Gearank

Gearank Recommendation

The Bristol BD-16 appeared on our recommended list for Acoustic Guitars in the $200 to $300 price category for 1 edition from September 2020 until August 2021 when it was removed due to being out-ranked by other guitars.

Overview

The Bristol BD-16 is an affordable acoustic guitar that features vintage-inspired forward-x top bracing. This type of bracing allows the top to vibrate more freely, improving the overall resonance and tone of the instrument.

This vintage-inspired bracing complements its dreadnought body, resulting in improved punch and projection. The body follows the familiar tonewood combination of using spruce for the top and mahogany for the back and sides, albeit utilizing laminate to keep the price low.

It has a mahogany neck with a slim profile and adjustable truss rod, with the aim of making your fretting hand more comfortable, a common theme in most guitars that are meant for beginners.

The Bristol BD-16's good projection and tone makes it an ideal first guitar for those who are into strumming oriented playing and other similar styles. And it doesn't hurt that it's made by the same company that produces the more expensive and well regarded Blueridge guitars such as the BG-40 and BR-70.

Specifications

• Body Shape: Dreadnought
• Top: Spruce
• Back and Sides: Mahogany
• Finish: High Gloss
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Neck: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Slim
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: Not Specified
• Number of Frets: 20
• Frets to Body: 14
• Scale Length: 25.6”
• Nut Width: 43 mm

Demo