Washburn W300

I just purchased an older, well worn Washburn W300. The store owner told me it came from CA. I don't know what year or how to find out much about the history, but it plays great, sounds great and like I said, for what I gave for it I am tickled to death !!!!

I play bluegrass so I set the action up fairly high by putting in a taller saddle. This guitar has a TON of sustain. I have two old Martins. A 1935 D18 and a 1939 Herringbone. They have been refinished but sound GREAT to me. The D18 has a lot of volume and deep tone. The D28 Herringbone has a beautiful tone like no other. But this old washburn, all original as far as I can tell, has a huge sound like a cross between and old gibson J200 and an old Martin. It has some of the quality tones that I know my old Martins would have, had someone not refined them, I think. Bottom Line, when I got it home as raised the action, WOW. Got a long list of folks waitin' in line.

I'm no authority on guitar action, but I have never owned a guitar that noted any better or kept in tune better than this one. You can play as hard as you like a never touch a tuner. And I'm a banger from way back !
I have the neck pulled back as far as it will go and put a tall, compensated saddle in. The finish is crackling very lightly. In fact, you have to hold it up to the light to see the very tight finish cracked lines (1/8 to 1/16 wide)that run perpendicular to the top grain, Very little showing on the back or sides. It's hard for me to tell if it has laminated back and sides. I'm not too hung up on that. I'd have to rate the finish high (10), but detailed workmanship (7).

Not had it long enough (4 weeks) to comment. But I would trust it in any type of playing situation. Seems very dependable to me. I'd buy another one and pay more than market value.

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Been playing since jr. high. Own 2 older Martins. I would buy this guitar again and pay significantly more than I did. I love the sustain and the fact that when I play it, it make me want to sing !!!!
I don't know if the previous owner just played the devil out of this one, because it is pretty rough, or if another would sound the same. I do know that I have looked around and can't seem to find another one or much info. about this look-a-like D35 by WASHBURN. Any info. like year, etc. would be appreciated.

Dreadnought D35 style guiter. Nice enclosed Gotoh style tuners with "W" label. Mahogany neck. Made in Japan, I would guess in the 70's but not sure, maybe early 80's. Solid spruce top, 3 piece laminated rosewood back and sides. Nice binding on finger board and head stock. Mother of pearl "Washburn" logo on headstock. Ebony fretboard and bridge.

This guitar has a very full sound. Great volume and pretty well balanced. The highs amd mids are strong. With a new set of strings you hear so many overtones you almost think it's a 12 string! Sustain is very impressive.
All in all this is a nice guitar typical of a great D35 copy from Japan.

As i bought it used I cannot comment on the set up from the factory. For my taste i do plan on lowering the action a little. I have a Suzuki three S W-300 from the same time period and I like the action better on it. The workmanship is excellent and exactly what you would expect from a Japanese made guitar from this perid.

Of course it is reliable! It is already around 25 years old and if not for a few pick scratches and nicks it looks like it came right oyt of the case for the first time. No cracks, no belly, etc.

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I have been playing for 35 years. Professionaly only as a bass player, so for my own enjoyment as a guitar player.
This guitar was on a shelf in a local pawn shop. I could not help but look at it everytime that i went in as it is a very good quality guitar. Finally I offered 200 and they took it. Tell me where you can get a guitar of this quality at that price?
I actually have too many guitars, an 02 J45, a 74 Martin D35, a 68 Gibson country western, a Greg Smallman 12 string, a 70's Suzuki three S W-300, a old yamaha classical, etc etc....
Compared to all these guitars? Well they are each different and have thier own unique sound and qualities. I wouldn't say one is better than the other in sound quality. It all boils down to what you like. For me, the J45 speaks to me the most. But i love them all!
If i lost this guitar, I would buy another if i came across one in this shape at this price. I really love a lot of those 70's Japanese made martin copies. My advise, if you are on a budget, find one of these guitars. The build quality and tone is very high. You cannot purchase a better guitar in the 200 to 300 range.