Washburn is bringing with them 3 new parlor guitars to the upcoming 2015 NAMM Show, these are based on existing acoustic-only models but now come with built-in Fishman Sonitone Electronics.
Washburn is bringing with them 3 new parlor guitars to the upcoming 2015 NAMM Show, these are based on existing acoustic-only models but now come with built-in Fishman Sonitone Electronics.
The three new models will be joining Washburn’s Parlour guitar line, which in my opinion offer some of the best bang-per-buck parlor guitars that are available in the market today. The company is seemingly comfortable at mass producing good spec’ed guitars without compromising visual embellishments at affordable price points.
Following their existing parlor guitar format, the 3 new additions will come with a 24.75″ scale length and the same vintage style shape where the neck meets the body at the 12th fret. The design of the guitars are based on the ones the company used over a century ago, when parlor guitars started becoming popular.
A common feature found on all three new parlor guitars is the use of solid cedar for the top, supported by quarter sawn scalloped sitka spruce bracing. This is a nice combination that would better emphasize the lower mids when compared to spruce top equipped parlor guitars.
The neck used for all three models are carved from mahogany and is topped by a rosewood fingerboard with 44mm nut. Other common features include abalone rosette, rosewood bridge, vintage style slotted headstock and gold open gear tuners. What separates the three from existing models is the addition of Fishman Sonitone electronics, a practical feature that will allow this parlor guitar to get out of the couch and be played on stage.
Check out the official video demo for the WP26SENS:
The official press release says, “These specs produce a nicely balanced tone perfect for fingerpicking and singer/song writers. The addition of Fishman Sonitone electronics make these guitars ideal performance instruments.”
Model specific features:
- The WP26SENS features beautiful rosewood back and sides with highly stylized pearl fingerboard inlays.
- The WP21SENS specs are identical to the WP26SENS with the exception of pearl dot inlays on the fingerboard.
- The WP11SENS features mahogany back and sides for a slightly more focused, articulate tone and has pearl dot fingerboard inlays.
The most affordable of the three is the WP11SENSE, priced at around $423, the WP21SENS is a slight step up at $483 and finally the WP26SENS parlor guitar is priced at just under $500. More information will be available at Washburn, you can also visit them at the 2015 NAMM Show Hall B, Booth 5740.