Blueridge
BR-160A
submitted 9/7/2008
|
Submitter |
erstokke |
Where Purchased |
The Mandolin Store |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
940 ($US) |
Sound
|
It is a Martin HD28 clone. It is a loud guitar which is great for bluegrass music. Mine has Adirondack spruce top which is supposed to be better, but I have never compared it to a regular BR160. I have installed a K & K Pure Western Mini pickup in it which sounds great through a PA. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
|
The guitar was factory set up with a little high action. The harder I pick or strum, the louder the sound. Unlike my other guitar with low action, where hard strumming just gets muddy.
I am going to lower action a bit at the nut. |
Setup Rating |
7 |
Appearance
|
It is a Blueridge with heavy inlays on the headstock. It has snowflake fretboard inlays. Sides, back and the fretboard are made out of solid east indian rosewood. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
I seems reliable, but I have only had it for a few months. |
Reliability Rating |
not rated |
Customer Service
|
Never dealt with them. I bought it at www.themandolinstore.com - "The most helpful shop on the planet". |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
It has a bone nut and open vintage tuners which seems ok. |
Components Rating |
not rated |
Overall Comments
|
I think this is a great guitar for bluegrass picking and at the price it is a bargain. The main "feature" is the sound. If I should replace it, I had to get a real Martin HD28 - at four times the price. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Levin
Model 174
submitted 8/16/2008
|
Submitter |
erstokke |
Where Purchased |
Imerslund Music, Oslo, Norway |
Year Purchased |
1974 |
Price Paid |
312 ($US) |
Sound
|
It is a mahogany body dreadnought. Beatiful sound, but not very loud. i switched from .010 strings to .012 and that helped a lot. For bluegrass flatpicking I prefer a rosewood body guitar. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
|
Canīt remember how it was set up back then. |
Setup Rating |
not rated |
Appearance
|
it is a regular dreadnought. Beatifully hand crafted. Large square m.o.p. markers on the fingerboard. Quite large peghead. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
It has lasted for 34 years so far without any problems, so yes, I would say it is reliable! |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
It came with a 10 years warranty. Never dealt with the company, and now it doesnīt exist anymore. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
The guitar has one very special feature. Bridge height can be adjusted seperately for each string. It is all solid wood. Spruce top, magany sides, back and neck, bound ebony fingerboard. Real bone nut. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
If you come across a used Levin - buy it. The Levin company in Gotenburg, Sweden made great instruments, specially guitars and mandolins. Before the company was shut down, they even made guitars for C.F. Martin. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
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