The Complete Washburn Guitar Price Guide 2025: American Heritage Meets Modern Innovation

Last updated: January 2025

When Nuno Bettencourt needed a guitar that could keep up with his virtuosic playing style, he turned to Washburn and helped create the N4—an instrument so revolutionary that he played it for 35 years. When Dimebag Darrell needed a home after Dean ceased production, Washburn delivered signature models that would soundtrack a decade of Pantera. This is a brand where American heritage meets artist-driven innovation.

From the first dreadnought guitar in 1912 to modern shred machines, Washburn has been quietly shaping guitar history for over 140 years. This guide breaks down Washburn guitar pricing across their entire lineup, from affordable acoustics to collectible signature models.

Washburn Guitar Market Overview 2025

Washburn occupies a unique market position: respected heritage brand with strong artist associations, but often overlooked compared to larger manufacturers. This creates value opportunities for informed buyers.

Key Market Statistics:

• Average Used Washburn Price: $480 (up 3% from 2024)
• Active Listings: Approximately 1,800 guitars currently for sale
• Monthly Sales Volume: Around 720 guitars sold per month
• Price Range: $150 (entry-level acoustics) to $12,000+ (vintage Nuno N4 originals)

The Washburn market is split between affordable production instruments and highly collectible signature models. Vintage Dimebag and original N4 guitars have appreciated significantly, while current production offers excellent value.

Understanding Washburn's History

The Lyon & Healy Origins (1883-1940)

Washburn was established in 1883 in Chicago as a division of Lyon & Healy, named after founder George Washburn Lyon. The brand pioneered several innovations:

• 1912: Introduced the Lakeside Jumbo, considered the first dreadnought-sized guitar
• 1930: Released the Solo Deluxe, precursor to auditorium-style guitars

By the 1940s, the original Washburn brand had gone dormant due to competition and changing markets.

The Revival Era (1974-Present)

In 1974, Thomas L. Beckmen acquired the Washburn name and began importing quality guitars from Japan's Terada factory. Key developments:

• 1976: Wing series launched Washburn into electric guitars
• 1980s: Festival series helped establish the "unplugged" acoustic-electric movement
• 1990: Nuno Bettencourt N4 became an iconic signature model
• 1994-2004: Dimebag Darrell partnership produced legendary metal guitars

Washburn Electric Guitar Pricing

Nuno Bettencourt N Series

The N series represents Washburn's flagship electric line, featuring the revolutionary Stephens Extended Cutaway for unparalleled upper fret access.

Import N Series (N2/N24): $1,099-$1,199

Models and Pricing:

• N2NMK-D (Natural Matte): ~$1,099 (new)
• N24PSVINTAGEK-D (Vintage Padauk): ~$1,199 (new)

Specifications:

• Body: Alder or padauk
• Neck: Maple with rosewood fingerboard
• Pickups: Duncan '59 (neck) + Bill Lawrence L-500 (bridge)
• Bridge: Floyd Rose Special
• Hardware: Grover tuners

Used Pricing: $700-$900 (excellent condition)

USA N4 Series: $2,699-$3,499

Models and Pricing:

• N4-Nuno Swamp Ash USA: ~$2,699 (new)
• N4 Vintage: ~$2,799 (new, aged finish)
• 4N-D Nuno USA (flagship): ~$3,499 (new)

USA N4 Specifications:

• Body: Swamp ash or alder
• Neck: Birds-eye maple with ebony fingerboard
• Pickups: Seymour Duncan '59 + Bill Lawrence L-500
• Bridge: Original Floyd Rose
• Hardware: Stephens 5-bolt Extended Cutaway

Used USA N4 Pricing:

• Current production (2015+): $1,800-$2,400 (used)
• 2000s production: $2,000-$3,000 (used)
• Original 1990s N4: $7,000-$12,000 (used, highly collectible)

Investment Note: Original 1990s N4 models have appreciated significantly. Documentation, original case, and provenance dramatically affect value.

Parallaxe Series: $449-$849

Designed for modern rock and metal, the Parallaxe series offers professional features at accessible prices:

Models and Pricing:

• PXL10 (Seymour Duncan SH2/SH4): ~$649 (new)
• PXL20B (Seymour Duncan, gloss black): ~$449-$649 (new)
• PXL20E (EMG 81/85, gloss white): ~$849 (new)

Parallaxe Specifications:

• Body: Mahogany, single-cutaway design
• Neck: Mahogany with ebony fingerboard
• Scale: 24.75"
• Frets: 22-24 jumbo frets
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with stopbar
• Hardware: Grover 18:1 locking tuners

Used Pricing: $300-$550 (excellent condition)

Paul Stanley PS Series

KISS frontman Paul Stanley's signature models blend classic styling with rock performance:

Current Models:

• PS2000/PS1800 (Iceman-style): $800-$1,200 (new)
• PS7200/PS7000 (Cadillac-style): $700-$1,000 (new)
• PS10/PS12 (updated designs): $600-$900 (new)

Used Pricing: $400-$800 depending on model and era

Vintage Dimebag Darrell Models (Collectible)

Dimebag's Washburn partnership (1994-2004) produced highly sought-after instruments:

Collectible Model Values:

• Dime 333 ("Dimeslime" finish): $1,500-$2,500 (used)
• Dime 3 (USA, Crown Royal edition): $3,000-$5,000 (used)
• Culprit (1998-2000): $1,200-$2,000 (used)
• Stealth Series: $800-$1,500 (used)

Factors Affecting Dimebag Model Value:

1. Original finish condition (especially Dimeslime)
2. Original pickups (Washburn Eliminator or Seymour Duncan)
3. Documentation and case
4. Pre-2004 production date

Washburn Acoustic Guitar Pricing

Heritage HD Series: $449-$1,049

The Heritage series represents Washburn's dreadnought tradition:

Models and Pricing:

• HD10S: ~$449 (solid spruce top)
• HD100SWK: ~$699 (premium appointments)
• HD100SWCEK-D: ~$1,049 (cutaway with electronics)

Heritage Specifications:

• Top: Solid Sitka spruce (HD100+) or laminate (entry models)
• Back/Sides: Mahogany or rosewood
• Scale: 25.5"
• Electronics: Fishman or Barcus Berry on -E models

Used Pricing:

• HD10 series: $250-$350 (excellent)
• HD100 series: $400-$600 (excellent)

Woodline WD/WLO Series: $549-$599

Quality acoustics and acoustic-electrics with refined playability:

Models and Pricing:

• WLO10SCE: ~$549 (orchestra cutaway with electronics)
• WLO2SCE: ~$599 (upgraded appointments)

Used Pricing: $350-$450 (excellent condition)

Festival Series: $399-$699

Mini jumbo cutaway design pioneered for unplugged performances:

Models and Pricing:

• EA15: ~$399-$499 (various finishes)
• EA20: ~$549-$699 (upgraded electronics)

Festival Features:

• Mini jumbo cutaway body
• Solid or laminate spruce top
• Built-in preamp with EQ
• Designed for stage performance

Used Pricing: $200-$400 (excellent condition)

Comfort Series

Ergonomic design with unique belly and top carves for extended playing comfort:

Models and Pricing:

• WCG25SCE: ~$699-$899 (solid top, Fishman electronics)
• WCG20SCE: ~$549-$699 (standard appointments)

Used Pricing: $350-$550 (excellent condition)

Deep Forest Series

Exotic wood tops for unique aesthetics and tonal character:

Pricing Range: $399-$799 depending on wood selection

Vintage Acoustic Values

Pre-1940s original Washburn acoustics are rare and valuable:

• 1920s-1930s parlor guitars: $500-$2,000 depending on condition
• Lakeside Jumbo (if found): Museum-quality rarities

Where to Buy Washburn Guitars: Platform Comparison

Online Marketplace Analysis

Reverb (Average Price: $520)

• Best selection of signature models and vintage Washburn
• Strong buyer protection
• 4.2% average price increase year-over-year
• Best for: N4 models, vintage Dimebag, collectibles

eBay (Average Price: $450)

• Largest overall selection (1,400+ listings)
• Variable quality and authentication
• 2.8% price trend
• Best for: Budget acoustics, common models

Guitar Center Used (Average Price: $480)

• Physical inspection available
• 280+ listings nationwide
• 2.5% price appreciation
• Best for: Try-before-buy, trade-ins

Local Shops (Average Price: $420)

• Often undervalue Washburn brand
• Negotiation opportunities
• 1.8% price growth
• Best for: Budget deals, package purchases

Tips for Buying Used Washburn Guitars

1. Verify Stephens Cutaway: On N series, check the 5-bolt joint for any cracks or separation
2. Pickup Authentication: Original Bill Lawrence L-500 pickups add value; verify they haven't been swapped
3. Serial Number Research: Washburn serials vary by era; research production year and location
4. Floyd Rose Condition: On tremolo models, inspect knife edges and springs for wear
5. Acoustic Top Integrity: Check for cracks around soundhole and bridge—common on older Washburns

Signature Model Investment Potential

Models with Strong Appreciation

Nuno N4 (1990s Original):

• Original MSRP: ~$2,000
• Current value: $7,000-$12,000
• Appreciation: 250-500% over 30 years

Dimebag Dime 3 (USA):

• Original MSRP: ~$2,500
• Current value: $3,000-$5,000
• Appreciation: Steady since Dimebag's passing in 2004

Paul Stanley Vintage Models:

• 1990s PS series: Modest appreciation (50-100%)
• KISS association maintains collector interest

Models for Players (Value, Not Investment)

• Current production N24 imports: Great players, typical depreciation
• Parallaxe series: Excellent features for the money, stable resale
• Festival/Heritage acoustics: Reliable instruments, modest appreciation

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Washburn

For Beginners ($150-$400)

Acoustic Recommendations:

• Festival EA15: Best budget acoustic-electric
• HD10S: Solid top dreadnought at entry price
• WA90CE: Versatile acoustic-electric

What to Prioritize:

• Solid top if possible (better resonance)
• Working electronics for acoustic-electrics
• Comfortable neck profile

For Intermediate Players ($400-$1,200)

Electric Recommendations:

• Parallaxe PXL10/PXL20: Professional features at accessible price
• N24 Import Series: Access to N series quality at import price

Acoustic Recommendations:

• HD100 Series: Solid woods, premium appointments
• Comfort Series WCG25SCE: Ergonomic design for long sessions

What to Prioritize:

• Quality pickups (EMG, Seymour Duncan, Bill Lawrence)
• Professional hardware (Grover tuners, TOM bridge)
• Solid construction

For Professionals/Collectors ($1,500+)

Electric Recommendations:

• USA N4: The flagship Nuno model
• Vintage Dimebag models: For collectors and metal enthusiasts

Acoustic Recommendations:

• Warren Haynes WSD5249: Limited signature acoustic
• Vintage HD series: Quality craftsmanship

What to Prioritize:

• USA manufacture for electrics
• Original parts and documentation
• Provenance for vintage instruments

Nuno Bettencourt Era Ends: What It Means for N Series Value

In September 2025, Nuno Bettencourt launched his own guitar brand, ending his 35-year partnership with Washburn.

Market Implications:

• Original 1990s N4s: Likely to appreciate further as "end of era" instruments
• Current USA N4s: May become collectible as final Washburn-Nuno production
• Import N24s: Uncertain future—could be discontinued

Recommendation: If you've been considering an N series guitar, now may be the time to purchase before potential price increases or discontinuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Washburn guitars good quality? A: Yes, particularly their USA-made instruments and mid-to-high tier production models. Washburn has a 140+ year heritage of quality craftsmanship. The N4 is considered one of the best superstrat designs ever made, and their acoustic guitars offer excellent value.

Q: Why aren't Washburn guitars more popular? A: Washburn operates at a smaller scale than giants like Fender and Gibson, with less marketing presence. However, this creates value for informed buyers—you often get more guitar for your money compared to major brands.

Q: Are Dimebag Washburn guitars valuable? A: Yes, increasingly so. The Dime 333 with "Dimeslime" finish and USA-made Dime 3 have appreciated significantly since Dimebag's passing in 2004. Original models with documentation command premium prices.

Q: What's the difference between N2, N24, and N4? A: N2/N24 are import models ($1,099-$1,199) with excellent quality. N4 is USA-made ($2,699-$3,499) with premium woods, Original Floyd Rose, and the iconic Stephens Extended Cutaway. The N4 is the "real deal" that Nuno plays.

Q: Do Washburn guitars hold their value? A: Signature models (N4, Dimebag) hold value well and often appreciate. Standard production models follow typical depreciation (30-40% year one). The brand's lower profile means less demand but also less competition for deals.

Q: Where are Washburn guitars made? A: USA models (N4, select signatures) are made in the USA. Import models come from various Asian facilities (historically Japan, currently Indonesia and China). USA models command significant price premiums.

Conclusion

Washburn represents one of guitar history's great underdog stories: a brand that pioneered the dreadnought acoustic, went dormant for decades, then roared back with some of the most innovative signature models ever created. The Stephens Extended Cutaway on the N4 changed what was possible for superstrat design. Dimebag's Washburn years produced some of metal's most iconic tones.

For buyers, Washburn offers exceptional value. You're not paying the "Fender/Gibson tax"—a $700 Washburn often competes with $1,000+ instruments from larger brands. And for collectors, vintage N4s and Dimebag models represent genuine investment potential.

Whether you're a shredder seeking Nuno's legendary upper-fret access, a metal player honoring Dimebag's legacy, or an acoustic enthusiast appreciating 140 years of American guitar heritage, Washburn delivers instruments that punch well above their price class.

For the most current pricing and availability, always verify with authorized Washburn dealers or major online retailers. Prices fluctuate based on market conditions and model availability.

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