Archive for August, 2010
Acoustic Guitar Magazine reviews Blureridge BR-160-12
Blueridge Guitars are well known for their spot-on reproductions of iconic American guitars, but now they get to be known for a little something extra. With the release of their new 12-string, Blueridge has reinvented themselves, opening up a whole new opportunity for the company to continue exploring the limits and defining itself.
Acoustic Guitar recommends the 12-string as a great way to pull yourself out of a musical rut, or to just work on something new. Charles Saufley, an Acoustic Guitar columnist says, “In the past, inexpensive 12-strings often developed playability issues. But modern manufacturing techniques have improved build quality at all price levels, and with the debut of the vintage-inspired jumbo Blueridge BR-16-12, the accessibly priced 12-string field is even stronger.”
The author goes on to offer a glowing review of a deserving brand.
There are a number of theories about the origins of the word banjo. Some folks believe it’s derived from the Kimbundu language. Kimbundu, also known as North Mbundu, is a language spoken largely in the south-central region of Africa. In Kimbundu the banjo, in its older incarnations, may have been called “mbanza.” Other people believe it derives from the Portuguese word “bandore.”
Other theories include such Americanized words as “banjar,” “banjil” and “banza.” Regardless of where they got their name, however, banjos have a remarkably distinct sound. With an unmistakable musical character these unique instruments represent a rich cultural history, both in the United States and around the world. From Africa, to Europe and even Asia and the Middle East, banjos are a truly global instrument with derivations existing in almost every known human culture. Not many modern instruments can say that.