Washburn (electric) Guitars

Ohio

I have been learning to play an acoustic guitar for about 4 months and I'm itching to get an electric sometime fairly soon. I figured I'd start doing some research on different brands.

The store where I take lessons sells Washburn guitars exclusively. I would like to support this store (as they are "the little guy").

Now I know I could go to a guitar supercenter and choose from a lot of brands but since I'm interested in supporting this store, I'm wondering how Washburn guitars compare to others.

DynamiteKid

Washburn guitars are fair enough for a starter guitar, but it depends on what kind of budget you have. How much are you thinking of spending? Do you have any idea what kind of guitar you're after, or are you a total newbie as far as this?

Ohio

My budget is probably $400-$500 just for the guitar.

And no, I don't have any idea. Before I decide what to buy, I plan to do research online, talk to my teacher, and try out a bunch of guitars both at this store, and others.

I just feel like buying my guitar from this local small store is the right thing to do, unless Washburn just totally sucks.

Descendant X

I had a nice Washburn with a Floyd Rose bridge and it was a pretty good guitar. I never had any problems with it.

I sometimes wish I hadn't sold it.

EggyToast

I don't have any model recommendations but there are good washburn guitars out there, and they're endorsed and used by a lot of serious musicians. Just like cheap fenders (which most people would avoid), there are cheap washburns that you should probably avoid. For your price range, you probably won't have to worry about it, although you should of course play on a variety of instruments before you buy.

As a side note, not every guitar has to be a Fender or a Gibson in order to be a good electric. I've got a Danelectro Hodad, which is a "mock retro" electric (it's styled like a 1960's reproduction but is actually a completely new model). Danelectro made a bunch and the Hodad sounds surprisingly good -- it has a natural surf or blues sound to it. Cost me less than $200, too. So no, Washburns should be fine as long as you don't buy the cheapest, indonesian-produced guitar the guy sells.

You may want to check out the wikipedia page on Washburn guitars, as there's a good list of links to musicians who use Washburns. It could be a good way to gauge what kind of sound you're looking for, by seeing which models particular artists use.

edit: scratch that. Check this page instead: http://www.washburn.com/artists/ since it lists the models directly.

Murago

I wouldn't use a washburn guitar to row a boat, let alone play music with. That's just personal preference though, and there are plenty of people who love washburns. It all really just comes down to your preference man. I think before Santana was given his PRS, he used Gibson. You just need to try them out, see what feels and sounds right to you. Of course, since all you have to choose from is washburn, you'll just have to pick the model you want.

For that price range though, you should be able to pick up a decent model. Will you be getting an amplifier?

Ohio

I will be getting am amp but not right away. My budget now is 400-500 and then a while later I'll be able to budget a suitable amount for a decent amp. I'd rather have the money for good components rather than try to cram both the guitar and amp into the 400-500 just so I can get it all at once. I can be patient.

romanqwerty

My advice here is should be taken with a grain of salt, but i strongly reccomend shopping around a bit. Go to differant stores around the place a play a whole bunch of differant guitars. You shouldnt buy something that seems like the best deal or because a friend said it was good. As stated before most of it depends on personal preferance. If you have a guitar you love playing you'll play it more and consequently improve more.