Blueridge BR-163A or Eastman E20 OM

[KY000]

If you had to choose between these two choices which one would YOU choose?

[gerardo1000]

That model of Blueridge is an amazing guitar. I played it months ago at Elderly and I was really surprised at the beauty of the sound and at the quality of build. I didn't play the specific model of Eastman that you mention, but I played several Eastmans and I am not a fan of the brand considering the price.

[AgentKooper]

You can see from my signature which one I chose. I've played both, and they are really pretty similar guitars. Even the price is comparable when you factor in that the Eastman includes a hard case, and the Blueridge typically doesn't. It seems to me that Eastman has a reputation for more consistent better workmanship, but the build on my 163A is excellent, on par with any Eastman I've seen. Aside from the slightly shorter scale length on the Eastman, the biggest difference between the two is probably going to be the nitro finish on the Eastman versus the poly finish on the Blueridge.

[rlb9682]

Get the one that sounds best to you.

I prefer the Blueridge, but that's just because it sounds better to me.

[JohnCambo]

Blueridge for me... Saddle spacing on the Eastman is 2 5/32, way too narrow and it costs significantly more. I like the Blueridge's tone more too.

I've owned both.

The end.

[guitargoat]

I must have got a great example. My E20 is a keeper for me. I have sold guitars 4x it but she stays.

[KY000]

Thanks all. I ordered the Blueridge.

[rokdog49]

Let us know how you like it...fit and finish, tone etc.
Did you get it from Maury's? I played one of these there and it was a great playing great sounding guitar. The price was right as well.

[KY000]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Let us know how you like it...fit and finish, tone etc.
Did you get it from Maury's? I played one of these there and it was a great playing great sounding guitar. The price was right as well.

It wasn't in stock at Maury's so I had to order from MF.

I'll make a NGD post after it arrives.

[AgentKooper]

Originally Posted by KY000

It wasn't in stock at Maury's so I had to order from MF.

I'll make a NGD post after it arrives.

Congrats! I've had mine for a month now, and I love it. I'll be interested to hear your impressions.

[ADG]

Does the br-163a have a gloss finish on the neck? I'm considering this guitar but haven't been able to get an answer from the local dealer. I'd rather it was satin as I find gloss finish makes sliding up/down the neck more difficult. I look forward to you impressions.

[AgentKooper]

Originally Posted by ADG

Does the br-163a have a gloss finish on the neck? I'm considering this guitar but haven't been able to get an answer from the local dealer. I'd rather it was satin as I find gloss finish makes sliding up/down the neck more difficult. I look forward to you impressions.

It's got the same poly finish on the neck as on the rest of the guitar. I don't notice any difference in playability compared to non-gloss guitars, though.

[Sesop]

I've owned some pretty nice guitars and still do. Out of everything that's come through my hands, the Blueridge BR-163A has been around longer than many guitars that cost a ton more and are supposedly "better." If the house was on fire I'd grab by Bacon & Day Señorita and my vintage 00-17 before the Blueridge, but probably only because I know I could find another for like $600 or whatever they cost. No, I'm not saying I like the Blueridge more than the other two, but I do like it a lot

[ADG]

Thanks Agent Kooper:

The other question I haven't been able to get answered by the local dealer is:
Do all the guitar models have the same neck shape? The BR-40ce I played had what seemed like a D shaped neck to me (not my favorite). My interest lies in the BR -160A which does have a wider nut spacing at 1-3/4 (versus the 1-11/16 on the br-40) so might have other neck changes too?

[AgentKooper]

Originally Posted by ADG

Thanks Agent Kooper:

The other question I haven't been able to get answered by the local dealer is:
Do all the guitar models have the same neck shape? The BR-40ce I played had what seemed like a D shaped neck to me (not my favorite). My interest lies in the BR -160A which does have a wider nut spacing at 1-3/4 (versus the 1-11/16 on the br-40) so might have other neck changes too?

I'm not sure -- it's been awhile since I've had my hands on one of the 1 11/16 Blueridge models. I think they're the same, but I can't be positive. My son has a Bristol OM (one of Saga's all-laminate models) with a 1 11/16 nut whose neck seems to have the same profile as my 163A and 240A -- same sort of thin, D-shape.