Blueridge: BR60 ce

Submitted by Howard T on 11/8/2011

Where Purchased: Priviae sale

Year Purchased: 2010
Price Paid: 375 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

I play a lot of Country and bluegrass flatpicking and country licks along with chording. I played it through a PA system and a Fender Acoustasonic Junior. Not to much in the way of special effects. I try to keep the sound as natural as possible, maybe a little to the bass side to keep a full tone on the E and the B strings. As far as amplified, I am a real believer in Takamine electronics but Fishman and Bagg are both OK . This one has a Fishman classic 4T. It serves its purpose.

Acoustically the sound was IMO amazing. A lot of spring in the high end and fairly good low end. The low end didn't boom so the guitar did not sound mushy at all. I ended up selling it to my friend who has a Martin D-28 and claims it sounds every bit as good.

Sound Rating: 8

Setup

The setup was as well as could be expected except that Ifor me, I felt the neck was to thin and the radius was, it felt like less than 9. At this point in my playing, I prefer a flatter and wider neck. but that is so much personal choice. Adjustment could be made easily with the truss rod if you wanted to, but I would be inclined to have a luthier look after it once or twice a year.

Setup Rating: 8

Appearance

The guitar looks great with natural high-gloss finish solid sitka spruce top and laminated Brazilian rosewood back and sides. I am not a fan of the high gloss finish on the neck as it tends to slow my hand down when I start to sweat, so if I settle on a guitar, I will lightly sand the neck in order to remove the Finish.
The finish is fine. Over all it is a great looking guitar. I am not ah struck by the beauty of guitars. I want is a guitar that sounds good and plays well. I don't care about the rest.If it looks too good. I'm afraid I might ding or scratch it. But if you like decor, the BR60 has pearl inlay s on the Fret board, nice emblem on the headstock , I look at my guitar hanging on teh wall or on its stand or in its case and I think about all the melodies and notes that have come out of it. That's what makes it look beautiful to me.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Ask me after 10 years.

Reliability Rating: not rated

Customer Service

I emailed Saga a couple of times re questions about the guitar, but they never respond. I'm not feeling them. In comparison, I have emailed both Martin and Takamine and they have always responded to me. So I am not feeling great about Saga's their customer service.

Customer Service: 3

Components

Made in China
Nut width: 1-11/16"
Bone nut and saddle
25.5" scale length
Fishman classic 4T pre amp
Black Pick guard
White trim Binding.
Martin 8/20 bronze medium 13 - 56 m150

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

The BR60 ce is a great guitar. Looks good sounds great plays fine. The only issue I had with it was that the neck was too think. The thin neck was great for chording and strumming, but I do a lot of picking and my preference is for a wider neck,but that's strictly a personal choice thing. It really is a great guitar for the price. I rate it a 9 in comparison to other guitars of similar value.

Overall Rating: 9