Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?

Subject: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: HarleySpirit
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 09:54 AM

I've got a Washburn DM2000S Acoustic guitar that's been with me for a number of years now. I bought her used: Solid spruce top with laminated rosewood sides & back. 1 3/4 nut. mint condition, w/ strap and hardshell case for about $400. I use Elixirs, changed the saddle to bone, and upgraded the original plastic pins to brass. The brass pins have really increased the sustain.
I had an opportunity to trade her in on a all around, great sounding and very playable $2000 Gibson Songwriter Deluxe. Definately one of Gibson's good ones, solid spruce top w/ solid rosewood sides & back, etc.
I'm a loyal regular, at a small local music store, and had the opportunity to do a side by side "in store comparison" between my Washburn and the Gibby. I played both guitars and had the store owner play both in front of me as well. I must say, I was extremely taken back. He and I both ageed, the "washie" definately won out.
Needless to say, I changed my mind about the purchase. Some laminated rigs can sound pretty good. Maybe its the upgrades I made to the "washie"... I'm not sure, but she's definately a keeper.
Anyone else had a similar experience with their Washburn?

Harley

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Zen
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 10:17 AM

My main fingerpicking guitar is now a Washburn 125th Anniversary parlour guitar (modern reproduction of a famous 1883 model)... one of a limited edition of 250.

I have owned a fair selection of good acoustic guitars over 45 years including Guild, Gibson, Manson, Lowden and Lakewood most of which have been excellent in their own ways. Although the Washburn is by no means an expensive guitar it is my favourite so far because of its combination of size, lightness, playability and sound. Currently using Rohrbacher nickel-titanium strings on it which sound excellent despite being somewhat at odds with the "retro" features of the guitar.

Zen

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: bankley
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 10:31 AM

I have a C-40 Classic... bought 2nd-hand from a local music store for $150. It's rich, nice low-end.... didn't have to do the usual adjustments.... hell, just the wood in it is worth the price...

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Bobert
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 12:43 PM

I own and perform with 4 different resonator guitars but my Washburn ES-10 is by far the best of all of them and I've also played Beards and the Washburn plays and sounds better then the Beards as well... List price: About $700... I bough mine for $400 because in some areas of Virginia folks just don't play round neck resonators and it had been in inventory for a year when I found it...

My gain!!!

B~

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: ClaireBear
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 12:51 PM

I love my 1920s-ish vintage single-O Washburn, bought from a violin-maker's shop in Berkeley (he'd taken it in trade and didn't know what to do with it) way back in the '70s for, let's see, I think about $300. I just wish my pickin' did it justice.

C

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: bubblyrat
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 12:54 PM

Whilst living and playing in Germany, I used a Washburn acoustic (don't remember the model ) that my girlfriend had acquired from a German (so was she !) guitar teacher, and I have to say that it was VERY good    ---lovely tone, and very easy to play ----I miss it !!

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Jayto
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 12:58 PM

I used to have a Washburn limited edition acoustic. It was a great guitar but I don't even remeber what happened to it. I don't remember the model either. My brother said he thought it was some sort of Bluegrass model he remembered it was a limited edition as well. Does anyone have a clue what it may have been. It was my 2nd guitar. I had it about 20 yrs ago and can't remember what I did with it. I think I traded it but I am not sure for what.

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:02 PM

My D10 was horrid

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Jayto
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:17 PM

I remember my Washburn had really high action. I didn't know enough about the guitar to know you could have it lowered. I think I traded it for another guitar. I never played it because the action was so high.

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:19 PM

"My D10 was horrid"

"I never played it because the action was so high"


then why did you guys buy the guitar ??


biLL

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Jayto
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:23 PM

The salesman was telling me how it was a great guitar and investment since it was a limited edition. Hell I was a kid and didn't know anything about guitars and he did so I took his word on it. I'll admit I have bought all kinds of things I liked at the store and got hoem and been like crap why did I buy this thing lol. Guest number 6 I asked myself the same question you just did man lol. Oh well live and learn. My Dad thought it was a cool guitar too so the salesman and my Dad were like get it get it. So I was like ok duh lol It wasn't a bad guitar if I would have known to get the action lowered it would have been fine.

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Jayto
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:25 PM

Oh yeah Del Langejans guitars are the greatest acoustic guitars ever made. I am not paid to say that either. I am totally in love with mine and have been for over 10 yrs Del rocks.

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:27 PM

I had one - forgotten what model - thin body with semi circular cutaway - played great! Top Pickup which died so I replaced it with an L.R.Baggs and that was great too.

Washburn is a name that I associate with quality.

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Jayto
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:31 PM

Baggs pickups are great they are about my favorite acoustic pickups. I have them put into every acoustic I play (except my Taylor). I don't think the Washburn I had came with electronics but I know that is just an optional thing. Other than that it sounds like it. I remember the music store owner saying it would make a great bluegrass guitar. I think that is where my brother got the bluegrass model in his head.

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: bankley
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:40 PM

L.R. Baggs make some fine gear... the Para-Acoustic DI is a blast...

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: Jayto
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 01:47 PM

Have you ever tried RMC pickups? I have heard them and they sound great but I heard if you don't get them installed perfectly they are a nightmare. Don't know if that is true or not but that is what I have heard.

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: bankley
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 02:35 PM

no, haven't come across them...

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: banjoman
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 06:36 AM

I bought a Washburn 12 string cutaway some years ago. Its still the best 12 string I have ever played. Keeps it tune and has a really low action. Plus the on board electrics make it a fine instrument for band use as well. I wouldnt swop it for anything

Subject: RE: Washburn Acoustic Guitars - Comments?
From: HarleySpirit
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 03:58 PM

Oh, by the way,
Remember that "side by side" comparison I previously posted? The local music store owner I mentioned, has since added several Washburn Acoustics to his inventory. Guess he knows a good thing when he see it!

Harley