New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge

Subject: New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge
From: DonMeixner
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 05:53 PM

Well the plan to get Geoffrey his first guitar is under way. Budget is under $ 400.00 US. I am tentatively down to a Blueridge BR-43 and an Alvarez AF-60S. Both 000 size guitars, no electronics. Solid tops but ply backs and sides.

He wants to play the stuff he likes, Stan Rogers, Old Blind Dogs, Jez Lowe, The Fables, Sandy Denny, and that sea captain friend of mine, the one named after the code....

I'm out of my depth in this area. Any suggestions or optional choices would be be welcome.

Don

Subject: RE: New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge
From: leftydee
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 10:08 PM

Don,
Any of the Godin line of guitars will make you happy. For a first guitar, check out Seagull. They also have a line called Art & Lutherie that is a little less expensive. You can get a Seagull with a solid spruce or cedar top for less than $400. These are made in Canada and are really quite good. The action is always good and the sound is as good as a lot of much more expensive guitars. Also, don't be afraid of a used guitar. You can get some nice stuff pretty cheap when someone is looking to upgrade. Make sure whatever guitar you get is easy to play. Guitars with high action and poor playability (is this a word?) discourages beginners. Have fun!

Subject: RE: New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge
From: DonMeixner
Date: 16 Nov 05 - 10:44 PM

Thanks Lefty,

Yup, playability is a real work. Especially as it applie my very playable Guild F-30. When I say I'm out of my depth I'm refering to entry level guitars. I don't have a place local to me to try more than the Alvarez I mentioned. I will definately look at Seagulls.

Don

Subject: RE: New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge
From: GUEST,The Barden of England at work
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 04:13 AM

I tried a Blueridge 000 at Sidmouth Folk Week this year and was mightily impressed. A lot of sound and guitar for the money and good action too. As always though try before you buy has got to be the order of the day.
John Barden

Subject: RE: New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge
From: Steve-o
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 01:49 PM

I would go with the Blueridge, as I have played a number of them and they seem to have a genuine "consistency" of good craftsmanship and good tone. As has been said, though, you need to play it before forking over.

Subject: RE: New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge
From: Fortunato
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 01:57 PM

The Blueridge is the superior guitar. Two of our boys own them, and I know musicians who take them on the road as being more than adequate and leave their D-18s and 28s at home where they're safer.

Chance

Subject: RE: New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge
From: Wesley S
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 04:27 PM

I've heard wonderful things about the Blueridge guitars too. Of course the only real test to trust is to sit down and play them both side by side. Then let your ears and wallet decide.

Subject: RE: New Student Guitar: Alvarez or Blueridge
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 17 Nov 05 - 05:24 PM

Neither.

Go with a Martin DX