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Washburn guitars have a reputation for being good quality instruments, with some players preferring them over other brands. The brand produces a range of acoustic and electric guitars, including the Woodline 10 Acoustic-Electric, which has been praised for its warm sound, smart design, and smart execution. The build quality of Washburn guitars is generally considered to be good, with some models featuring a spruce-and-mahogany construction and advanced scalloped-X bracing, contributing to their pleasant tone and playability. Additionally, the brand has been endorsed by notable musicians such as Nuno Betincourt, who has been using Washburn guitars since the late 1970s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | Competitive |
| Quality | Good |
| Playability | Easy |
| Sound | Tight, focused, warm |
| History | In business since 1883 |
| Mandolin Maker | Largest in America in 1889 |
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What You'll Learn
The history of Washburn guitars
Under Patrick Healy's leadership from 1889 onwards, the company underwent a significant expansion, constructing a larger factory and improving mass-production techniques. By the early 20th century, Lyon & Healy claimed to manufacture 100,000 instruments annually. However, by the 1920s, the company faced increasing competition from other instrument manufacturers and the rise of alternative entertainment forms, such as film and the gramophone.
In 1912, Washburn introduced the Lakeside Jumbo guitar, considered by some to be the first dreadnought-sized guitar, marking a transition between smaller-bodied "parlor" guitars and modern-day dreadnought and jumbo acoustics. During the 1920s, Washburn guitars gained popularity, embraced by musicians on Maxwell Street, just blocks away from the factory.
In 1928, Lyon & Healy sold the guitar portion of their business to wholesaler Tonk Brothers, who subsequently encountered financial challenges, leading to the acquisition of some assets by the Regal Musical Instrument Company. The Washburn brand was preserved, but it never regained its former prominence, fading by the early 1940s.
Decades later, in 1972, Tom and Judy Fink Beckmen established Beckmen Musical Instruments, resurrecting the Washburn name for a series of imported acoustic guitars from Japan. In 1977, Fretted Industries, Inc., acquired the Washburn name, continuing to develop and innovate the brand.
Over the years, Washburn has been associated with numerous renowned musicians, including Nuno Bettencourt, Nick Catanese, Dan Donegan, and Bootsy Collins. Their instruments have also been endorsed by artists like Matisyahu, Sum41, Avril Lavigne, and The Allman Brothers. Washburn has built a reputation for innovation, being the first to use artist endorsements in advertising and pioneering features like the Stephen's Extended Cutaway neck joint and the Buzz Feiten Tuning System.
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The price of Washburn guitars
Washburn guitars have a long history dating back to 1883 when George Washburn began creating stringed instruments in Chicago. Over the years, Washburn has established itself as a leading manufacturer of quality musical instruments, including guitars, banjos, and mandolins. In the early 20th century, Washburn gained recognition for its high-quality instruments, with the release of the Lakeside Jumbo in 1912—the first dreadnought guitar.
Throughout the decades, Washburn continued to innovate and release new guitar series, such as the Wing series in the 1970s, which offered show-quality instruments at affordable prices. The Festival series in the 1980s and 1990s further solidified Washburn's reputation in the acoustic guitar market.
Today, Washburn guitars are known for their diverse range, catering to various musical styles and tastes. Their instruments are played by both aspiring musicians and professionals, with some models being favoured by famous artists. While prices vary, Washburn is known for offering high-quality guitars at competitive prices, making them accessible to home musicians and professionals alike.
Overall, the price of Washburn guitars can vary depending on the specific model and its features, but the brand is known for providing excellent value for money, combining quality, playability, and exceptional tone.
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The sound of Washburn guitars
The sound of a Washburn guitar is influenced by various factors, including the type of guitar, the materials used, and the technology employed.
Washburn offers a diverse range of electric and acoustic guitars, each delivering a unique sound. Their electric guitars, such as the Wing series, are known for providing show-quality instruments at affordable prices. These guitars often feature innovative designs, such as the patented sound slots in the Festival Series, which reduce feedback and enhance the overall sound projection.
The acoustic guitars from Washburn are equally impressive. The Comfort Series combines ergonomics with aesthetics, resulting in guitars that are comfortable to play and produce a rich, resonant sound. The Americana M108SW, for instance, has a Florentine-style body design that is deeper than traditional instruments, allowing for increased volume and projection.
Washburn also has a long history of building high-quality stringed instruments, dating back to 1883. This extensive experience contributes to the exceptional sound of their guitars. The company's commitment to quality has attracted endorsements from renowned artists like Nuno Bettencourt, Nick Catanese, and Dan Donegan, who have signature models featuring unique sounds.
The materials used by Washburn vary across their guitar series. The Ian Series, for example, showcases the use of mahogany and maple wood, resulting in artistic guitars with distinct tonal characteristics. Additionally, the company has introduced innovations like the Voice Contour Control (VCC) technology, which allows guitarists to access a broader range of tones and create more versatile sounds.
Overall, the sound of Washburn guitars is characterised by their attention to quality, innovation, and versatility. Whether it's their electric or acoustic offerings, Washburn guitars deliver a range of sounds that cater to various musical styles and player preferences. With a combination of historical expertise and modern advancements, Washburn guitars continue to be a popular choice for beginners and professionals alike.
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The playability of Washburn guitars
Many guitarists who have used Washburn guitars attest to their good playability and sound quality. One guitarist with a collection of guitars, including acoustics and electrics, mentions that when it comes to playing, they always gravitate towards their Washburn guitar, highlighting its excellent sound and playability. This guitarist's luthier also commended the guitar's sound and only suggested minor adjustments to suit their personal needs.
Another guitarist with a Washburn solid-body mahogany acoustic guitar (Model-HG120SWEK-D) praises its amazing sound and top-grade build quality. They believe it can compete with any high-end solid-body mahogany guitar in the market. Additionally, they own several overseas electric Washburns, including Idol models, Paul Stanley models, and Tabu series, which they find fantastic to play and well-made.
Washburn guitars also have a reputation for being versatile. One guitarist shares that their Washburn guitar, a model from the Woodline Orchestra series, performs well in non-standard tunings like open E and open D minor. The guitar retains its sound quality and delivers impressive definition and note separation when playing complex chords. This adaptability makes it suitable for various musical styles, from contemporary classical to fingerstyle blues.
While personal preferences may vary, the consensus among guitarists who have experience with Washburn guitars is that they offer good playability, sound quality, and build quality. Whether for beginners learning their first chords or seasoned musicians looking for versatility and performance, Washburn guitars can be a viable option to consider.
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The quality of Washburn guitars
Additionally, the Woodline 10 Acoustic-Electric guitar has received positive reviews for its warm sound, smart design, and budget-friendly price point. The guitar's spruce-and-mahogany build, advanced scalloped-X bracing, and balance contribute to its pleasing sound. The preamp's ease of use and the guitar's ability to handle non-standard tunings without losing its luster are also highlighted.
On the other hand, some users have expressed concerns about the quality of certain Washburn guitars. One user shared their experience with two tragic headstock snapping incidents, although they clarified that it was not due to the build quality. Another user mentioned that the quality of Washburn guitars produced since the mid-2000s can be questionable.
Overall, while personal preferences and specific model choices may vary, Washburn guitars are generally well-regarded for their sound, playability, and build quality, especially when considering their price range. The brand caters to a wide range of players, from beginners to professionals, and offers a diverse selection of acoustic, electric, and acoustic-electric guitars.
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Frequently asked questions
Like any brand, Washburn produces low-end, mid-range, and high-end guitars. The high-end guitars are professional grade. Some users have praised the sound and build quality of their Washburn guitars, including the Woodline 10 Acoustic-Electric, which has been described as a "budget beauty".
Washburn guitars are generally considered to have good build quality. One user praised the build quality of their Washburn solid-body mahogany acoustic guitar, while another described their Washburn guitar as "well-built". However, another user mentioned that their Washburn guitar had two headstock snapping incidents, although they clarified that this was not due to the build quality of the guitar.
Washburn guitars are known for their warm sound, with good bass, mid, and treble response. The Woodline 10 Acoustic-Electric has been praised for its clean and clear sound, with good projection and sustain. It also performs well in non-standard tunings, with impressive definition and note separation.
Yes, Nuno Betincourt has been using Washburn guitars since the late 1970s. Additionally, several people who tour and perform on stage are known to use Washburn guitars.
