What is a Blue Ridge Acoustic Guitar? Blue Ridge acoustic guitars have earned a reputation for being professional-grade instruments at an affordable price.
Editor’s Note:We’ve done the research and dug into the details to put together this guide to help you make the right decision.
Based on our analysis, here are the key differences between Blue Ridge and other acoustic guitars:
| Feature | Blue Ridge | Other Acoustic Guitars |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Affordable | Varies |
| Quality | Professional-grade | Varies |
| Sound | Rich, warm tone | Varies |
Main Article Topics
- The history of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars
- The different models of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars
- The pros and cons of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars
- How to choose the right Blue Ridge acoustic guitar for you
1. Body Shape
The body shape of an acoustic guitar has a significant impact on its sound and playability. Blue Ridge offers three main body shapes: dreadnought, grand auditorium, and concert.
- Dreadnought
Dreadnought guitars are the most popular type of acoustic guitar. They have a large body with a wide waist and a deep body depth. This gives them a powerful, booming sound with plenty of low end. Dreadnoughts are a good choice for strumming and flatpicking. - Grand Auditorium
Grand auditorium guitars are a bit smaller than dreadnoughts, with a narrower waist and a shallower body depth. This gives them a more balanced sound with less low end and more midrange and treble. Grand auditoriums are a good choice for fingerpicking and light strumming. - Concert
Concert guitars are the smallest of the three body shapes. They have a narrower waist and a shallower body depth than grand auditoriums. This gives them a more mellow, intimate sound. Concert guitars are a good choice for fingerpicking and classical guitar.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a body shape is to try out different models and see which one feels and sounds the best to you. However, the information above can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect Blue Ridge acoustic guitar for your needs.
2. Tonewoods
The tonewoods used in the construction of an acoustic guitar have a significant impact on its sound and playability. Blue Ridge guitars use a variety of tonewoods, including Sitka spruce, mahogany, and rosewood.
- Sitka spruce is a strong and lightweight wood with a bright, clear sound. It is often used for the soundboards of acoustic guitars because it produces a balanced sound with plenty of volume and projection.
- Mahogany is a dense and heavy wood with a warm, rich sound. It is often used for the backs and sides of acoustic guitars because it produces a full, resonant sound with plenty of sustain.
- Rosewood is a dense and heavy wood with a deep, rich sound. It is often used for the fingerboards and bridges of acoustic guitars because it produces a clear, articulate sound with plenty of sustain.
The combination of Sitka spruce, mahogany, and rosewood gives Blue Ridge acoustic guitars their characteristic sound: a bright, clear sound with plenty of volume and projection, a warm, rich sound with plenty of sustain, and a deep, rich sound with plenty of sustain.
3. Electronics
Blue Ridge acoustic guitars can be equipped with electronics from Fishman or LR Baggs. These electronics allow you to amplify the sound of your guitar so that you can play in a variety of settings, from small coffeehouses to large concert halls.
- Fishman
Fishman is a leading manufacturer of acoustic guitar electronics. Their pickups and preamp systems are known for their natural sound and ease of use. Blue Ridge offers a variety of Fishman electronics packages, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs. - LR Baggs
LR Baggs is another leading manufacturer of acoustic guitar electronics. Their pickups and preamp systems are known for their warm, rich sound and their ability to feedback. Blue Ridge offers a variety of LR Baggs electronics packages, so you can choose the one that best meets your needs.
Whether you choose Fishman or LR Baggs electronics, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product that will help you sound your best.
4. Hardware
The hardware on a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar is an important part of its overall sound and playability. Grover tuners, bone nut and saddle are all high-quality components that contribute to the guitar’s excellent performance.
- Grover tuners are known for their precision and durability. They are easy to use and keep your guitar in tune, even during long playing sessions.
- Bone nut and saddle are both made from natural materials that provide excellent tone and sustain. The bone nut helps to transfer the vibrations of the strings to the neck, while the bone saddle helps to transfer the vibrations of the strings to the body of the guitar.
The combination of Grover tuners, bone nut and saddle gives Blue Ridge acoustic guitars their characteristic sound and playability. These high-quality components ensure that your guitar will stay in tune, sound great, and play easily for many years to come.
5. Price
The price of a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar ranges from $500 to $2,000. This wide range in price is due to a number of factors, including the model of the guitar, the materials used in its construction, and the features that it includes.
Generally speaking, the more expensive Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are made from higher-quality materials and feature more elaborate construction. For example, the BR-160 dreadnought guitar is made from solid Sitka spruce and mahogany, and features a bone nut and saddle. This guitar sells for $1,299. In contrast, the BR-40 con
cert guitar is made from laminated mahogany and features a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. This guitar sells for $599.
The price of a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar is also affected by the features that it includes. For example, some models come with built-in electronics, while others do not. The BR-160 dreadnought guitar comes with a Fishman Sonitone pickup and preamp system, while the BR-40 concert guitar does not. This difference in features is reflected in the price of the two guitars.
Ultimately, the price of a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar is a reflection of its quality and features. By understanding the factors that affect the price of a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar, you can make an informed decision about which model is right for you.
Here is a table that summarizes the key factors that affect the price of a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar:
| Factor | Effect on Price |
|---|---|
| Model | The more expensive models are typically made from higher-quality materials and feature more elaborate construction. |
| Materials | Guitars made from solid woods are more expensive than guitars made from laminated woods. |
| Features | Guitars with built-in electronics are more expensive than guitars without electronics. |
6. Quality
The “Professional-grade” quality of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars is a result of the company’s commitment to using high-quality materials and construction methods. This commitment is evident in every aspect of Blue Ridge guitars, from the selection of tonewoods to the final assembly.
One of the most important factors that contributes to the professional-grade quality of Blue Ridge guitars is the use of solid tonewoods. Solid tonewoods are more resonant and durable than laminated tonewoods, which results in a richer, more complex sound. Blue Ridge guitars use a variety of solid tonewoods, including Sitka spruce, mahogany, and rosewood.
In addition to using high-quality tonewoods, Blue Ridge guitars also benefit from expert craftsmanship. The company’s luthiers have years of experience in building guitars, and they take great care to ensure that each guitar is built to the highest standards. This attention to detail is evident in the fit and finish of Blue Ridge guitars, as well as in their playability and sound.
The professional-grade quality of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars is not just a marketing claim. It is a fact that is backed up by the company’s commitment to using high-quality materials and construction methods. As a result, Blue Ridge guitars are used by professional musicians all over the world.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of the professional-grade quality of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Rich, complex sound | Solid tonewoods resonate more fully, producing a richer, more complex sound. |
| Durability | Solid tonewoods are more durable than laminated tonewoods, resulting in a guitar that will last for many years. |
| Expert craftsmanship | Blue Ridge guitars are built by experienced luthiers who take great care to ensure that each guitar is built to the highest standards. |
| Playability | The professional-grade construction of Blue Ridge guitars makes them easy to play, even for beginners. |
7. Sound
The sound of a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar is often described as rich and warm. This is due to a number of factors, including the use of solid tonewoods, expert craftsmanship, and a unique body design.
Solid tonewoods are more resonant than laminated tonewoods, which means that they produce a richer, more complex sound. Blue Ridge guitars use a variety of solid tonewoods, including Sitka spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. These tonewoods are carefully selected for their tonal qualities, and they are used to create guitars that sound beautiful and unique.
Expert craftsmanship is another important factor that contributes to the rich, warm tone of Blue Ridge guitars. The company’s luthiers have years of experience in building guitars, and they take great care to ensure that each guitar is built to the highest standards. This attention to detail is evident in the fit and finish of Blue Ridge guitars, as well as in their playability and sound.
The unique body design of Blue Ridge guitars also contributes to their rich, warm tone. The company’s guitars have a slightly wider body than traditional acoustic guitars, which gives them a fuller, more resonant sound. This body design also makes Blue Ridge guitars more comfortable to play, especially for players with larger hands.
The rich, warm tone of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars makes them a popular choice for a variety of musical genres, from folk and blues to rock and country. These guitars are also used by professional musicians all over the world, including Grammy Award winners such as Keb’ Mo’ and John Hiatt.
Here is a table that summarizes the key factors that contribute to the rich, warm tone of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars:
| Factor | Effect on Sound |
|---|---|
| Solid tonewoods | Produce a richer, more complex sound |
| Expert craftsmanship | Ensures that each guitar is built to the highest standards |
| Unique body design | Gives the guitars a fuller, more resonant sound |
8. Playability
The playability of a guitar is an important factor to consider when choosing an instrument. A comfortable neck and low action can make a big difference in how easy it is to play the guitar, and can help to prevent fatigue and discomfort. Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are known for their excellent playability, thanks to their comfortable necks and low action.
The necks on Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are made from high-quality materials, such as mahogany and rosewood, which are known for their strength and durability. The necks are also designed to be comfortable to hold, with a smooth finish and a comfortable contour. The low action on Blue Ridge acoustic guitars means that the strings are close to the fretboard, which makes it easier to press down on the strings and play chords and notes. This is especially important for beginners, who may not have the strength to press down on the strings as hard.
The combination of a comfortable neck and low action makes Blue Ridge acoustic guitars a great choice for players of all levels. These guitars are easy to play, even for beginners, and they can help to prevent fatigue and discomfort, even during long playing sessions.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of the comfortable neck and low action on Blue Ridge acoustic guitars:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Comfortable to hold |
The necks on Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are made from hig h-quality materials and are designed to be comfortable to hold, with a smooth finish and a comfortable contour. |
| Easy to play | The low action on Blue Ridge acoustic guitars means that the strings are close to the fretboard, which makes it easier to press down on the strings and play chords and notes. |
| Prevents fatigue and discomfort | The comfortable neck and low action on Blue Ridge acoustic guitars can help to prevent fatigue and discomfort, even during long playing sessions. |
9. Versatility
Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are known for their versatility, making them suitable for a wide range of musical genres. This is due to their well-balanced sound, which combines clarity and warmth, and their comfortable playability. As a result, Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are popular with players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
One of the most important factors that contributes to the versatility of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars is the use of solid tonewoods. Solid tonewoods produce a richer, more resonant sound than laminated tonewoods, and they are also more durable. Blue Ridge guitars use a variety of solid tonewoods, including Sitka spruce, mahogany, and rosewood. These tonewoods are carefully selected for their tonal qualities, and they are used to create guitars that sound beautiful and unique.
Another factor that contributes to the versatility of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars is their comfortable playability. The necks on Blue Ridge guitars are made from high-quality materials, such as mahogany and rosewood, and they are designed to be comfortable to hold, with a smooth finish and a comfortable contour. The low action on Blue Ridge guitars also makes them easy to play, even for beginners.
The versatility of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars makes them a great choice for players of all genres. These guitars are equally at home in folk, blues, rock, and country music. They are also a great choice for fingerstyle players, as the low action makes it easy to play complex chords and melodies.
Here is a table that summarizes the key benefits of the versatility of Blue Ridge acoustic guitars:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Suitable for a variety of genres | Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are well-balanced and versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of musical genres. |
| Comfortable playability | The necks on Blue Ridge guitars are comfortable to hold and the low action makes them easy to play, even for beginners. |
| Durable construction | Blue Ridge guitars are made from solid tonewoods, which are more durable than laminated tonewoods. |
10. Value
Blue Ridge acoustic guitars offer excellent value for the price. This is due to a number of factors, including the use of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and a commitment to affordability.
- Quality materials: Blue Ridge guitars are made from solid tonewoods, which produce a richer, more resonant sound than laminated tonewoods. The company also uses high-quality hardware, such as Grover tuners and bone nuts and saddles.
- Expert craftsmanship: Blue Ridge guitars are built by experienced luthiers who take great care to ensure that each guitar is built to the highest standards. This attention to detail is evident in the fit and finish of Blue Ridge guitars, as well as in their playability and sound.
- Affordability: Blue Ridge guitars are priced affordably, making them a great value for the price. This is especially true when compared to other guitars in the same class.
The combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and affordability makes Blue Ridge acoustic guitars an excellent value for the price. These guitars are built to last and they sound great, all at an affordable price.
11. Reputation
The reputation of Blue Ridge guitars for their quality and craftsmanship is well-deserved. These guitars are built to the highest standards, using high-quality materials and expert craftsmanship. As a result, Blue Ridge guitars offer excellent sound quality, playability, and durability.
- Materials: Blue Ridge guitars are made from solid tonewoods, which produce a richer, more resonant sound than laminated tonewoods. The company also uses high-quality hardware, such as Grover tuners and bone nuts and saddles.
- Craftsmanship: Blue Ridge guitars are built by experienced luthiers who take great care to ensure that each guitar is built to the highest standards. This attention to detail is evident in the fit and finish of Blue Ridge guitars, as well as in their playability and sound.
- Sound quality: Blue Ridge guitars are known for their rich, warm tone. This is due to the use of solid tonewoods and expert craftsmanship. Blue Ridge guitars are also known for their excellent projection and clarity, making them ideal for both fingerpicking and strumming.
- Playability: Blue Ridge guitars are comfortable to play, with a low action and a smooth neck. This makes them a great choice for players of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
- Durability: Blue Ridge guitars are built to last. The use of solid tonewoods and high-quality hardware ensures that these guitars will withstand years of playing.
The combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and excellent sound quality, playability, and durability makes Blue Ridge guitars an excellent choice for any guitarist.
FAQs on Blue Ridge Acoustic Guitars
This section addresses common concerns or misconceptions about Blue Ridge acoustic guitars, providing clear and concise answers.
Question 1: Are Blue Ridge acoustic guitars worth the price?
Answer: Yes, Blue Ridge acoustic guitars offer excellent value for the price. They are made from high-quality materials, such as solid tonewoods and Grover tuners, and are built by experienced luthiers. As a result, Blue Ridge guitars offer excellent sound quality, playability, and durability.
Question 2: Are Blue Ridge acoustic guitars good for beginners?
Answer: Yes, Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are a great choice for beginners. They are comfortable to play, with a low action and a smooth neck. This makes them easy to learn on, and they will help beginners develop good technique.
Question 3: Are Blue Ridge acoustic guitars suitable for professional musicians?
Answer: Yes, Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are used by professional musicians all over the world. They offer excellent sound quality, playability, and durability, making them a great choice for any guitarist.
Question 4: What is the difference between Blue Ridge and other acoustic guitar brands?
Answer: Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are known for their quality and craftsma
nship. They are made from high-quality materials and are built by experienced luthiers. This results in guitars that sound great, play well, and last for many years.
Question 5: What are the most popular Blue Ridge acoustic guitar models?
Answer: Some of the most popular Blue Ridge acoustic guitar models include the BR-160 dreadnought, the BR-40 concert, and the BR-240 parlor. These guitars offer a variety of body shapes and tonewoods to suit different playing styles and preferences.
Question 6: Where can I buy a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar?
Answer: Blue Ridge acoustic guitars can be purchased from a variety of music stores and online retailers. You can also find used Blue Ridge guitars on websites such as Reverb and eBay.
We hope this FAQ section has helped you learn more about Blue Ridge acoustic guitars. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your interest in Blue Ridge acoustic guitars!
Tips on Choosing and Using Blue Ridge Acoustic Guitars
Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are known for their quality, affordability, and sound. Here are a few tips to help you choose and use your Blue Ridge acoustic guitar:
Tip 1: Consider your playing style. Blue Ridge offers a variety of body shapes and sizes to suit different playing styles. Dreadnought guitars are known for their powerful sound, while concert guitars are more balanced and versatile. Parlor guitars are smaller and easier to play, making them a good choice for beginners.
Tip 2: Choose the right tonewoods. The tonewoods used in the construction of your guitar will affect its sound. Spruce is a bright and clear wood, while mahogany is warm and rich. Rosewood is a dense wood that produces a deep and resonant sound.
Tip 3: Get a good setup. A proper setup can make a big difference in the playability and sound of your guitar. A qualified guitar technician can adjust the action, intonation, and truss rod to suit your playing style.
Tip 4: Use the right strings. The type of strings you use will also affect the sound of your guitar. Experiment with different brands and gauges to find the strings that you like best.
Tip 5: Take care of your guitar. Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are built to last, but they will need some care to keep them in good condition. Wipe down the guitar after each use to remove dirt and sweat. Store the guitar in a cool, dry place when you are not using it.
By following these tips, you can choose and use your Blue Ridge acoustic guitar to its full potential.
We hope this guide has helped you learn more about Blue Ridge acoustic guitars. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your interest in Blue Ridge acoustic guitars!
Conclusion
Blue Ridge acoustic guitars are known for their quality, affordability, and sound. They are made from high-quality materials and are built by experienced luthiers. As a result, Blue Ridge guitars offer excellent sound quality, playability, and durability.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional musician, Blue Ridge has a guitar that is right for you. With a variety of body shapes, tonewoods, and electronics to choose from, you can find a Blue Ridge guitar that suits your playing style and budget.
We encourage you to visit your local music store to try out a Blue Ridge acoustic guitar for yourself. We are confident that you will be impressed with the quality and sound of these guitars.
Thank you for your interest in Blue Ridge acoustic guitars!
Youtube Video:
