Washburn was one of the first few guitar manufacturers to take advantage of the current renaissance of parlor guitars. Thanks to their extensive parlor guitar line up, you can now choose from a wider selection of models that feature different non-conventional wood configurations, cosmetic styles, and more importantly price points.
The Washburn WP11SNS is one such guitar, providing guitarists with the option to get a solid cedar top parlor at a price point that’s much more accessible than what others have to offer. As expected from the brand, cosmetic appointments are not compromised, rather they stay true to traditional stylings while incorporating modern building techniques and playability.
This guitar starts off with a small parlor style body that features a solid cedar top paired with mahogany back and sides. This particular combination results in a warmer yet punchier tone, more like adding some elements of the classical guitar sound into the mid-rangey tone expected from parlor guitars. The resulting tone is slightly more articulate and focused when compared to spruce top parlor models.
The overall shape and look of this guitar is based on actual Washburn models that were available over a century ago, this says a lot about the vast experience and longevity of the guitar brand, which has grown to be among the biggest names in the guitar market.
The length of the neck follows traditional 24.75″ short scale format, while the nut width goes for a more comfortable and narrower width of 1.732″. This ensures easy playability that is expected of a couch friendly guitar. The satin finish mahogany neck meets the body at the 12th fret, following traditional designs, while a 2 way Trussrod is installed to ensure modern reliability. The neck is topped by a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard that much like most Washburn guitars, prioritizes comfort over tone. Classic dot inlays serve as fret markers while the slotted headstock completes the guitar’s old school appeal.
Complementing the guitar’s vintage styling, Washburn wrapped the body, fingerboard and the headstock with cream binding all over. Other features of the Washburn WP11SNS includes bone nut and saddle, rosewood bridge, abalone rosette and gold open gear tuners.
The Washburn WP11SNS parlor guitar is currently retailing for just under $300. Check it out if you’re looking for a budget solid-cedar top parlor guitar that does not look cheap.
