everben - Posted - 01/12/2020:  10:22:09

So i have a Yamaha FG800 folk guitar at the moment and sometime in the future i want to upgrade. Now i've heard Martin is the go to bluegrass guitar brand but people have told me that Blueridge is also nice. Has anyone had a good or bad experience with either of these guitars or recomend any specific model?

Texasbanjo - Posted - 01/13/2020:  04:56:49

If your pocketbook will allow, the Martin is one of the best guitars for bluegrass. I have owned a Martin dreadnaught and it was fantastic, deep tones in the bass range, jewel tones in the upper range, loud enough to be heard in a bluegrass jam or on stage. They're easy to fret, easy to pick and just a fun guitar to own. I now own a Martin 00-15 and, while not as aggressive as the dreadnaught, it still has that Martin sound and works great in a bluegrass setting. (I changed from the dreadnaught to the 00 because the dread was just too big for me, I'm a small lady).



I've also played (not owned) several Blueridge dreadnaughts and they are very good guitars, too. I've heard many of them in jams and on stage and they can hold their own in sound and easy picking and fretting. They aren't as expensive as a Martin, but if you don't have the dollars for a Martin, then the Blueridge is an excellent choice.



Of course, there are other guitars that would work, too. The Guild and the Taylor are both good guitars and both would work in a bluegrass setting.

Edited by - Texasbanjo on 01/13/2020 04:57:54

Dick Hauser - Posted - 01/14/2020:  15:17:00

There are a lot of great guitars out there. Every person has different tastes. And everybody does not use their guitar the same way. I primarily pick fiddle tunes and like Santa Cruz guitars. Play as many brands/models as you can, and let your "ear" and wallet pick a guitar.

If a person is serious about playing guitar, they should buy the best instrument they can afford.
It will make playing more enjoyable, and could end up costing you less money than frequent instrument upgrades.

Watch some Eastman E10D (Mahogany) and E20D (Rosewood) demos on Youtube. On one demo they played an Eastman E1D. I sells for around $500 and the other two I mentioned sell for around $1200 (new) and $800 (used). I was amazed by the sound of that $500 guitar. If a person has limited funds, that would a good first instrument and keep you playing for quite a while. I don't think you would have any problem selling it either.

One more thing. The absolutely best deals on guitars can be had when you buy a guitar from an up-and-coming guitar luthier. And, before they get a reputation. I once bought a guitar from a Canadian luthier. After I bought mine his prices skyrocketed and he had so many orders he wasn't accepting any more. These one person luthier shops can build some outstanding guitars, and build them to your specifications. You have to keep your eyes and ears open in order to find luthiers like this.

everben - Posted - 01/15/2020:  10:01:22

Thanks so much! I'll have to check that out

chuckd - Posted - 01/17/2020:  10:21:25

I went the Blueridge route (BR-160A) and really like it. Other people who pick on it when the guitars start getting passed around also seem to be impressed. I do perform and jam with it and the volume/tone are both great (or course, my opinion). 

My friends mostly have Collings and like them a ton. They too, sound good in all setting.

Dragonslayer - Posted - 01/24/2020:  03:16:39

In the low to mid price market, Blueridge, Eastman, and Recording King all have great guitars, the guitarist for Spillwater Drive plays a Recording King and an Eastman, check them out on Youtube, it sounds great. In the mid price range, Eastman, Martin, Taylor Collings and small shop luthiers can are available, from about $1700 to $3500. If you go high end, Collings, Martin, Santa Cruz, Lowden, Hayes, and so many others are out there, and there's no objective way to say which is better.
I will also mention that if a Dreadnought doesn't agree with your shoulder I highly recommend the Taylor GS mini, they are awesome guitars.
I don't own any of these or have financial interest.

Of the ones I mentioned I've played Martin, Taylor, Blueridge and Collings, and I can recommend any of them, but I would advise against buying a cheap Martin, as there's much better guitars for the money. I would stay away from sub $1500 Martins unless you buy used and can play it first

68d28 - Posted - 02/16/2020:  14:37:18

I recommend the new Martin Custom Shop D-18 Sinkers. I just got one and it’s the most incredible new guitar I’ve ever played!

68d28 - Posted - 03/10/2020:  06:30:49

Look on Gruhn Guitar’s website, guitars.com. That’s where I got mine. Amazing instrument!

HighlonesomeF5 - Posted - 06/25/2020:  17:14:40

I second the Martin D-18 Sinker Dreds. Unbelievable guitar!

sam000 - Posted - 07/03/2020:  03:53:56

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