Martin OM-28 vs Blueridge BR-163

[@christhompson5553]

Just bought a BR 163 after playing a Martin!

[@MaurysMusic]

Congrats!

[@BarefootBill]

Just received my first blueridge, a 143, and I have to say that I am enjoying it better than my Martin 000-18 and it cost $1800 less. Very well built, excellent setup and intonation straight out of the box. Excellent nut and uncompensated saddle work and fitment. Can't wait to get a 243!

[@MaurysMusic]

Congratulations! Please keep us in mind when the time is right.

[@Bluestar-1969]

I have the Blueridge BR-163. I'm not to surprised that it sounded this good next to the Martin. Love mine! It is also the perfect size for me and so easy to play.

[@joechiocca8429]

Hey! That's my guitar, the Blueridge BR-163, love it. Going on 3 years of steady blues, R&R, Bluegrass/folk gigs.Love the comfort of the body, yet the volume and tone is rich as my Martin D-1 ( which I also love) Great job, Blueridge!

[@MaurysMusic]

Rock on!

[@smitty4x]

They both sound Amazing ! But I'm going with the Martin OM28 ...

[@josrin3528]

the blue ridge had more treble and and middle, a great sound, the Martin more base with defined notes sounds not a lot of overlapping resonation sounds. I would take both!

[@christopherhawthorne5395]

I thought the opposite regarding bass .. hmm

[@slbolfing56]

Side by side - definitely prefer the 28. But, I have to admit if I just heard the Blueridge I'd go for it!

[@bobamato1]

Blueridge sounds WAY better. Sorry to all you who paid the price for the Martin. Plays better, looks better, and a MUCH better value!

[@MaurysMusic]

Thanks for your vote, Bob!

[@scottgeorge6375]

Blueridge actually sounds better. Tone is just more pleasing.

[@MaurysMusic]

Thank you, Scott

[@PeitouBob]

The BR has more depth by my ear. Flip of the coin. They both sound great!

[@MaurysMusic]

Thanks for your vote!

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

I prefer the tone of the Martin when picked, and the Blueridge sounds better to me strummed.

[@MaurysMusic]

So … you need both? 😬

[@PaulWilliamGibson]

@@MaurysMusic I totally agree!

[@scottf2199]

Blue ridge takes fingerstyle - more bass. But the Martin was the better strummer

[@peteralicea1968]

I'm a died in the wool Martin man but the Blueridge clearly won this test IMHO.

[@velvetunderpants44]

I sold my Martin a couple of years ago. Never really connected with it. I have a 1951 Gibson Southern Jumbo that's a really lovely guitar, but the guitar that I end up playing 90% of the time is a used Blueridge 163 that cost me all of €200...

[@robertjansen6225]

The Martin sounds more clean, and the BR sounds a bit warmer , i guess due to the rosewood fingerboard.

[@RohitSguitar]

How bizarre, they started out sounding pretty much the same but then I think the OM-28 sounded sweeter and fuller - I think my brain is playing tricks on me. But for me, OM-28 wins in looks and tone!

[@Updog89]

Pleasantly surprised at the Blueridge! I actually slightly preferred it. Do they have similar neck profiles?

[@MaurysMusic]

Thanks, the BR necks are a little bit slimmer.

[@Updog89]

@@MaurysMusic That sounds great to me!

[@christopherhawthorne5395]

Same

[@mattharris4000]

No matter which you prefer. The Martin defiantly doesn’t sound $2000 better

[@MaurysMusic]

Thanks for your vote.

[@TheQuinnferry]

The OM-28 is better. But is it $2500 better? lol no way.

[@angelg8445]

How does the playbility differ?

[@MaurysMusic]

BR’s frets are taller - different feel for sure. Both are 3/32” bass E 12th fret but they don’t feel the same.

[@newmanfertig886]

Martin sounds richer and fuller. About $500’s better.

[@MaurysMusic]

😎

[@yacoo1045]

두개를 비교하는 이영상이 나에게 큰 영감을 주었어요. 더 많은 돈을 지불할 가치가 있을까요? 나는 명확히 BLUERIDGE를 선택할것이다.

[@SHINEIKYU]

Blueridege sound = om+000

[@MaurysMusic]

Ha!

[@iz2ced]

OM-28 far better. No way for BR.

[@MaurysMusic]

Thanks for your vote.