Martin vs Blueridge - How Do They Compare ?

[@danarchydannykay8499]

I have a 2006 Blueridge BR 180 that is my main acoustic guitar. When I bought it I was looking at Martin guitars but a friend of mine that would come to an open mic I hosted would bring this Blueridge and I would play it all the time. I was looking to spend about $3000 on a guitar to replace my old Takamine. I played a lot of Martins in a wide range of prices. None of them felt as comfortable to play as the Blueridge. As for the sound the Blueridge is a booming guitar, it just rings. Last week at my open mic as I was setting tuning up my guitar not plugged in I customer in the bar asked me what kind of guitar it was. He said wow that guitars sound is so powerful. I love the Blueridge sound better than the Martins. I’m an old punk rocker that now plays alt country and folk. The booming full sound of the Blueridge is perfect for me. My friend installed a K&K pickup in it and that works great. He finally sold it to me for $1000. Way happier with this guitar than any of the Martins I looked at. Oh wait I forgot to mention this guitar has massive inlays and full binding. A Martin with that Kind of bling is in the $5000 range.

[@toddcwalker4208]

You've got a gem ! Thanks for watching.

[@Veritas84Aequitas]

Martin. No question. Took me years to find an acoustic I really loved. The particular Martin OM21 I bought just spoke to me after the 1st chord and I couldn't leave the shop without it. No guitar is equal, even within the same make and model. Some just have that voice. I even played many models higher end than the one I bought. Im of the belief the guitar actually chooses you.

[@toddcwalker4208]

So glad you found the OM21 ! Thanks for watching.

[@ron88303]

The Blueridge more than holds its own.

[@toddcwalker4208]

That it does. Thanks for watching.

[@jimsigrist5506]

Why compare new strings to dead strings?

[@lenwhatever4187]

They both sounded nice. I would buy the cheaper just because I would be able to buy and play the guitar sooner. One of the things I would look for is the feedback to the player.... does it sing to me and is there a sonic connection to my body not just my ears? One thing I will say is that I am becoming a convert to the "OM" size guitar. I think it sounds nicer than the "Dreadnought" size for sure. More balanced across the spectrum. Right now I have both ends of the spectrum, a Dreadnought and a baby Taylor (Parlor size). If I buy again.... the OM size.... brand to be decided, might be what comes next.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thank you for watching & commenting. I'd be curious which brand OM you decide on.

[@PaulZimmerman-t4k]

I had a BR 73 for about 8 years until it needed a neck reset. If I had known what junk i would get from Martin (D28 and HD28) I would have spent the money to have the Blueridge neck reset and still be playing it for a quarter of the cost and aggravation of the two Martins.

[@toddcwalker4208]

That's a bummer - ouch !

[@theapplepaul]

Blueridge makes some great sounding guitars. Kind of wish they didn't have such an overdone headstock, cheapens the guitar. But they are definitely a contender under $2K along with Alvarez. Recording King, Eastman, and a few others.

[@toddcwalker4208]

Agree on the headstock decoration. Their 'Historic' series thankfully has a more subdued headstock. Thanks for watching.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Martin has been in business since 1833 and known for making the some of the finest if not the best guitars ever. Blue ridge guitars are made overseas and are more budget-friendly guitars. When it comes down to sound and quality.... it's really not fair to compare the two. The Blue ridge is the better sounding guitar and the build quality is as good or better than other guitars costing thousands of dollars more.

[@toddcwalker4208]

For the price, Blueridge is a good choice. Thanks for watching.

[@BrotherBuck-k3x]

i hear it the same way you do

[@toddcwalker4208]

Thanks.

[@emptynest2travel]

like the Martin sound better.

[@toddcwalker4208]

It's difficult to compare with the Martin. Thanks for watching.

[@77guitarts22]

Save money from both of these and just get the Recording King RO328, mine is just incredibly sounding... But that Blueridge sounded awesome for the cost also... Yes, it has more blink if you're into that but really who cares so much about that blink, after all the sound is the most important

[@toddcwalker4208]

Sound and playability are most important. I have a cheap blue Recording King (cost me $88 bucks due to low humidity damage). It sounds incredible for what it is. I'm not a fan of the Blueridge headstock bling, but I don't see when playing, so you're right, who cares. Thanks for watching and commenting. Continue enjoying your RO328.

[@jimsigrist5506]

Why not use fresh strings on both? The Martin sounds brighter because of the new strings.

[@toddcwalker4208]

@@jimsigrist5506 Hey Jim - I did it to see if anyone would question, as you have. You are the only one so far. I'll revisit using three OM"s: Blueridge, Alvarez-Yairi & Martin.