A Chicago orignal since 1884!
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About Washburn Guitars
AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL - 1883, Chicago. George Washburn begins a legacy of greatness with the first Washburn stringed instruments, bringing quality instruments priced for home musicians. In 1889, Washburn becomes the largest mandolin maker in America.
AGE OF INNOVATION - In the early 20th century Washburn continues to lead with quality guitars, banjos, and mandolins. In 1912, Washburn releases the Lakeside Jumbo, the first dreadnought guitar. In 1930, Washburn merges with Tonk Brothers and releases the Solo Deluxe, the precursor of the auditorium style guitar and one of the best-selling guitars created.
AMPLIFIED AND ACOUSTIC - With the onset of the 1970’s, Washburn releases the Wing series, our first electric models. The Wing series continues the Washburn standard by delivering a show quality instrument at a home artist price. In the 80’s and 90’s the Washburn Festival series revitalizes the art of acoustic performance, contributing to the rise of “unplugged” performances.
CLASSIC VALUES WITH TODAY’S ADVANCES - For over 135 years, Washburn has been committed to providing the highest quality instruments. Whether it’s a guitar, banjo, or mandolin – if it’s a Washburn, it won’t let you down.
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Washburn Acoustic Guitars
No matter your level of playing and no matter your preferred style of acoustic, Washburn have you covered. The following are a few highlights from the current acoustic series’…
Bella Tono Series - .The Design Team at Washburn wanted to build an instrument with appointments of elegant design and taste, combined with premium sound and exceptional comfort of playability. Each Bella Tono model features Washburn’s Studio body shape. Petite in dimension, these bodies deliver a rich and full voice with clarity and projection.
Apprentice Series - The Washburn Apprentice Series instruments are designed for players of all levels of proficiency looking for a solidly built, comfortable feeling and great sounding instrument. Spruce tops are carefully paired with Flamed Maple, Ovangkol or Mahogany back and sides to offer an instrument appealing in looks, feel and sound.
Festival Series - Countless “Name” players have played the electric-acoustic Festival from its inception in 1979 to the current day. In the hands of Nuno Bettencourt, the tune More Than Words inspired a generation of musicians to return to their roots and play acoustic. Available in the classic Florentine cutaway Mini-Jumbo, and the more modern Venetian cutaway Mini & Petite Jumbo bodies, the Festival is a statement of your desire to be a part of history.
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Washburn Electric Guitars
Nuno Bettencourt Series - “I played Washburn initially because I got to design the EXACT guitar that I wanted. 25 years and it’s still my perfect performance guitar – and the tone – THAT has become a part of my DNA. It’s STILL my go to guitar no question.” Washburn’s Nuno Bettencourt series electrics and acoustics represent over 25 years of collaboration with Nuno Bettencourt.
N4-NUNO AUTHENTIC USA - The Washburn N4 Authentic is an exact replica of Nuno Bettencourt’s iconic N4 guitar. It has been painstakingly recreated in the USA Custom shop from Nuno’s original N4 by Washburn’s master luthiers and replicates every dent, ding, story, and nuance of personality contained in his guitar.
The N4 Authentic is made in the Washburn USA Custom Shop and features an alder body with a Seymour Duncan® ’59 neck pickup and Bill Lawrence® L-500 bridge pick-up complemented by a Floyd Rose® bridge & locking nut system with a D-Tuna for instant drop from E to D tuning. One of the hallmarks of the N4 is the Stephens Extended Cutaway on the maple neck which allows for unprecedented upper fret access.
N2-Nuno - Affordable without sacrificing playability or tone. Get that unique and cool Nuno look alongside Washburn neck and Bill Lawrence bridge pickups, Floyd Rose Special tremolo and Ebony fretboard.
Introducing the Deep Forest Collection
The visually striking appearance of the Deep Forest collection will catch your eye, but the sonic versatility of these guitars is what makes them a must-have. The Okoume back & sides along with the special striped ebony-blend top on the Ebony models delivers a rich sound with a very balanced tonal range, while the Okoume paired with a burl-blend top on Burl models delivers a tone that is warm with attack. Available in both a traditional dreadnought style and a modern cutaway version with electronics.