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Washburn guitars have established themselves as a significant player in the electric guitar market since their founding in 1974. Known for their affordability and solid construction, these guitars offer a great balance of sound quality and value. Our roundup examines Washburn's popular guitar models, highlighting their distinctive features and performance.

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Reviews

Washburn AD5K-A Apprentice Series Acoustic Guitar

A solid spruce top and mahogany back deliver rich tone with plenty of volume, while the balanced dreadnought body design cuts through any mix. The 25.5" scale makes it comfortable to play, and its stylish appearance matches its quality construction. As a complete package including a hardshell case, it's an ideal first guitar that delivers great value.

Washburn WD100DL Acoustic Guitar

The mahogany top and back of this right-handed acoustic guitar create a warm, resonant tone that cuts through any mix. The rosewood neck and fingerboard offer a comfortable playing surface with the classic feel of a quality instrument. While the plastic tuners might not hold their tune for extended sessions, the overall build quality and playability make it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced players looking for great sound at an affordable price.

Washburn Comfort WCG15SCE12 12-String Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This gorgeous 12-string acoustic-electric guitar combines exceptional playability with rich tone. The carefully crafted solid Sitka spruce top and premium mahogany construction deliver a warm, resonant sound that rivals much more expensive instruments. The comfortable recurve body design and deluxe armrest bevel make it a pleasure to play for hours, while the Fishman electronic system provides excellent stage sound. Players praise its exceptional value and lasting appeal, making it a standout in its category.

Washburn EA15ATB Festival Series Electric Guitar

At first glance, you might mistake this Washburn for an expensive boutique guitar, thanks to its superbly crafted catalpa body with flamed maple top. The rosewood neck and fingerboard give it a lovely warm tone, while the under-saddle piezo pickup captures every nuance through the built-in preamp - you'd swear it was worth triple the price!

Washburn WG7S Acoustic Guitar

From the makers of affordable yet high-quality instruments comes this stunning Grand Auditorium acoustic, complete with a solid spruce top and mahogany sides/back. While minor issues like high action and a pesky piece of sandpaper inside might deter some buyers, the guitar's impressive sound quality and durable construction make it a solid choice. The natural gloss finish really shows off the instrument's rich appointments, though a matte option is available if you prefer a more subdued look.

Washburn WCG20SCE Comfort Series Acoustic Electric Guitar

This Washburn acoustic-electric guitar combines impressive sound quality with thoughtful player comfort features like its unique belly carve and ergonomic armrest bevel. Built for both new players and experienced guitarists, it nails the balance between great tone and easy playability. The solid Sitka spruce top and premium electronics make it stand out as one of the best-sounding options under $1000.

Washburn DFBDB-U Deep Forest Burl Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar

The Washburn DFBDB-U brings together a stunning burl top with Okoume back and sides for rich, articulate tone. A modern neck profile makes it supremely comfortable for all playing styles. Choose between a traditional dreadnought style or the versatile cutaway version with electronics – both available in striking black fade finishes that will only deepen with age.

Washburn EA10B Festival Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Combining elegant black styling with classic acoustic architecture, the Washburn EA10B stands out in any collection. It pairs a generous jumbo body shape with Washburn's proven festival design, offering ample volume and clarity that's perfect for both practice and performance. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, this guitar delivers big sound in a manageable package.

Washburn M1K A-Style Mandolin

The Washburn M1K A-style mandolin combines traditional craftsmanship with modern convenience. Its solid spruce top and rosewood bridge deliver rich tonal qualities, while the adjustable truss rod ensures precise setup. Whether you're a beginner exploring new musical territory or an experienced player expanding your repertoire, this versatile instrument delivers exceptional value and lasting performance.

Washburn WCG66SCE Natural Acoustic Guitar

This comfortable Grand Auditorium guitar combines Western Red Cedar top and Spalted Maple construction for rich acoustic tone, while the Venetian cutaway and recurve ergonomic armrest enhance playability. The included USA-made guitar delivers excellent sound quality and visual appeal, though some may find the plastic tuners less premium than expected. Those new to guitar playing will appreciate its clear, responsive sound and comfortable design, while experienced players will enjoy its detailed craftsmanship and value.

Washburn Festival EA15 Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Washburn Festival EA15 combines a comfortable mini-jumbo body with quality Barcus-Berry electronics, delivering a pristine tone that stays true whether you're unplugged or plugged in. With a flame maple top and catalpa back, it offers a warm, balanced sound that's perfect for smaller players or those who prefer a more intimate guitar voice. This solidly built guitar has become a favorite on stage and in studios since its MTV Unplugged days.

Washburn Woodline O12SE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This solid mahogany acoustic-electric guitar delivers impressive tone with its select-grade soundboard and Graph Tech Nu Bone nut and saddle. A comfortable satin-finished mahogany neck with 2-way truss rod makes it playable right out of the case, while the Fishman Presys II preamp system handles both amplified and acoustic performances with natural-sounding clarity. With elegant Ovangkol fretboard and rosewood binding, it's a stylish addition to any singer-songwriter's collection.

Washburn Comfort Series WCG20SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

With its book-matched solid Sitka spruce top and quartersawn scalloped bracing, this Washburn acoustic-electric delivers exceptional tone that improves with time. The premium Fishman electronics capture the natural acoustics beautifully, while the unique beveled mahogany binding on the lower bout provides remarkable comfort during playing. Players praise its stellar sound quality and responsive tuning system, making it a standout choice under $1,000.

Washburn AGM5K Apprentice Series G-Mini Acoustic Guitar

With its spruce top and mahogany back, this little acoustic guitar packs some serious tone for its size, while the quartersawn scalloped bracing gives it a real punch. At just 10.15 pounds, it's a breeze to carry around, whether you're headed to a friend's house or just trying to find a quiet spot to play. The travel-friendly grand auditorium shape makes every note sing, even when you're crammed into a crowded coffee shop or sitting on the beach with a cold drink.

Washburn C5CE Classical Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Washburn C5CE combines classic Spanish guitar aesthetics with modern active electronics for both stage and studio. Its spruce top delivers exceptional resonance, while the catalpa back and sides maintain traditional tonal characteristics. The quarter-sawn scalloped Sitka spruce bracing adds structural integrity without compromising sound quality. The quarter-inch tuning jack and built-in digital tuner make it practical for performers of all skill levels. Playability is enhanced by the wider string spacing typical of classical guitars, which allows for precise fingerstyle technique while maintaining comfort. The mahogany neck and addario EJ46 strings ensure a responsive playing surface that adapts well to both beginning and advanced players.

Washburn WCGM55K G-Mini 55 KOA Acoustic Guitar

The Washburn WCGM55K brings big sound in a smaller package, with a solid spruce top and mahogany back/sides delivering rich, resonant tone. Its 7/8-size body and Comfort Series appointments make it incredibly comfortable to play, whether you're strumming chords or reaching for those upper frets. The included padded gig bag keeps it safe on journeys big and small.

Washburn WCG25SCE Comfort Acoustic Electric Guitar

This Washburn acoustic electric packs a lot of charm in its comfortable Grand Auditorium body, with a slick beveled lower bout that lets you noodle around the neck without hassle. The Spruce top delivers lovely resonance, while the Fishman electronics give you crisp direct sound and handy built-in tuner. The rosewood fingerboard and mahogany neck feel great under your fingers, making this a really enjoyable player, even if you hit a few snags with the occasional setup tweaks.

Washburn Heritage F11S Folk Acoustic Guitar

The Washburn Heritage F11S combines a solid Western Red Cedar top with mahogany back and sides for a warm, articulate tone that's perfect for fingerpicking and vocal accompaniment. At just 7.1 pounds, it's surprisingly light for its size while delivering plenty of projection and dynamics. The cathedral-peaked scalloped-X rosette adds a nice visual touch to this versatile folk-sized guitar.

Washburn SDFSB Sonamaster Deluxe Electric Guitar

The Washburn Sonamaster delivers big sound in a package that won't break the bank. With spruce and mahogany construction, it has that classic acoustic tone with plenty of warmth and projection. The flame maple top adds visual appeal while the rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable playing surface. The included gig bag means you're ready to hit the stage without hassle.

Washburn HG12S Acoustic Guitar

This solid mahogany-top guitar delivers warm, resonant tones that develop depth over time. The mahogany/back-and-sides construction and rosewood appointments create a versatile instrument suitable for both strummers and fingerstyle players. At just 12 pounds, the balanced design makes it comfortable for performances and studio sessions alike.

Washburn DFBACEB-U Acoustic Electric Guitar

The Washburn Deep Forest Burl guitar combines striking visual appeal with versatile tone. Its burl top and Okoume back/sides deliver warm, articulate sound with good bass response. The black fade finish and modern cutaway design add a touch of sophistication. With Barcus Berry electronics and built-in tuner, it's well-equipped for stage performance while remaining highly playable.

Washburn Apprentice Acoustic Guitar

Starting out on guitar means finding a reliable partner who won't hold you back as you learn. The Washburn Apprentice delivers with its spruce top and mahogany construction, giving you a rich tonal foundation to develop your skills. At just under 9 pounds, it's comfortable for practice sessions, while the included gig bag and accessories make it simple to start making music right away. The guitar's warm sound and solid build quality have impressed many new players who appreciate how it performs from the moment you plug in.

Washburn Nuno Bettencourt N24PSVINTAGEK

This guitar has really captured what makes Nuno Bettencourt's signature model special. The neck is a dream to play on, with that extended cutaway giving you fantastic reach up the higher frets. Whether you're nailing some wild solos or just acing your chords, this guitar really nails the sound of what makes a Nuno guitar great - that balance of classic Strat feel with modern humbucker tone. The reversed headstock design looks amazing and pairs perfectly with that flame maple top.

Washburn HD10SCE Heritage Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This natural-finished dreadnought guitar pairs a solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides for rich, resonant sound that improves with age. The comfortable satin mahogany neck features an ovangkol fretboard and diecast tuners for precise intonation. The built-in Fishman 301T preamp system delivers crystal-clear acoustics with volume, tone, and phase controls for versatile stage performance.

Washburn Parallaxe V260FR Electric Guitar

This impressive guitar combines Michael Sweet's signature style with solid build quality and reliable tuning. The mahogany body and maple neck deliver the thick tone expected from a modern V-type guitar, while the active Duncan Blackout pickups offer versatile soundscapes. The attention to detail, from the Buzz Feiten tuning system to the premium hardware, makes it clear this is Washburn's top-tier offering.

Washburn C5 Classical Acoustic Guitar

The spruced-top Washburn C5 packs a big sound in a nylon-stringed classical guitar format that's surprisingly comfortable for beginners and nuanced enough for advanced players. The catalpa back and sides add warmth to the tonal mix, while quarter-sawn scalloped bracing keeps the body vibrations focused where they count. The overall finish quality shows the attention to detail that comes from the company's better-than-expected 4.7-star rating.

Washburn WCG55CE Comfort Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Washburn WCG55CE combines a comfortable Grand Auditorium body with a gorgeous Koa top and back, while its Fishman preamp system keeps performance simple and reliable. Players appreciate its warm tone and easy playability, though some recommend experimenting with different strings to get the best sound. The built-in tuner and elegant Koa finish make it a practical choice for both casual players and performers who value comfort and looks.

Washburn EA20 Festival Series Acoustic-Electric Guitar

This charming acoustic-electric guitar pairs a crisp, well-balanced sound with the visual appeal of its flame maple back and select spruce top. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry, while the onboard EQ system lets you fine-tune your tone for both practice and performance. Whether you're recording or playing live, the EA20 delivers the quality you'd expect from a guitar with roots in MTV's "Unplugged" series.

Washburn WA90CEVSB Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Washburn WA90 combines solid construction with surprisingly good sound for its price point. A right-handed dreadnought with American Linden wood, it features a cutaway for upper-fret access and built-in Tuner/Preamp for hassle-free tuning. While it requires some initial setup—like truss rod adjustment and string replacement—the guitar delivers decent projection and sustain, making it a practical choice for beginners or casual players who want a quality acoustic-electric without breaking the bank.

Washburn C40 Classical Guitar

This versatile classical guitar pairs spruce and mahogany craftsmanship with comfortable 52mm string spacing ideal for fingerstyle playing. The D'Addario ProArte strings deliver rich, full tone while the ergonomic body design makes it a pleasure to play. Built for both beginners and experienced players, its natural finish and affordable price point make it a standout value in the Washburn lineup.

Buyer's Guide

Choosing the right Washburn guitar requires an understanding of your playing style, budget, and specific needs. From acoustic to electric, Washburn offers a wide range of models, each with its own characteristics.

Acoustic Guitars

Washburn acoustic guitars combine affordability with quality craftsmanship. Consider factors like body style ( dreadnought, concert, or grand auditorium), tonewoods ( spruce top, mahogany back and sides), and bridge type ( classical with nylon strings, steel-string with compensated saddle).

Electric Guitars

Their electric guitars feature versatile sound options through active electronics, offering both clean and overdriven tones. Look for models with comfortable neck profiles, appropriate scale length, and pickup configurations that match your preferred playing style ( singlecoil, humbucking, or pent pickups ).

Budget and Value

Washburn consistently delivers quality instruments at competitive prices. Entry-level models offer great playability, while mid-range guitars like the Aeon series enhance tonal qualities. Consider a local store demo if possible, or try before you buy online.

Music Education and Future Growth

For students or players considering a career in music, Washburn provides affordable options for learning and practicing. The company's dedication to quality ensures that these instruments hold their value well for future upgrades or investments in your musical journey.

FAQ

What makes Washburn guitars unique?

Washburn guitars combine affordability with solid craftsmanship, featuring premium materials and attention to detail. Their innovative designs and versatile sound options make them popular among students and professional musicians alike.

The company emphasizes accessibility without compromising quality, offering a wide range of models that balance affordability with professional-grade characteristics.

Are Washburn guitars durable?

Most Washburn models use quality construction materials and sturdy workmanship, making them suitable for regular use. While not as heavily built as some professional-grade instruments, they generally hold up well with normal playing.

Their affordability often means you can purchase a backup guitar without significant investment, knowing it will serve you well for consistent practice and performance.

How do Washburn guitars compare to similar-priced brands?

Compared to similarly priced guitars, Washburn often offers more features like improved pickups, better-quality woods, and more comfortable necks. Their Middle Eastern manufacturing combines modern techniques with traditional craftsmanship.

Entries from other brands may have slightly better tone quality or workmanship for the same price point, but they often lack Washburn's durability and feature set.

What maintenance do Washburn guitars require?

Regular maintenance including cleanings, string changes, and simple setup adjustments keep Washburn guitars sounding their best. The tuning pegs typically need periodic tightening, and the bridge might require adjustment for optimal action.

Most maintenance tasks require basic tools and can be done at home, making these guitars low-maintenance compared to many mid-range instruments.

Are Washburn guitars right for beginners?

Beginners often find Washburn guitars excellent starting instruments due to their user-friendly designs, straightforward setup, and durable construction. The company frequently features beginner-friendly models with extra resources.

Many students choose Washburn guitars specifically for their value and reliability, knowing they can practice without worrying about expensive equipment failure.

How do I choose the right Washburn guitar?

Select a Washburn guitar that matches your playing style and intended use. Consider factors like body size, neck shape, and style preferences. Their website offers detailed descriptions and photos to help with selection.

Try before buying if possible, focusing on comfort, intonation, and overall playability. Reading customer reviews and checking online forums can also provide valuable insights into specific models' performance and value.