When George Washburn Lyon and Patrick Healy became partners the story of Washburn company officially started, though the roots go back as far as the Civil War does. Washburn has been building stringed instruments since 1883 in Chicago, Illinois. Washburn has been into guitars, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, and more, as the true American music institution. Washburn instruments have been a popular choice amongst the folk, rock, blues hit songwriters throughout the whole history of music.
Considering the long history of music Washburn has something to impress as well - 130 years of high quality instruments production history. This background inspires the developers to keep on creating instruments of an exceptional value, playability and signature Washburn voice. Any guitar player can surely find his soon-to-be-favourite model in a Washburn shop, starting from the iconic Lakeside and DeLuxe, the quintessential acoustic-electric Festival, the Comfort masterpiece, or their extensive variety of Americana units.
Whether it’s rock, metal, country, bluegrass or jazz, you’ll find a Washburn electric guitar which would conform to your technique and enhance your style. The company produced its first electric guitar in 1976 and is proud of its selection of history's most well known, best valued and best selling acoustic and Americana instruments.
Many musicians from Nancy Wilson and Howard Leese with Heart, to the rise of hard rock's and metal's glory years with Rudy Sarzo and Nuno Bettencourt helped Washburn to grow and gain popularity through years. The grunge epoch with its cult personalities like Dimebag Darrel made Washburn live through “burning” solos later putting the guitars in hands of Ola Englund and Marzi Montazeri. The brand likes you no matter what skill level you’re at – you’re a garage band or a Youtube star, or maybe you’re about to join the list of the legends, Washburn guitars were made for music fans.
Have a look at company’s acoustic guitars – there’s more than a dozen of series. Go and meet your electric hero: Nuno Bettencourt, Parallaxe, Sonamaster, Hollowbody or Jazz – each series has got a history of its own. The PXL Series has an unsurpassed playing comfort with total access neck and increased tone and sustain. Sonamaster draws its inspiration from instruments Washburn developed in the late 1980’s, a time when Washburn was played by some of the biggest breakthrough artists in the world. Hollowbody guitars are typically lighter and more resonant than their solid body counter parts. This gives a somewhat mellower tone to the guitar making it well suited to Jazz, Blues or Rock. Washburn presents 4 great jazz guitars with a variety of looks and tonal variety to fit all tastes.