Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar is a meticulously crafted acoustic instrument inspired by pre-war designs. It features a solid Sitka spruce top with hand-carved parabolic top braces, Indian rosewood back and sides, and a slim mahogany neck. This combination delivers a rich, full sound with strong bass and clear articulation. The guitar is adorned with a Dalmatian tortoise-style pickguard and elegant mother-of-pearl inlays on the neck and headstock.

Key Features:

• Superior Tone: Solid Sitka spruce top with scalloped braces for clean articulation and crisp tone.
• Powerful Projection: Solid Indian rosewood back and sides for deep bass and strong cutting power.
• Effortless Playability: Slim mahogany neck with a dovetail joint and adjustable truss rod for comfortable action and stability.
• Smooth & Responsive: Choice East Indian rosewood fingerboard ensures silky smooth playability.
• Vintage Style: Distinctive tortoise-style pickguard and mother-of-pearl inlays recreate a classic 1930s aesthetic.

This image displays the full front profile of the Blueridge BR-160 guitar, highlighting its solid Sitka spruce top, tortoise-style pickguard, and the intricate mother-of-pearl inlays on the headstock.

2. Setup

2.1 Initial Inspection

Upon receiving your Blueridge BR-160, carefully remove it from its included case. Inspect the guitar for any visible damage that may have occurred during shipping. Ensure all strings are properly seated and the tuning machines are functioning smoothly.

2.2 Tuning

The guitar should be tuned to standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning. Use a reliable electronic tuner for accuracy. Gently turn the tuning machine buttons to adjust the string tension until each string reaches its correct pitch. New strings may require frequent re-tuning as they stretch.

This image provides a detailed view of the guitar's headstock, showcasing the ornate mother-of-pearl inlays and the precise tuning machines, essential for accurate tuning.

2.3 Stringing

When replacing strings, it is recommended to change them one at a time to maintain neck tension. Loosen the old string, remove it from the bridge pin and tuning machine. Insert the new string's ball end into the bridge hole, securing it with the bridge pin. Thread the other end through the tuning machine post, wind it neatly, and tune to pitch. The BR-160 uses Phosphor Bronze strings.

2.4 Action Adjustment (Truss Rod)

The BR-160 features an adjustable truss rod located inside the neck. This allows for minor adjustments to the neck's relief, which affects string action. If you experience excessive string buzzing or high action, the truss rod may need adjustment. It is recommended that truss rod adjustments be performed by a qualified guitar technician to prevent potential damage to the neck.

3. Operating

The Blueridge BR-160 is designed for a rich and resonant playing experience. Its dreadnought body shape, combined with solid tonewoods, provides excellent volume and projection suitable for various musical styles, including flatpicking, strumming, and fingerstyle.

3.1 Tone and Playability

The solid Sitka spruce top contributes to a bright and articulate tone, while the Indian rosewood back and sides add depth and sustain, particularly in the bass frequencies. The slim mahogany neck and smooth East Indian rosewood fingerboard offer comfortable playability across all frets, making it easy to form chords and execute intricate melodies.

This image highlights the guitar's soundhole with its decorative rosette and the distinctive tortoise-style pickguard, which protects the spruce top during playing.

3.2 Playing Techniques

Experiment with different picks and fingerstyle approaches to discover the full tonal range of your BR-160. The guitar responds well to dynamic playing, from soft melodic passages to powerful strumming. Its balanced sound makes it versatile for solo performance or accompanying vocals.

3.3 Video Demonstration

4. Maintenance

4.1 Humidity and Temperature Control

Acoustic guitars, especially those made with solid wood like the BR-160, are sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Maintain your guitar in an environment with relative humidity between 45-55% and a stable temperature. Extreme fluctuations can cause the wood to crack, warp, or swell. Use a guitar humidifier in dry climates and avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat/cold.

4.2 Cleaning

• Body: Wipe down the body with a soft, lint-free cloth after each use to remove sweat and oils. For deeper cleaning, use a guitar-specific polish sparingly.
• Fingerboard: Periodically clean the East Indian rosewood fingerboard with a damp cloth and apply a small amount of lemon oil or a specialized fingerboard conditioner to prevent drying.
• Strings: Wipe strings clean after playing to prolong their life and maintain tone.

4.3 Storage

Always store your Blueridge BR-160 in its included case when not in use. The case provides protection from physical damage and helps maintain a stable microclimate around the instrument. Avoid leaning the guitar against walls or furniture where it could fall.

This image shows the durable gig bag that comes with the Blueridge BR-160, designed to protect the instrument during transport and storage.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Tuning Instability

If your guitar frequently goes out of tune, check the following:

• Ensure strings are properly stretched and seated at the tuning machines and bridge pins.
• Verify that the tuning machines are not loose.
• Check for extreme changes in temperature or humidity, which can affect wood stability.

5.2 String Buzzing

String buzzing can be caused by several factors:

• Low action: The strings may be too close to the frets.
• Uneven frets: High frets can cause buzzing on lower frets.
• Insufficient neck relief: The neck may be too straight.
• Worn strings: Old strings can lose their tension and cause buzzing.

For persistent buzzing, especially if related to neck relief or fret issues, consult a professional guitar technician.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

Your Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar is covered by a manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or visit the official Blue Ridge website. For technical support, service, or replacement parts, please contact Blue Ridge customer service directly.

The guitar comes with a protective case to ensure its safety during transport and storage.