Six new guitars and three mandolins are being added to the Washburn line in 2018, according to Washburn Director of Design & Development Jonathan Lee. ‘The 135th Anniversary Made In U.S.A. Revival Solo Dreadnought brings history to life with a guitar inspired by the 1937 Washburn 5246 model. The all-solid Timeless Collection of three mandolins and one parlor guitar features soundboards made from 140+-year-old European Fir beams. Inspired by Washburn’s 1939 Solo DeLuxe, the acoustic/electric Revival Series Solo DeLuxe Grand Auditorium pairs a Torrefied Sitka spruce top with Torrefied Sitka bracing with solid mahogany, providing dealers and players with vintage vibe and tone. The Comfort All-Solid model brings the first all-solid guitar body to the Comfort Series. The Apprentice G-Mini attracts new, younger players and meets dealer demand for smaller guitars. Add in the stunning new Michael Sweet Signature Made-In-USA Parallaxe V and it becomes clear that Washburn is offering something new and exciting for everyone.’
The ‘Timeless Collection’ might have a particular resonance in the UK as the wood used to make them was reclaimed from timber used in old buildings in Great Britain.
The 135th Anniversary Made In the U.S.A. Revival Solo Dreadnought (RSD135-D) is an all-solid Sitka spruce and mahogany model based on Washburn’s rare 1937 (Model 5246) Dreadnought. Only 135 of these guitars will be produced, and they are being made at Washburn’s custom shop with a body shape drawn from a direct tracing of the 1937 model. Using a solid Sitka spruce top and scalloped-X “moonwood” European spruce bracing, along with African mahogany, the tone is loud and rich. Washburn says it revives much of the original’s aesthetics, featuring a Washburn “smile” bridge, Revival ’30s style headstock and Solo Dreadnought tortoise pickguard. Designed to optimise player comfort, the Solo D is built with a neutral-C shaped neck and Graptech Ratio-tuned tuners. Each guitar will have a serial number from 1883-2018, representing Washburn’s 135 years of making great guitars.
Info: www.washburn.com
