Washburn RSG200SWVSK Update

[Brucebubs]

-New model 2017
-Torrefied solid Sitka Spruce top and torrefied bracing
-Solid Rosewood back & sides
-Mahogany neck
-1 3/4" nut
-Graph Tech ratio open back tuners
-Bone nut & saddle
-No electronics
-Hardcase



Body depth: 4 1/2" - 115 mm
Lower bout: 15 1/2" - 394 mm

That's exactly halfway between the Taylor Grand Concert and Grand Auditorium body sizes.
Bigger than a Martin OM but smaller than a D-14 dreadnought.

[chitz]

Congrats Bruce! She's a beaut!

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by chitz

Congrats Bruce! She's a beaut!

umm .. I didn't buy it ... but I'm tempted... that seems like a LOT of guitar for the money.
Those Graph Tech open gear tuners list for US$154.95 a set just by themselves!

I just thought the specifications look excellent on paper but I couldn't find body dimensions anywhere.
Dealer here in Australia tracked them down for me yesterday, here's a copy of his email:

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for your email.

Good taste mate, that guitar is exceptionally well spec'd and at the price point is near on insane.

Measurements as follows;
115mm depth
394mm lower bout

We have only received it recently and I have been blown away. Now to try and figure out a way of explaining to your average guitarist how amazing it is for the money!!


Sweetwater selling for $899.00
Amazon $799.00

[ataylor]

When the model name looks like it either requires an advanced math degree or a working knowledge of Finnish grammar, it might be a bit too complicated.

Cool guitar though, I kinda like the vintage Washburn look.

[Steadfastly]

That seems to be a lot of guitar for $800.00.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by ataylor

When the model name looks like it either requires an advanced math degree or a working knowledge of Finnish grammar, it might be a bit too complicated.

Cool guitar though, I kinda like the vintage Washburn look.

Worked out their code;

R = Revival
S = Solo Deluxe
G = Grand Auditorium

S = Solid
W = Wood
V = Vintage
S = Sunburst
K = Hardcase

[AndrewG]

From what I can gather these are 'reissues' of early models, similar to the Lakeside Jumbo I was enquiring about in another thread.

[EZK123]

I ordered one from Sweetwater this morning. I will report back once I get it.

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by EZK123

I ordered one from Sweetwater this morning. I will report back once I get it.

Looking forward to your report.
Washburn have done their homework -I've got a feeling it's going to be a great guitar, I certainly hope so for you.

[EZK123]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Looking forward to your report.
Washburn have done their homework -I've got a feeling it's going to be a great guitar, I certainly hope so for you.

It arrived today. Will give it some time to acclimate, then playtest tomorrow and report back. Pictures will be added too .

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by EZK123

It arrived today. Will give it some time to acclimate, then playtest tomorrow and report back. Pictures will be added too .

I'll be waiting for the news

[EZK123]

Still no pics, will try to do so tomorrow.

Pluses: Sounds great. Balanced tone, good volume. Comfortable neck, a little thinner than I normally like, but definitely playable. Good setup right out of the box. Holds tuning well. Strung it with Martin SP lights and the sound quality improved considerably over the D'Addarios it came with.

Minuses: Some finish issues that have me tempted to exchange it when they get another one in stock for me. The burst is a big off (more dark spray on the bass side than on treble, so looks like the burst is off center to me). There are some spots on the sides that look light colored to me. Not sure if it's tricks of the light or poor finishing.

Overall, putting aside finish issues, it's a great guitar for under $1k. I got a 10% discount on it, so paid just over $800 delivered. Good build quality, good tone, good setup. I'm still deciding on whether the finish issues warrant a return (they currently don't have any more in stock, so waiting on my rep to get back in tomorrow and see how quickly they can get more in). Theoretically if it'll be within 30 days, I can just keep this one until more come in.

I'd say it's worth the money, but finish may be a crapshoot. I've seen/played 2 others of this model that didn't have the same issues. Both of the others had minor finish issues, but none would warrant a return in my mind. Well worth the price in my mind.

[Brucebubs]

I've been waiting for your report.
I looked online at prices today and found Butler Music has 3 of these listed on Amazon for $799.
All 3 have finish issues exactly as you described.
Check them out;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...&condition=all

I bought my Alvarez ABT-60 from Butler Music and wouldn't use them again.

Sounds like Washburn have come up with some decent specs but quality may be a big issue.

[EZK123]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I've been waiting for your report.
I looked online at prices today and found Butler Music has 3 of these listed on Amazon for $799.
All 3 have finish issues exactly as you described.
Check them out;

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...&condition=all

I bought my Alvarez ABT-60 from Butler Music and wouldn't use them again.

Sounds like Washburn have come up with some decent specs but quality may be a big issue.

Agreed. I'll update on what I decide after I talk to my rep at Sweetwater tomorrow. I do like the tone and playability, so haven't made up my mind completely on whether to keep it or not.