Blueridge BR-160, vintage natural gloss, made in China 2010. Blueridge are one of those 'quiet achiever' type of brands, building a loyal fanbase, especially among USA bluegrass players, without feeling the need to take over the world or yell too loudly about it. They specialise in replicating 'pre war' Martin models, so this one borrows many design elements from the pre-1942 version of the Martin D-28. It's an earlier example of the model, so this one got the solid Indian rosewood back and sides to pair with the solid sitka spruce top. That makes for a big, audacious sound: tight and punchy low end with a strong fundamental note, warm understated mids and a snappy, eloquent top end that brings chords to life in vivid detail. The visual touches are nice too: herringbone binding, fancy headstock inlay, snowflake abalone fret markers, cool little geometric inlay in the centre of the back... they've really dialed the details. These are outstanding value brand new, so it's cool to have this used example in very tidy shape on offer. Crisp as, cousin.

Model: Blueridge BR-160
Made: 2010, China (serial 10060801)
Finish: vintage tinted natural gloss
Body: solid sitka spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, traditional square shoulder dreadnought shape, pre-war forward shifted X braced
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 43mm nut, 25.6" scale, slim C shape
Weight: 2.060kg
Mods: none
Pickup: none
Case: basic non-original lightweight semi-hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear.  The headstock has some dimples on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some light scuffs in the elbow area, bottom bout and middle of the body, nothing nasty. The sides have scuffs on the top horn and some dimples int he elbow area and bottom bout. The front has light scuffs in the elbow area and around the bridge, dimples in the bottom corner and some play wear on the shoulders. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. The frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Setup with 12/53 Moonshiners strings.