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hank
09-05-2002, 03:06 PM
I've recently discovered a line of Saga's imported guitars called "Blue Ridge". These are really quite well made "for the dollar". I'm impressed with the BR-160 flat top, dreadnaught that's part of their vintage line of imports. It's targeted at the Martin HD-28, imo, and is 90% "there". For about $650, it's quite a buy.

Anyone familiar with these?

Here's a link to Janet Davis Music and Blue Ridge.

http://www.janetdavismusic.com/bluguit.html

hank
hank
09-06-2002, 05:03 PM
nobody likes "affordable flat tops"?

how'boutunaffordable? :^)
Nelson F
09-06-2002, 05:18 PM
Hank hows D Quality??
Nelson F
09-06-2002, 05:21 PM
Hank i like this one
http://www.janetdavismusic.com/br-180.jpg

Are they Korean & are they Boomers?????
hank
09-06-2002, 06:30 PM
Nelson, they're boomers. Quality is incredible and they're made in China. I look for updated Kentucky mandolins to come out of Saga from China soon. justmytakehank
Nelson F
09-06-2002, 06:39 PM
Hank they look Beautiful"" Thanx for the tip!!
hank
09-06-2002, 06:43 PM
I forgot. That link you posted is a D45 style. One of my buds has that model guitar. It's truly amazing. D45 trim all around, great tone, playability, sitka top, Indian rosewood b/s. He's added a bone nut/saddle. stepback! Around $940 I think. Whew!
Nelson F
09-06-2002, 06:45 PM
Are These Guitars are in StocK ?
hank
09-06-2002, 06:47 PM
One friend ordered from Janet Davis Music a few weeks ago and it took two weeks plus shipping. It was the BR-160 model.

I played a couple of the discontinued BR-7S's the other day. A herringbone Martin-ish guitar. Amazing for less than $700.
hank
09-06-2002, 07:14 PM
Here's the BR-180 (D45 style) that I photographed. youdecidehank

http://www.lilypix.com/photos/data/hank/76_p1261.jpg
Nelson F
09-06-2002, 07:22 PM
Hank do these Guitars in person look Cheesy Or Good???
hank
09-07-2002, 05:47 AM
They aren't cheesy to my eyes. The QC is amazing. I believe they're poly finished, if so, that poly is very, very thin. I'm sorta full up on flat tops, but I still want one.
DrewBlanc
09-07-2002, 08:46 AM
The finest "affordable guitar" I've come across is Carvin's Cobalt series. They are Carvins first guitar built overseas but they are increadable. The workmanship is great inside and out, plays like a dream and sounds great. I think mine sounds as good or better than many lower end Taylors and they start at $379. I have the C750 w/ Fishman Matrix pick up and Fishman Prefix Plus. At $549 I can still afford to eat.
http://www.carvin.com/cobalt/
Nelson F
09-07-2002, 02:33 PM
That looks Good!
DrewBlanc
09-07-2002, 04:17 PM
Well Nelson, I was scared to death to buy something as personal as a guitar from a mail order company. I had heard nothing but good about the Cobalts and Carvin in general so I took a chance. When it came it only took a few bars to forget about the return option. I still have no regrets as the wood opens up and the tone mellows. It sounds and plays more like a Taylor than a Martin but then I like Taylors better anyway.
rbisherw
09-28-2002, 03:04 PM
Some of ther lower end $500 - $700 Tacomas are great bang for the buck and all solid wood I believe.