Washburn - 'Mellisa' (guitar)

Subject: Washburn - 'Mellisa'
From: Paul Mitchell
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 03:51 PM

I'm looking for some points of view on this guitar. I've just started to shop around with a view to replacing my old Tanglewood six string acoustic with a guitar that is considerably better than I currently need (I'm hoping I'll grow into it). I came across a Washburn "Mellisa" in a local music shop. Secound hand they had it priced for £650(ish). Now, I had a quick play on it and, whilst it was a nice guitar, was a bit unconvinced by its playability, most notably it's action. They guy in the shop was full of phrases like "You've heard of the "Melisa" then..", ".. a rare chance, they are well known in the right circles..."

Now, I've NOT heard of this guitar and was wondering if I'm just being too dum and would be missing out on a real bargain. I appreciate that if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't, but you good people seem to know loads of stuff, so I thought I'd ask for opinions.

Cheers Paul (who, thanks to advice, has reset his cookie)

Subject: RE: Washburn - 'Mellisa'
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 04:10 PM

"They are well known in the RIGHT circles"?

Guess I'm hanging out in the wrong circles.

Question. Is this an "actual" Washburn, (meaning the original company...in which case it has to be at least 60 years old) or an Oriental import with the "name" Washburn on it. If it's not an original, then I go with my first instincts about the "bad action". If it is an original, then you can get a neck re-set (bout 300 dollars Canadian) which will fix the action.

Rick

Subject: RE: Washburn - 'Mellisa'
From: BK
Date: 15 Apr 01 - 04:10 PM

I'm not familiar w/that particular model, but the old salesman's trick of implying something that is odinary is unusual & special is well known; At least here in the states, there are myriad rather decent guitars in a plethora of models & prices. I'd say don't even consider buying it if you have a serious problem w/any aspect of the playability & sound. Paricularly for that price.

Take it from one who's bought lot's of guitars, good, bad & indifferent.. Spend your money carefully!

One man's opinion.

Cheers, BK

Subject: RE: Washburn - 'Mellisa'
From: Mooh
Date: 16 Apr 01 - 09:01 AM

My 1998 edition of the Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars gives a manufacurer's suggested list price of $949 (US). The excellent condition resale price is listed as $575 (US) with no average price listed, likely due to very few being traded. Up until then it had only been built in 1995, with an estimated 500 leaving the factory.

This guitar was reported designed in conjunction with Greg Allman (Allman Bros. Band) but anyone can see that it is a typical Washburn Festival Series guitar with an inlay "Melissa", and average electronics.

Since then however, it has been widely advertised so I suppose that it was reissued. This does not mean anything as to its quality, reliability, or desirability. My experience with Washburns in general is that the quality is irregular. I have owned a Washburn which was great but as far as I was able to determine it was a rare example. All in all, they're rather average.

Sounds to me like they're trying to rip you off. Shop elsewhere.

Peace. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Washburn - 'Mellisa'
From: Paul Mitchell
Date: 16 Apr 01 - 04:08 PM

Thanks people. I'll keep on shopping around, a process which is, in itself, entertaining.

Paul