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We found the 10 best Washburn guitars for every player and budget. From beginner packs to pro acoustic-electrics, these are the Washburns worth buying.
Washburn has been building guitars for over 130 years. That long history shows up in the way these instruments feel and sound. But the brand's lineup today can be confusing. You'll see everything from a $99 beginner kit to a $400 parlor guitar, and it's not obvious which one is actually worth taking home. Some models share names but come with different electronics or body shapes. Others look similar on paper but play completely differently.
We sorted through the current Washburn catalog to find the best Washburn guitars for different needs. Whether you are buying your first guitar, upgrading to something with better electronics, or looking for a compact parlor for couch playing, this list covers the real standouts. You will find acoustic-electrics, electric starter packs, and boutique-style acoustics with solid wood and hand-rubbed finishes. Here is what we picked and why each one earns its spot.
TL;DR: The Washburn WA90CE is the one most people should buy: a reliable dreadnought with Barcus Berry electronics and good build. The Washburn WA90CE Black Bundle is the same guitar with all the accessories a beginner needs. The Bella Tono Vite S9V has figured walnut and a studio body for players upgrading to a serious instrument. The Washburn G12FCE Comfort Series has an armrest bevel and balanced grand auditorium shape for gigging musicians.
| # | Product | Body Shape | Electronics | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washburn WA90CE | Dreadnought Cutaway | Barcus Berry LX4 (EQ + tuner) | New players and campfire strummers |
| 2 | Washburn WA90CE Black Bundle | Dreadnought Cutaway | Barcus Berry LX4 (EQ + tuner) | Absolute beginners who need everything |
| 3 | Washburn WA90CEVSB Vintage Series | Dreadnought Cutaway | Barcus Berry LX4 (EQ + tuner) | Players wanting a classic sunburst look |
| 4 | Washburn SDFSB Sonamaster Deluxe Electric Pack | Solid-body (S-style) | H-S-S pickups, 5-way switch | First-time electric buyers |
| 5 | Washburn SDFSBPACK Sonamaster Take the Stage | Solid-body (S-style) | H-S-S pickups, 5-way switch | Electric beginners who want a tuner and amp |
| 6 | Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V | Studio (compact cutaway) | Barcus Berry LX4 (EQ + tuner) | Acoustic-electric players upgrading |
| 7 | Washburn R310K Victorian Parlor | Parlor | None (acoustic) | Fingerpickers and small-body fans |
| 8 | Washburn WD100DLTWRK Apprentice | Dreadnought | None (acoustic) | Traditionalists wanting a no-frills dread |
| 9 | Washburn G12FCE Comfort Series | Grand Auditorium Cutaway | Barcus Berry preamp (5-band EQ, tuner) | Live performers and gigging musicians |
| 10 | Washburn Bella Tono Novo S9 | Studio | None (acoustic) | Players who want figured walnut without electronics |

Pros
Cons
Best for: New guitar players and anyone who wants a versatile six-string that works unplugged or plugged into an amp.
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The WA90CE is the most straightforward Washburn you can buy. It is a dreadnought with a cutaway, an Okoume body, and the same Barcus Berry LX4 preamp found on much pricier models. The electronics are not an afterthought. Bass, middle, treble, presence, and volume controls plus a tuner give you real control over your plugged-in sound. Many guitars in this segment either skip the tuner or use a single volume knob. Washburn does not skimp there.
The dreadnought shape delivers the kind of low-end thump that works for strumming and flatpicking. The cutaway is generous enough that you can actually use the upper frets. The Okoume back and sides keep things warm, though the linden top is a budget concession. It is not a bad top wood — plenty of classic guitars use it — but it lacks the complexity you get from solid spruce. That is a fair trade for a guitar that costs what this one does.
Where the WA90CE really shines is out of the box. The action is usually playable, the tuners are smooth, and the intonation is close enough that a fresh set of strings will not sound sour. This is the one most people should start with, and the one intermediate players can keep as a knockaround backup.

Pros
Cons
Best for: First-time guitar buyers who want everything they need in one shipment without having to shop for accessories separately.
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This bundle takes the same WA90CE and pairs it with the accessories a beginner actually needs. Instead of hunting down a strap, picks, a stand, a cable, a string winder, and a polishing cloth, you get them all in the box. The gig bag is a soft case, not a flight case, but it is enough to keep the guitar dust-free and protected during car trips. The stand is a folding A-frame that holds the guitar securely between sessions.
The real value here is convenience. If you are buying your first guitar and do not own any gear yet, this bundle removes every friction point. The instrument itself is identical to the standalone WA90CE. Same Okoume body, same cutaway, same electronics. The difference is that you are not running to a music store or placing a second order for a bag and strap. Washburn and Austin Bazaar put this together, and it shows an understanding of what a new player actually faces after unboxing. The polishing cloth is a nice touch — a microfiber square is better for cleaning fingerprints than an old T-shirt.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Players who are drawn to the vintage sunburst aesthetic and want the WA90CE package with a different look.
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The WA90CEVSB is the same guitar as the standard WA90CE but with a tobacco sunburst finish that changes the whole personality. The burst is applied over a gloss coat that gives it a traditional look. It is not a relic or a faux-aged thing; it is a straight-up vintage-inspired color that works well against the black pickguard.
The body materials here differ from the standard WA90CE. Instead of Okoume back and sides, this one uses linden for the whole body. Linden is a lightweight, closed-grain wood that yields a balanced tone with a bit of midrange bump. It is not as warm as mahogany or as clear as spruce, but it works for the budget-conscious segment. The okoume neck and black walnut fingerboard feel familiar under the hand.
If you have to choose between the two WA90CE variants, the decision is purely cosmetic and wood preference. The standard model has a slightly darker burst on Okoume; this one has the tobacco sunburst on linden. Both play the same, carry the same electronics, and ship from the same factory. Pick the one whose look makes you want to pick it up and play.

Pros
Cons
Best for: New electric guitar players who want a Strat-style instrument with humbucker versatility and a complete starter setup.
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Washburn's Sonamaster Deluxe is a solid-body electric with an S-style silhouette and a few upgrades that set it apart from bare-bones beginner guitars. The flame maple veneer on a basswood body produces a balance of weight and sustain. The H-S-S pickup layout (bridge humbucker, two single-coils) means you can get thick bridge tones, glassy neck tones, and everything in between via the five-way switch. That is the same pickup arrangement found on many pro-level guitars, and having it here means a beginner does not outgrow the guitar after six months.
The maple neck has a modern C profile that fits most hands without feeling chunky. Roasted maple fingerboards are a nice inclusion at this level. The roasting process stabilizes the wood and gives it a dark, vintage look without needing a separate fretboard wood. The chrome die-cast tuners and fulcrum tremolo are basic but functional. You can do gentle warbles without the guitar going out of tune, though aggressive dive bombs will send it sharp.
The bundle packs a 10-watt amplifier, instrument cable, gig bag, strap, picks, string winder, extra strings, and a polishing cloth. The amp is a practice combo with one channel and simple controls. It is fine for learning open chords and power chords but will not satisfy someone chasing metal distortion. That is a fair trade at this entry point.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Electric guitar beginners who want a complete set with a clip-on tuner and a guitar stand included.
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The Take the Stage pack is the Sonamaster Deluxe experience with even more in the box. The difference between this and the SDFSB pack is that this one adds a clip-on tuner and a guitar stand to the bundle. That is meaningful for a new player. A clip-on tuner is the easiest way to stay in tune without ambient noise interference. And a stand keeps the guitar accessible instead of stored in a case, which means you practice more.
The guitar itself is the same as the SDFSB. Same flame maple top, same H-S-S config, same neck, same tremolo. The white pearloid pickguard gives it a slightly different look compared to the sunburst/black pickguard of the other pack. That comes down to personal taste. Both packs have the same amplifier and cable.
Between the two Sonamaster packs, this one is a better value if you do not already own a tuner or a stand. The SDFSB pack is a touch leaner but also fine. The real decision is whether you prefer the black pickguard or the pearloid. Neither is wrong.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Players moving up from a beginner guitar who want a premium acoustic-electric with boutique looks and electronics.
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The Bella Tono series is where Washburn shows off its woodworking chops. The Vite S9V has a studio body shape that is smaller than a dreadnought but deeper than a parlor, creating a balanced sound that sits nicely in a mix. The figured walnut back and sides are the headline. Walnut is dense and reflective, producing a clear, articulate tone with emphasized midrange. It is a departure from the rosewood-mahogany norm, and it works.
The ebony fretboard with vine pattern inlays looks expensive. The fretwork is clean, and the neck profile is comfortable for both chording and lead runs. The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp is the same unit used on other Washburns, and it is perfectly adequate for stage use. The D'Addario EXP-16 strings are a thoughtful factory choice. These coated strings last longer than standard phosphor bronze.
This is not a guitar for someone who needs maximum volume from an unplugged instrument. The studio body is designed for a focused, recording-friendly voice rather than raw projection. If you play plugged in half the time or more, the trade-off is invisible. But if you want a dreadnought that booms across a room, look at the WA90CE instead.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Fingerstyle players and collectors who appreciate vintage-inspired parlor acoustics with solid wood construction.
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The Victorian Parlor R310K is a modern take on an old idea. Parlor guitars were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for their compact size and intimate volume. This one has a spruce top and Trembesi (also called rain tree or monkeypod) back and sides. Trembesi is a dense hardwood with a wide grain pattern that produces a warm, controlled sound with good note separation. It pairs well with spruce for a clear but not brittle voice.
The soft V neck profile is a deliberate choice. V shapes give the thumb a natural resting place, which fingerstyle players prefer for keeping the hand relaxed. The neck measurements tell you it is on the slimmer side, which helps for faster runs. The antique matte finish does not reflect light like gloss, and it feels more like raw wood under your arm.
This guitar is purely acoustic. There is no pickup, no preamp, no tuner. If you want to plug in, you will need to install a pickup or use a clip-on mic. That is fine for a bedroom or campfire instrument, but it limits the R310K's usefulness on stage. The included gig bag is basic but acceptable for a guitar that will mostly stay in one room.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Traditionalists who want a straightforward, no-frills acoustic dreadnought with a unique color.
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The Apprentice WD100 is the classic entry-level Washburn dreadnought. It has been around for years, and the design is proven. The quarter-sawn scalloped bracing is the kind of detail you expect on more expensive guitars. Scalloped braces allow the top to vibrate more freely, giving the guitar a livelier, more responsive feel. It is why this model punches above its weight acoustically.
The gold hardware is a bit flashy for a budget guitar, but it holds up. The die-cast tuners are smooth and keep the strings stable through temperature changes. The rosette uses a wood parquet pattern that references Washburn's heritage. It is a small touch, but it shows attention to detail.
The transparent wine red finish is the polarizing part. It is dark enough to hide grain but light enough to see the wood underneath. Some players love it; others prefer a natural or burst finish. If you dislike the color, this model is not for you. But if you want a loud, reliable dreadnought that does not need batteries, the Apprentice delivers. The gig bag is a basic nylon model, enough for storage and light transport.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Gigging musicians who play for hours and need a comfortable, great-sounding acoustic-electric with full EQ control.
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The Comfort Series G12FCE is built for the player who spends three-hour sets standing up. The grand auditorium shape combines the projection of a dreadnought with the clarity of a smaller body. The cutaway gives access to the entire neck, and the armrest bevel lets your picking arm rest without digging into a sharp edge. It is a small ergonomic improvement that adds up over a long night.
The flame Okoume top and body looks like mahogany flamed with a subtle curl. Okoume is a lightweight African wood that sounds similar to okoume but with a bit more midrange presence. The five-band EQ is the most flexible preamp on this list. You get bass, mid, treble, presence, and volume controls, plus a tuner. Presence is a valuable band that most budget preamps omit. It controls the upper mids where vocals and lead lines sit, so you can dial in clarity without making the sound harsh.
This guitar comes strung and set up from the factory, but it benefits from a professional setup to lower the action if you play fingerstyle. The sunburst finish is well applied, and the faux abalone rosette catches light nicely. If you are a performing musician who wants one guitar for both unplugged rehearsals and amplified gigs, the G12FCE is the strongest candidate on this list.

Pros
Cons
Best for: Home players and recording musicians who want a high-quality studio acoustic without paying for electronics they will not use.
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The Bella Tono Novo S9 is the purely acoustic version of the Vite S9V. Same figured walnut back and sides, same studio body shape, same ebony fingerboard and bridge. The difference is that the Novo S9 has no pickup system, no preamp, no output jack. It is a simpler, lighter instrument designed for players who only play unplugged.
The lotus inlay at the 12th fret is a nice detail. It is not overdone. Just a single flower-shaped mother-of-pearl piece that catches the light. The ebony fingerboard feels smooth and dense, and the D'Addario EXP-16 strings give it a snappy, bright character out of the box.
This guitar rewards a light touch. The studio body is responsive to fingerpicking and gentle strumming but does not push air like a dreadnought. If you need to be heard over a drummer, look elsewhere. For songwriting, recording, or late-night practice, the Novo S9 is a pleasure. The lack of electronics keeps the price reasonable and the weight down. It comes with no bag or case, so factor that into your purchase.
Choosing the right Washburn comes down to a few factors that directly affect how the guitar feels and sounds. Here is what to think through before you buy.
Washburn uses several body shapes across its lineup. The dreadnought is the most common. It has a large lower bout that produces deep bass and powerful projection. This shape works for strumming, bluegrass flatpicking, and campfire jams. The WA90CE and Apprentice are dreadnoughts.
The grand auditorium is a middle ground. It is narrower at the waist than a dreadnought, which gives a more balanced frequency response. The low end is present but not boomy, and the trebles are clear. The G12FCE is a grand auditorium cutaway.
The studio body is smaller still. It is similar to a classical guitar shape but with steel strings. It focuses the sound, making it ideal for recording because the notes do not bloom into each other. The Bella Tono models use this shape.
The parlor body is the smallest. It is intimate and comfortable to hold on a couch. The R310K is a parlor. Parlors have lower volume, so they are best for solo playing.
Some Washburn guitars come with onboard preamps and tuners. The Barcus Berry LX4 system appears on multiple models. It offers three-band EQ (bass, mid, treble), plus presence and volume controls, and a built-in tuner. The G12FCE goes further with a five-band EQ that adds presence as a dedicated band.
If you plan to play through an amplifier or PA system, an acoustic-electric model is the practical choice. You can always amplify a pure acoustic with an external pickup, but that adds cost and complexity. The convenience of plugging in with no extra gear is significant.
The top wood has the biggest impact on tone. Spruce is bright and clear. Linden is warm but less complex. Okoume is lightweight with a balanced voice. Mahogany is warm with a strong midrange. Walnut is clear and articulate with a slight mid bump.
Back and side woods affect the guitar's resonance and sustain. Okoume and mahogany are common at entry levels. Figured walnut is a premium option found on the Bella Tono series. Trembesi is unusual but works well for controlled sustain.
Bracing also matters. Quarter-sawn scalloped bracing (found on the Apprentice) lets the top vibrate more freely, improving response and volume. Less expensive guitars may use straight bracing, which dampens resonance.
A cutaway gives you access to frets past the 12th. If you play leads or chords up the neck, a cutaway is non-negotiable. All WA90CE models and the G12FCE have cutaways. The Bella Tono models have a cutaway on the Vite S9V but not on the Novo S9.
Neck profile affects how the guitar feels. The R310K has a soft V shape that fingerstyle players tend to prefer. Most Washburn necks are a modern C, which is neutral and comfortable for most hand sizes.
The Comfort Series armrest bevel is a genuine innovation. It removes the sharp edge where your picking arm rests against the body. Hours of playing without that edge digging in makes a real difference.
Washburn offers several guitars as part of bundled packs. The WA90CE Black Bundle and both Sonamaster packs include accessories like gig bags, straps, picks, strings, and sometimes amplifiers, tuners, and stands. These bundles simplify the buying process for beginners.
Standalone guitars give you more flexibility to choose your own accessories. If you already own a strap and a tuner, buying the guitar alone makes sense. But if you are starting from zero, a bundle saves time and money. Just be realistic about the quality of the included gear. The amplifiers in the electric packs are fine for bedroom practice but not for gigging.
Yes, Washburn guitars offer reliable quality, especially for the investment. The brand has been making instruments since 1883, and its current lineup is built with modern production methods. Entry-level models use laminate and budget-friendly tonewoods but are well-assembled and playable. The Bella Tono and Comfort series models use solid wood and higher-quality components.
The WA90CE in either standalone or bundle form is the best place to start. It is a dreadnought with built-in electronics, a cutaway, and a comfortable neck. The bundle version includes everything a new player needs.
The Washburn G12FCE Comfort Series is designed for extended playing sessions with its armrest bevel and five-band EQ. The grand auditorium shape works well in a mix, and the built-in tuner keeps you in tune between songs.
Some models include a gig bag, such as the R310K Victorian Parlor and the WA90CE bundles. Others, like the Bella Tono models and the G12FCE, do not include any case or bag. Check the product listing carefully before buying.
The Vite S9V has a built-in Barcus Berry LX4 preamp and pickup system, plus vine pattern inlays. The Novo S9 is a pure acoustic with no electronics and a single lotus inlay at the 12th fret. Both have figured walnut back and sides and a studio body shape.
Yes, the Bella Tono series and the Comfort Series cater to intermediate and advanced players with solid wood construction, quality electronics, and thoughtful design. The G12FCE in particular is a serious gigging instrument.
The Sonamaster Deluxe packs (SDFSB and SDFSBPACK) both include a small 10-watt amplifier, cable, and other accessories. The standalone electric model is not sold separately in this lineup.
The Washburn lineup covers a lot of ground, but a few models stand out as the smartest buys. The Washburn WA90CE is the best all-rounder for beginners and casual players. It sounds good unplugged and plugged in, and the cutaway adds real utility. The Washburn WA90CE Black Bundle is the same guitar with all the accessories a new player needs, making it the no-brainer choice for someone buying their first instrument.
For electric players, the Sonamaster Take the Stage pack gives you a flame-top guitar with versatile H-S-S pickups and every accessory in one box. It is a complete starter setup that will keep you sounding good for years.
The Bella Tono Vite S9V is the standout for players upgrading to something nicer. Figured walnut, ebony, and a studio body make it feel like a custom shop instrument. The Washburn G12FCE Comfort Series is the one for performing musicians who need ergonomic comfort and flexible EQ.
If none of the electronics matter, the R310K Victorian Parlor is a charming fingerpicker's dream, and the Apprentice WD100 is a loud, reliable dreadnought for traditionalists. The Novo S9 is for purists who want premium wood without any extra wiring.
Still undecided? Start with the WA90CE. It is the most popular Washburn for a reason, and it leaves room to grow.
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