pau Ferro) is not a true rosewood, and it may not sound as good
It's fairly expensive, which puts it out of reach for some players

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

This beautiful 000 guitar comes from the Blueridge Pre-War collection. These instruments are made to the specifications of historical guitars, and they are only made using excellent tonewoods. This one has a solid Sitka spruce top and solid Santos rosewood back and sides for a classic acoustic tone. Aesthetically, it's an authentic throwback to the 1930s -- a tortoiseshell pickguard and snowflake position markers give it a look of understated beauty.

Our Star Rating

We think this is the best guitar for fingerpickers on the list, and we give it 4.5 out of five stars.

Blueridge BR 160A -- Best for Bluegrass

Important Features

Scalloped, forward-shifted X bracing lets you play with a balanced, nuanced tone
Distinctive herringbone marquetry (an inlay technique) is an homage to the details found on historic guitars
Adirondack spruce offers more volume and detail than the more common Sitka spruce
The slim, fast mahogany neck makes this a very playable guitar
Its authentic vintage tone is especially suited to bluegrass and gospel music

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Pros & Cons

Pros

The design is very true to pre-war dreadnoughts
Adirondack spruce, which is increasingly hard to come by, offers powerful sound
Deep yet the articulate sound is characteristic of most vintage dreadnoughts
Snowflake inlays and tortoiseshell pickguard give it great visual appeal

Cons

Some players may prefer Indian rosewood to Santos rosewood
This guitar may be out of the price range of some players

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

While Blueridge is fairly well known for their 000 guitars, they also make some excellent-quality dreadnoughts. This one comes from the Historic Craftsman series, which is also inspired by pre-war designs. However, the Historic Craftsman series differs from the Pre-War series in that its guitars have tops made of legendary Adirondack spruce.

This square-shouldered dreadnought's top offers stunning volume and impressive note clarity. That clarity is further supported by a back and sides made of solid Santos rosewood -- a mainstay of Blueridge acoustic guitar builds. For those looking for a booming, vintage acoustic tone, the Blueridge BR 160A is worth checking out.

Our Star Rating

This dreadnought is the best for bluegrass on the list, and we give it four out of five stars.

Blueridge BG-140 -- Best Slope - Shouldered dreadnought

Important Features

Vintage-style open-back Gotoh tuners with Pearloid buttons add to this guitar's vintage look while keeping it in tune
As part of the Blueridge Historic Series, the BG-140 is visually and tonally inspired by iconic acoustic guitar models
Herringbone binding and elegant, unique inlays set it visually apart
The classic combination of spruce and mahogany gives it a rich, warm sound that's still articulate
A slightly shorter scale makes string bending especially easy

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Pros & Cons

Pros

As a mid-range Blueridge offering, this guitar may be in the price range of more players
All-solid build gives it an incredible tone that improves with age
Though it sounds a lot like a Gibson J-45, it's much more affordable
It's extremely versatile and is well-suited to many different genres

Cons

Some players may prefer an acoustic-electric, especially if they perform live
Some players have found the tuners to be a little stiff

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

This nice-looking guitar is Blueridge's answer to the J-45. This acoustic guitar has a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, and it's finished in a high-gloss sunburst -- a relative rarity from Blueridge. And like most Blueridge guitars, this one also has a slim-profile mahogany neck with a comfortably playable Santos rosewood fingerboard.

The tone of this guitar is incredibly warm and resonant, and the slope-shouldered design removes some of the boominess that often comes with square-shouldered dreadnoughts.

Our Star Rating

We like the look and sound of this guitar, and we think it's the best slope-shouldered dreadnought on the list. We give it four out of five stars.

Blueridge BR 361 -- Best Parlor Guitar

Important Features

Thanks to its scalloped bracing, it has a surprisingly big sound for a parlor guitar
Naturally slick ebony fretboard makes it easy and comfortable to play
The classic wood combination gives you a balanced sound, and the defined low end of Santos rosewood enhances bass response
Slotted headstock, herringbone binding, and vintage Gotoh tuners give it a historic-inspired look
Its shorter scale is great for string bending and makes the neck easy to navigate

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Pros & Cons

Pros

As part of the Historic series, it's ideal for players looking for a vintage tone
Quality yet the minimalist look will appeal to many players
The traditional ebony fretboard is incredibly playable
The slim, shorter neck is especially navigable for people with smaller hands

Cons

As parlor guitars go, this model is fairly expensive
In some cases, buyers have said this guitar needs a setup upon arrival

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

Blueridge is a company that makes great traditional guitars, and this parlor model is a great example. Whether you're a finger-picker, a folk guitarist, or just someone looking for a smaller travel guitar, this one is worth a look. Like many Blueridge models, this one has a solid Sitka spruce top and solid Santos rosewood back and sides for a highly detailed tone.

This instrument also comes equipped with high-end touches. The ebony fingerboard is graced with minimalist dot inlays, and there's an ebony bridge to match. The slotted headstock gives it an authentic look, and its herringbone binding hearkens back to 30s parlor guitars.

Our Star Rating

This one has a great vintage tone, and we think it's the best parlor guitar on the list. We give it four out of five stars.

BR 43AS -- Best Affordable Option

Important Features

The solid Adirondack spruce top is often found on higher-end instruments
000 body shape is great for traditional players, folk players, and fingerpickers
Slim mahogany neck with Santos rosewood fingerboard is very comfortable to play
Laminated mahogany back and sides help keep costs fairly low
A simple rosette, dot inlays, and sunburst finish give it a classic look

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Pros & Cons

Pros

This model is much more affordable than most Blueridge guitars
Forward-shifted X bracing ensures you have plenty of bass response
000 body style is easy to handle and play
The adirondack spruce top is supremely responsive

Cons

Given the fact that the back and sides are laminated, this is a fairly expensive guitar
This model does have some quality control issues, especially with fret edges and finishes

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

This more affordable 000 guitar is part of the Contemporary Craftsman series, and it's designed with more modern players in mind. The Blueridge BR 43AS is not necessarily a cheap guitar, but it's significantly more affordable than most models without sacrificing too much in the name of craftsmanship. This instrument has a top of solid Adirondack spruce for a rich, nuanced tone that only improves with age. The back and sides are laminated mahogany, but some players have found that it sounds better than some all-solid guitars.

Even though it's affordable, this guitar still has high-end touches -- Gotoh tuners with butterbean buttons and a Santos rosewood fingerboard and bridge make it playable as well as beautiful.

Our Star Rating

Even though this is a less expensive option, we think the craftsmanship makes it the best affordable option on the list. We give it three out of five stars.

Blueridge BR 40T -- Best Tenor Guitar

Important Features

The four-string tenor design gives it a distinctive tone
It has the same forward-shifted X-bracing as more expensive Blueridge guitars
Solid Sitka spruce top offers responsive, nuanced tone
Like most other models in the series, it has a slim mahogany neck with a Santos rosewood fingerboard
It's one of the most affordable Blueridge models thanks to its laminated mahogany back and sides

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Pros & Cons

Pros

The Tenor/"Baby" body style is very easy to hold and makes a great travel guitar
Vintage-inspired headstock inlay makes it visually distinctive without being overly ornate
Tenor design is great for both jazz and modern folk playing
It's a great instrument for guitarists looking for some variety

Cons

If you're used to a six-string, a four-string guitar might be a bit of an adjustment
Given its laminated back and sides, this guitar is somewhat expensive

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

Blueridge's Contemporary series of instruments are designed for adventurous modern musicians, and this 0-sized tenor guitar is ideal for players with a unique style. Plus, the BR-40T is one of the most affordable offerings Blueridge has.

This small guitar has a solid Sitka spruce top, and the back and sides are made of laminated mahogany. However, don't let the laminated body fool you -- this guitar is still made with real Blueridge craftsmanship, and plenty of buyers say it plays like a Martin. Vintage open-back tuners with a 14:1 ratio, unassuming Pearloid fretboard inlays, and a classic rosette give this guitar a timeless look.

Our Star Rating

We think this interesting instrument is the best tenor guitar on the list. We give it four out of five stars.

Blueridge BR 343CE -- Best Worship Guitar

Important Features

It comes equipped with Fishman Presys Blend electronics for natural live sound
The 000 body is a lightweight, comfortable stage guitar
Like most Blueridge guitars, this one has forward-shifted, scalloped X bracing for a surprisingly big tone
Slim, playable mahogany neck with Santos rosewood fretboard is comfortable to play, even through longer sets
Beautiful cross headstock inlay and ring fretboard inlays make it a visual standout

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Pros & Cons

Pros

Unique aesthetics make it well-suited to gospel music
Fishman Presys Blend electronics let you tailor your sound, and there's an onboard tuner, too
000 body with spruce top offers a sound that projects well and is highly articulate
Slim neck, comfortable fretboard, and cutaway make this a highly playable instrument

Cons

Some players might prefer an all-solid acoustic guitar
Players who like a greater bass response might prefer a dreadnought or a jumbo

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

Blueridge is somewhat unique in that it has a whole line of guitars dedicated to gospel and worship music. But regardless of whether you play gospel music or not, the Blueridge BR-343CE is a great performance instrument that won't break the bank.

This model, like most Blueridge guitars, has a top of solid Sitka spruce. As it's a fairly affordable guitar, this one has laminated mahogany back and sides. However, this acoustic guitar has a more modern look than most acoustic guitar designs the company produces -- it has a sleek Venetian cutaway for easy fret access, and it has a striking sunburst finish. It's also an acoustic-electric, making it ideal for worship performances.

Our Star Rating

We think this one is the best worship guitar on the list. We give it 3.5 out of five stars.

Blueridge BR 5060 -- Best Signature Model

Important Features

A specially-engineered oversize soundhole gives this acoustic guitar a very distinctive tone
It's made with the Blueridge signature pre-war forward-shifted X-bracing
Port Orford cedar top gives it a distinctly warm sound compared to spruce
Touches like a playable, beautiful ebony fretboard and tortoiseshell binding make it a visual standout
Price-wise, it's surprisingly affordable given its quality features

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Pros & Cons

Pros

Cedar and Sapele offers a warm sound that's still very articulate
Dreadnought build with forward-shifted X-bracing means this guitar has great clarity and a full bass response
Ebony bridge and fingerboard round out the high-quality tonewood selections on this instrument
Since it was made in collaboration with a guitarist who plays in multiple genres, this is a very versatile guitar

Cons

Players who perform might prefer a guitar that comes equipped with electronics
If you prefer a traditional acoustic tone, you might want a more traditional tonewood combination

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

Blueridge Guitars will periodically release a signature model, and this beautiful dreadnought is the signature guitar of multi-style player John Jorgeson. While it may look like most acoustic guitar offerings from Blueridge, this remarkable dreadnought has a top of solid Port Orford cedar. Cedar has a warmer, mellower sound than spruce, and it's great for players who want something different.

This guitar has back and sides made of Sapele, a mahogany-like wood with a little more treble response. This makes it the perfect match for cedar.

Our Star Rating

We think this one is the best signature model on the list, and we give it five out of five stars.

Blueridge BR-260A -- Best High-End dreadnought

Important Features

All-solid build gives you an authentic vintage tone
Square-shouldered dreadnought build is perfect for flatpickers and bluegrass players
It's made to exacting pre-war specifications, making it perfect for players who want a real vintage sound
Forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing offers an excellent balance of resonance and stability

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Pros & Cons

Pros

This guitar's tone is a lot like that of a pre-war Martin
It's one of the most visually beautiful guitars Blueridge makes
The slim, playable mahogany neck has an incredibly fast feel
Distinctive headstock inlay and marquetry gives it a truly unique look

Cons

For this price, some players might want a guitar to include electronics
It may be outside of the price range of some players

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

This is another well-made instrument from the Pre-War series of guitars. If you want an authentic vintage tone and dazzling good looks, then the BR-260A is an ideal choice. Unlike more modern guitars, this one (along with the rest of the Pre-war series) has a wider 1.75" nut width. It's made of all-solid Adirondack spruce and Santos rosewood, but it has higher-end touches not seen on the company's more affordable guitars. You get a premium ebony fingerboard with classic '30s-style snowflake inlays, highly detailed herringbone marquetry, and a classic tortoiseshell pickguard.

Our Star Rating

We think the excellent craftsmanship on this one makes it the best high-end dreadnought on the list. We give it 4.5 out of five stars.

Blueridge BR-180CE -- Best for Performers

Important Features

Fishman Presys Blend pickup with onboard preamp allows you to carefully dial in your sound on stage
Beautiful abalone purfling and rosette, snowflake fingerboard inlays, and ornate headstock inlays make this a very eye-catching instrument
All-solid build with Blueridge signature pre-war bracing gives it a sound that's decidedly vintage
Ebony bridge and fingerboard offer great playability and classic good looks
Price-wise, it's still more affordable than similarly-built guitars from other manufacturers

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Pros & Cons

Pros

Quality electronics make it a stage-ready instrument
Slim, fast neck, cutaway, and ebony fingerboard make it very playable
Abalone purfling and rosette make it stand out
It offers a great balance of historic and modern features

Cons

Some buyers have noted that these guitars sometimes have rough frets
For some players, the ornate touches may be too much

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

Most models made by this company don't have cutaways, but plenty of contemporary players prefer cutaways for easier fret access. This cutaway-equipped dreadnought also has some of the most stunning looks on the list. Glimmering abalone purfling and rosette look great under stage lights. Resonant Sitka spruce and Santos rosewood give it a versatile sound, and the Fishman Presys Blend pickup is ready for live performance. While the BR-180CE is part of the Historic series, this guitar offers a unique blend of historic and modern touches.

Our Star Rating

We think this is the best guitar for performers, and we give it five out of five stars.

Blueridge BR-283A -- Best High-End 000

Important Features

This well-made guitar is built to sound like the 1930s 000
The smaller build is comfortable to play
Ornate abalone inlay work makes this guitar a work of art
The solid, rare Adirondack spruce top gives you unparalleled volume and responsiveness
This guitar's articulate voice makes it great for recording

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Pros & Cons

Pros

This is likely the best-sounding 000 in its price range
Its smaller size makes it both portable and comfortable to play
It's ideal for players who want an authentic vintage tone
It's made with superior craftsmanship

Cons

It may be out of the price range of some players
At this price, some players might prefer a guitar equipped with electronics

Brief Review & Star Rating

Review

This stunning 000 guitar is the flagship model of the Pre-war series, which is arguably the best line of guitars made by Blueridge. This one comes with parabolic forward-shifted bracing that's identical to the bracing used in the 1930s 000 acoustic guitars. It's made with solid Adirondack spruce and solid Santos rosewood, and the smaller body has a projection and clarity that's perfect for recording or performing in smaller venues.

Every border of the guitar is graced with abalone inlays, and the fast-playing neck is capped by an ebony fingerboard. While this is one of the more expensive instruments offered by Blueridge, it's a guitar worth looking at.

Our Star Rating

We think this is the best 000 on the list. We give it five out of five stars.

Buying Guide: Choosing a Blueridge Guitar

Blueridge is a brand known for beautiful, great-sounding guitars inspired by pre-war originals. However, the brand has something to offer to the contemporary guitarist, too. Here's what to look for when selecting yours:

Body Style

Most Blueridge guitars are either 000 builds or dreadnoughts. Generally, the bassier sound of dreadnoughts makes them great for flatpickers, while the focused sound and projection of the smaller 000 guitars make them ideal for fingerpickers. For example, the all-solid BR-160A dreadnought is an outstanding instrument for bluegrass flatpickers, and we like the classic BR-163 000 as a fingerpicker's guitar.

Tonewoods

Like many companies, Blueridge has a few tonewoods that it tends to turn to. Here are some of the woods to look for when choosing your guitar:

Adirondack spruce -- This relatively rare wood is widely regarded as being the best for acoustic guitar tops. It's found on Pre-war series guitars like the BR-260A.
Sitka spruce -- This is more readily-available spruce that still provides responsive sound.
Santos rosewood -- Also called Pau Ferro, this is not a true rosewood. However, it looks like rosewood and has a somewhat mellower sound.
Mahogany -- This is a classic,warm-sounding wood used for the backs and sides of some Blueridge guitars and for the necks of most.
Santos rosewood -- Also called Pau Ferro, this is not a true rosewood. However, it looks like rosewood and has a somewhat mellower sound.
Port Orford cedar -- This rare type of cedar is warm and very resonant, and it's also very versatile. It's featured on the BR-5060.

Electronics

Many Blueridge guitars have no electronics, but they do have a few acoustic-electric guitars in the lineup. Most of these use the Fishman Presys Blend system. This is a quality pickup that blends in an onboard mic with an onboard piezo for authentic, high-fidelity live sound.

In Conclusion

We have been consistently impressed with Blueridge guitars, and we don't think you can go wrong with any on the list. That said, our top pick is the BR-283A (number 11 on our list of Blueridge Guitars reviews), an all-solid 000 that combines authentic vintage sound with truly spectacular visual touches. While this guitar has a smaller body, the solid Adirondack spruce top gives it a big, responsive sound that's suited to a variety of genres.

That said, we also think the all-solid, acoustic-electric BR-180CE (number 10 on the list) is a worthy runner-up, and it's an ideal choice if you perform live. And lastly, if you like the idea of unusual yet versatile tonewoods, check out the cedar-topped BR-5060 (number 8 on the list).

Just take your time, do your research, and you'll be on your way to finding the perfect Blueridge for you.