Gearank High Notes
- 2018.04: Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar from $500 to $1000
- 2018.01: Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar from $500 to $1000
- 2016.11: Highest Rated Acoustic Guitar from $500 to $1000
Gearank Recommended
The Blueridge BR-70 appeared first on our recommended list for Acoustic Guitars in the $500 to $1000 price category when we published the first edition in November 2016 where it remained until being out-ranked in September 2019.
Then in August 2021 its ratings were strong enough to go on our new recommended list for Acoustic Guitars from $500 to $1000 and it remains on that list today.
Overview
Although the Blueridge brand is not as well known as some of the others included in our acoustic guitar guide. But it is a brand that is very highly respected by expert reviewers and owners alike.
In fact the Blueridge was the 11th highest rated acoustic guitar brand in September 2017 and in January 2018 the BR-70 was the highest rated acoustic guitar in the $500 to $1000 price range.
Saga Music says the BR-70 was designed to produce traditional pre-war (1930’s) dreadnought tones with an updated look.
Giving this guitar its premium appeal are intricate abalone pearl inlays on the top, fingerboard and soundhole rosette. The headstock also features ornate mother-of-pearl inlay that includes the brand name.
Other features include carved mahogany low-profile neck, rosewood fingerboard, 25.6″ scale length and 1.6875″ nut width.
The Blueridge BR-70 is very similar to the BR-140, with one key difference; the Blueridge BR-70 comes with rosewood back and sides as opposed to mahogany. As we’ve covered elsewhere on this list, rosewood gives you a significantly different response when compared to the more common mahogany.
This difference is actually more noticeable with solid wood guitars, because solid wood shows off the characteristics of the tonewood it’s made from better than laminate. Because of this, the BR-70 is a punchy and articulate guitar. This makes it a phenomenal choice if you’re looking for a bluegrass machine or a guitar you can use to bust out some blues licks a la Eric Clapton’s Unplugged.
Specifications
- Body Shape: Dreadnought
- Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
- Body: Select Santos Rosewood back and sides
- Finish: High Gloss – Natural
- Bridge: Indian Rosewood
- Neck: Select Mahogany
- Neck Profile: Not specified
- Fingerboard: East Indian Rosewood
- Fingerboard Radius:
- Number of Frets: 20
- Scale Length: 25.6″ (650 mm)
- Nut Width: 1.6875″
Pros
Reviewers are pleased with its overall craftsmanship, describing it as a fabulous looking guitar. Others are impressed with its tone, which some even compare to expensive guitars from more established brands like Taylor and Martin. Many are also happy with its value for money, especially those who got the BR-70 at bargain / discounted prices.
Cons
There are a few string action and setup related reports, while others recommend changing the factory installed strings asap.
Overall
With its ornate mother-of-pearl inlays, the Blueridge BR-70 is a nice head turner acoustic with equally beautiful tones.
