04 Nov 08 - 11:50 AM (#2484545) Subject: Washburn relic - any info? From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego An architect friend of mine has had two musical instruments, a guitar and a mandolin, which have adorned his mantle for many years. Apparently, they belonged to his late grandmother and were left to his father, who never played. The guitar is a Washburn, which appears to be rosewood with a spruce top. It has friction tuning pegs, violin style, something I've never seen before. The back has a single crack, which looks repairable. The mandolin has no maker's name visible, but he thinks it, too, was a Washburn of the same era, which had to be circa 1920's or older. Did Washburn exist that long ago as a brand? Has anyone seen a Washburn guitar with a similar setup? I've been trying to pry these away from him for years, since he doesn't play. No luck so far. |
04 Nov 08 - 12:09 PM (#2484581) Subject: RE: Washburn relic - any info? From: ClaireBear I'm no guitar expert, but Washburn certainly existed that long ago. My Washburn is about that vintage, in fact, but it doesn't have friction pegs. Hang on, I'll see if I can turn up some company history... |
04 Nov 08 - 12:11 PM (#2484584) Subject: RE: Washburn relic - any info? From: ClaireBear OK, there's a Washburn forum here. That would be a good place to start, maybe. |
04 Nov 08 - 12:33 PM (#2484608) Subject: RE: Washburn relic - any info? From: ClaireBear Washburn was founded in 1883, according to one site I just visited. I have to stop posting here and get some work done, so I'm desisting now. But I'm sure there must be an authoritative and comprehensive site out there -- I just haven't found it. Let us know what you find out -- and if you manage to get your hands on the instruments. By the way, I love my Washburn. C |
04 Nov 08 - 12:40 PM (#2484616) Subject: RE: Washburn relic - any info? From: Zen I have a Washburn-made replica of an 1883 model Washburn parlour guitar so the company must date at least from then as noted by ClaireBear. I also love my Washburn! Zen |
04 Nov 08 - 12:42 PM (#2484621) Subject: RE: Washburn relic - any info? From: Zen P.S. I may be wrong but I think it's the second oldest US guitar manufacturer after C.F.Martin (est. 1833). |
04 Nov 08 - 02:11 PM (#2484722) Subject: RE: Washburn relic - any info? From: Y_Not I bought my Washburn Woodstock in 1983, I know the date because it was the year my son was born, and it rested in his cot until he arrived, while I had a Carlton case made. 10 years ago I took my Washburn to have the frets dressed and was shown a Washburn the guy had collected dated 1896, it was a small body guitar and needed a lot of work, the neck was twisted. My Washburn has been a great workhorse and never let me down. Great to see some Wasburn fans! |