Washburn
Since 1883
Washburn Guitars is one of America's oldest guitar manufacturers, established in 1883 in Chicago as a division of Lyon & Healy. The brand pioneered innovations like the 1912 Lakeside Jumbo—considered the first dreadnought guitar. After declining in the 1940s, Washburn was revived in 1974 and has since become known for quality acoustic and electric guitars, including legendary signature models for Nuno Bettencourt, Dimebag Darrell, and Paul Stanley. The brand combines American heritage with modern innovation across acoustic, electric, and signature artist lines.
143
Years in Business
3M+
Guitars Sold
$50M+
Annual Revenue
Complete Washburn Guitar Guide
Comprehensive buying guide, price analysis, model comparisons, and expert insights to help you understand everything about Washburn guitars.
Washburn Price Overview
Washburn covers a wide range of instruments from entry-level to professional models. Typical used prices vary by condition, series and year. Higher-end USA models and limited editions retain value better than mass-market lines, while rare or vintage pieces often command significant premiums.
When evaluating value, consider originality (pickups, hardware), structural condition (neck, frets, finish) and documentation (serials, receipts, setup reports). Price dispersion across platforms is common; local stores offer service and inspection, whereas online marketplaces provide broader selection and price transparency.
For detailed buying advice, model comparisons and condition-based pricing, read the full guide linked above.
Market Overview
Average Price
$480
+3% vs last year
eBay Listings
1,800
Active listings
Sold This Month
720
+5% vs last month
Price Range
$150-$12,000
Current market range
Data sourced from eBay, Reverb, and Guitar Center used listings
Washburn Timeline
Company Founded
George Washburn Lyon and Patrick Healy established Washburn Guitars in Chicago as a division of Lyon & Healy.
Lakeside Jumbo
Introduced the Lakeside Jumbo, recognized as the first dreadnought-sized guitar, revolutionizing acoustic guitar design.
Tonk Brothers Sale
Lyon & Healy sold the guitar portion of the business to Tonk Brothers, beginning a period of decline.
Brand Dormancy
Washburn brand became dormant as manufacturing ceased during the wartime period.
Brand Revival
Thomas L. Beckmen acquired the Washburn name and began importing quality guitars from Japan (Terada factory).
Wing Series Launch
Introduced the Wing series, marking Washburn's entry into the electric guitar market.
Festival Series
Launched the Festival series acoustic-electrics, designed for the emerging unplugged performance scene.
Nuno N4 Introduction
Debuted the iconic N4 signature model for Nuno Bettencourt featuring the Stephens Extended Cutaway.
Dimebag Partnership
Dimebag Darrell began his decade-long partnership with Washburn after Dean ceased production.
Dimebag Return to Dean
Dimebag Darrell returned to Dean Guitars; his Washburn signature models became collectible.
Parallaxe Series
Introduced the Parallaxe series designed specifically for modern rock, metal, and shred guitarists.
Nuno Guitars Launch
Nuno Bettencourt launched his own brand, ending his 35-year partnership with Washburn.
Complete Washburn Product Lineup
Washburn combines 140+ years of American guitar heritage with modern innovation and legendary artist collaborations
Electric Guitars
From classic designs to modern shred machines
Signature models with Stephens Extended Cutaway at $1,099-$3,499
Modern rock/metal guitars with EMG or Seymour Duncan at $449-$849
Single-cutaway rock guitars
KISS frontman signature models
Dimebag Darrell signature models (discontinued, collectible)
Acoustic Guitars
Heritage craftsmanship meets modern playability
Classic dreadnought design at $449-$1,049
Quality acoustics and acoustic-electrics at $549-$599
Mini jumbo cutaway for performance at $399-$699
Ergonomic design with belly and top carves
Exotic wood tops for unique aesthetics and tone
Traditional American music instruments including mandolins
Signature Artist Models
Collaboration instruments with legendary artists
Extreme guitarist's iconic design with Bill Lawrence pickups
KISS frontman's Iceman and Cadillac-style guitars
Acoustic signature celebrating Washburn's heritage
Stryper frontman's modern rock guitar
Bass Guitars
Electric bass instruments
Modern bass guitars for various styles
Acoustic-electric bass options
"Washburn combines 140+ years of American guitar heritage with modern innovation and legendary artist collaborations"
Model-Specific Buying Guide
Each model has unique characteristics that affect both tone and value. Here's what to look for when buying specific models.
Nuno N Series Buying Guide
Stephens Extended Cutaway
Unique 5-bolt neck joint provides unparalleled upper fret access; verify joint integrity on used models
Pickup Configuration
Bill Lawrence L-500 in bridge for hot output; Seymour Duncan '59 in neck for smooth leads—both are standard on higher-tier N4s
Model Tiers
N2/N24: Import models $1,099-$1,199; N4: USA-made $2,699-$3,499; choose based on budget and touring needs
Parallaxe Series Buying Guide
Pickup Options
PXL20E: EMG 81/85 active pickups for high-gain metal; PXL20B/PXL10: Seymour Duncan passives for versatile rock tones
Scale and Playability
24.75" scale length with 22-24 frets; mahogany neck provides warm tone and comfortable feel
Hardware Quality
Grover 18:1 locking tuners and Tune-O-Matic bridge standard; reliable for live performance
Heritage Acoustic Buying Guide
Top Wood Selection
Solid spruce tops on HD100 and above for better resonance; laminate tops on entry models still project well
Body Style Options
HD Series: Traditional dreadnought projection; WLO Series: Orchestra/concert for balanced response
Electronics Integration
Models ending in 'CE' or 'E' include pickup systems; Fishman or Barcus Berry electronics depending on tier