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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 0:24:29 GMT -6
A 1999 Washburn Idol "deluxe" WI-64DL, in a very distinct transparent green over a burled veneer. A very good set-neck slab with 18:1 Rotomatics and hardware originally gold-plated. The pro and semi-pro workhorse of the Idol Series. Altogether, worth the asking price of $395 shipped.   |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 0:43:18 GMT -6
While lower in the numbering system, this WI-45 makes clear why I recommend it to players who want a Les Paul but don't want to drop the cash for a Gibson - if you want one that fas all the feel and playability, and don't need a lookalike, this is better and cheaper than a comparable used Epiphone! A bargain at $270 shipped. This one is not only quite pretty, with the "Washburn wing" inlays, bound neck, Randall-branded pickups, and Grover tuners, but it definitely had the Voice Contour Control (VCC) wiring designed by the ubiquitous Trev Wilkinson, more recently called the Roll Control on some Vintage (UK) models. The idea behind the VCC is to split a humbucker and use the pot as a "blend" knob, so you'd have the whole range from HB to single-coil, with everything between. As many "modding" idiots can barely figure out what a bridge ground is for, these were commonly torn out - if this is intact, I say it increases value.    |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 1:02:46 GMT -6
In the realm of "somewhat embarrassing wanker guitars"  here's the BU-1 (formally, BU-1-R for the paint color), likely late '90s. The trussrod cover has the classic shape from the Grover Jackson era (though it clung to life with the Mavericks until 2002). While there's no way it's worth the $1,000 the seller expects, I'm amused by the logo (likely vinyl) being laid down on the sole pickup. Curiously, this beast has an actual case rather than gig bag.   |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 1:13:44 GMT -6
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 1:41:34 GMT -6
The RB-4500 five-string bass, with thru-neck and nice carving.   |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 12:59:11 GMT -6
The Washburn X-16, one of the bottom-end models of the X Series (2002-2010) but with graphic. Don't hear me wrong: I have an X-10 hss, and I say it's on par with the Squier beginner guitars - half-decent, but so utterly COMMON that unless you're looking for a "kick-around guitar" you could probably spend the extra ten bucks and get something more specifically suited to you... or that will appreciate a bit in value... or is at least memorable somehow. This seller is asking $200+, which is nonsense - unless maybe you've got every other variant in the series are are just FINALLY filling the last empty hanger on your trophy wall. The absolute BEST part of most X Series is the "pinwheel" trussrod adjustment. Super-easy to tweak with any small screwdriver or Allen wrench or bent nail that's handy!  |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 13:46:56 GMT -6
Though much too precious at $700, I've always thought an EA-36 would be super-cool on stage.  This series was designed from scratch for stage work in front of loud PA systems, so they tend to be excellent against feedback, which is why they were a must-have item for most major guitar-strumming singers in the '80s and '90s.    |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 13:48:48 GMT -6
Normally, I tend to spit upon the idea of post-2010 Washburns. The Parallaxe models tend to be the exception, and this is a great example as to why. This 2015 PXS10EC gives you Rotomatics, it gives you EMG active pickups... but you have an actual branded Stephen's Extended Cutaway that's appeared ONLY on nosebleed-level Bettencourt signature models for a decade.  (The C in the suffix apparently stands for Carbon Black finish; in the old days, it would have meant an included case.) And here comes the arm-twisting - the seller is asking a mere $525. It's been listed 12 days and I'm surprised it's gone this far!   |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 13:49:59 GMT -6
A Laredo Series Tele (the full model number escapes me but it's an LT prefix) a.k.a. Silverado, a.k.a. Legacy. Built in the USA shop during the Grover Jackson heyday, this model was only around 1993-1994. Not terrible at $700.  |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 13:50:42 GMT -6
This Tour 24 needs a whole lot of TLC, so overpriced at $700. An example of the BRB fad - no, not "be right back" but BLACK paint with RED binding and BLACK hardware. One of the few Washburn takes on the Tele, but dual humbuckers AND floating fine-tune trem... and likely one of the last MIJ electrics too! Alas, no Grovers this time.  |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 13:51:18 GMT -6
If you want yourself a Black Beauty, and are more player than collector, this is a dream find: Idol Series WI-66ANC Nick Catanese Signature, with flame top and some logo (the pictures ain't great), Rotomatics, lots of binding, and EMG active pickups. For $500 delivered, you might be willing to overlook the loose battery cover!   |
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Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Jul 8, 2023 14:29:36 GMT -6
One last oddity. These things have their fans, and the same circuits in their own stompboxes fetch good prices. Not terrible at $100 shipped, but really doesn't reach its potential without the remote pedal-block. The idea of the WSR-42 was that you had two overdrive presets, so could switch between them without knob-twiddling, or even use one to drive the other - and kick just one switch to bypass the whole thing. No batteries, as well.   |
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here's the BU-1 (formally, BU-1-R for the paint color), likely late '90s. The trussrod cover has the classic shape from the Grover Jackson era (though it clung to life with the Mavericks until 2002).
This series was designed from scratch for stage work in front of loud PA systems, so they tend to be excellent against feedback, which is why they were a must-have item for most major guitar-strumming singers in the '80s and '90s.
(The C in the suffix apparently stands for Carbon Black finish; in the old days, it would have meant an included case.)