player opinions
Washburn WD45S
Name: Jeremy
Band: -----
Model Year: 2005
Price Paid: $210
Performance
For what it cost as a closeout from an internet retailer, it’s a great guitar. The action was a little high out of the box, the strings sucked, and the frets needed some work. I let it sit in its case (included in the price!) for a few days with a humidifier in the soundhole, then changed strings (Custom Light Elixir Nanowebs), adjusted the truss rod, and dressed two frets that were causing some buzz. All in all, I only put in an hour or so of adjustment and it now plays like a much more expensive guitar!
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Performance Rating: 8
Sound Quality
The bass is a little hollow, but that’s to be expected with laminated sides and back. The mids and highs are clear and bright, but the lack of bass can make it sound “tinny” if you get into it too hard. It’s not a heavy strumming guitar and really shines for finger picking and solo playing. It has a hard time being heard over the sound of a drum kit or bass guitar. Still, much nicer on the ears than most guitars in that price range. I’ve played many that were four times the cost but sounded like cardboard boxes. Unless you’re really picky, it sounds great!
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Sound Quality Rating: 6
Construction
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There are a few issues with fit and finish: There’s visible grain filler under the finish on the sides, the neck binding isn’t perfect, the frets needed to be dressed, the headstock “inlay” is actually a thin logo that was glued on and varnished over, the rosewood fretboard is very loose grained, and there are a few finishing flaws. Still, it’s perfect for a casual, around the house/travelling/beach/campfire guitar. I don’t worry about a scratch here and there, but it should still last for many, many years!
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Construction Rating: 6
links
Average Ratings
- Performance: 8
- Sound Quality: 6
- Construction: 6
Ratings Key
- 10: Excellent
- 0: Useless
Company
- Washburn