PROS: Excellent construction, playability and sound.
CONS: A little expensive compared to other imports.
PRICE: $1069 MSRP
Washburn’s been making guitars for over 100 years, and even though acoustic guitars haven’t changed much in basic design, the features on their new acoustic give it a modern edge.
The WCG25SCE (quite a mouthful) is a single cutaway auditorium style, meaning it’s a bit smaller than a dreadnaught, with a solid spruce top and rosewood sides and back. The interesting design is complemented by mahogany binding, as well as the ergonomic bevel on the side, right where most other acoustic guitars’ edges dig into the player’s forearm. A nice maple and mahogany rosette detail on the sound hole gives it a classy modern look. The satin-finished 25.5” scale neck is mahogany and is capped with a beautiful rosewood fingerboard.
This model is equipped with Fishman’s Isys 501T preamp with an internal microphone and undersaddle transducer, as well as a built-in tuner. The controls are placed where they’re easy to get to, and don’t clutter the aesthetics of the instrument.
The fit and finish is excellent, with the application of fine tone woods for sound and appearance. It’s definitely a professional-level instrument, with a crisp and modern sound that doesn’t lack any low end or fullness. Each note seems to jump out of the sound hole. Chords are rich and dynamic. It’s one of those acoustics that seems to have the songs already in it, which are just begging to come out.
Playability is perfect, the fretwork and satin finish are fluid. The neck shape isn’t a traditional acoustic shape, a bit thinner, but still has beef to it. Electric players would have no problem transitioning to this, even with its higher setup. The electronics are top notch, and it still retains the excellent tonal character of a classic acoustic, with great playability and full tone.
It has a suggested retail price of $1069, which is a little expensive for a guitar made in China. But the workmanship is certainly on par with some other American-made models. With its top-notch construction, features, and sound, it’s an acoustic that certainly won’t let anyone down.
FEATURES
Body Style: Grand Auditorium Cutaway
Top: Solid Spruce
Sides: Rosewood
Neck: Satin Finished Mahogany w/Two-Way Truss Rod
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Bridge: Mahogany Bound Rosewood Bridge
Tuners: Die Cast Chrome Washburn Tuners
Scale: 25.5″
Nut Width: 43mm
Frets: 20
Electronics: Fishman Isys 501T w/ Tuner/Mic/Undersaddle Transducer