Post by Tony Ravenscroft on Sept 3, 2018 9:28:48 GMT -6
There I was with my 2008 Blue Book (all 1,267 pages), making lists, and decided to see if I could create a list of "must watch for" Washburn. The tough part is establishing the criteria. First, let's look at the models they valued at $1,000 or more at 90% (9 of 10, or Excellent) condition. No big surprise that most are USA builds --
(Not many basses get the respect they deserve: to the list add the XB920 / XB925 / XB926 / XB928 and the Bootsy Collins.)
Since not everyone buys a new guitar thinking "it could be worth something some day!" and treats it like a precious relic, Washburns tend to get played, like the reliable tools they are. There's gonna be chips, dings, dents, and loose wiring on some still-sweet guitars. So, setting aside the obvious higher-end axes, let's look at the ones given a $500+ value if in 80% condition, which are much more likely to be overlooked by hoarders.
I remain dissatisfied -- this leaves out dozens of great "workhorse" guitars that can be had for $200 or $150 or even $100, often with quality components (Grovers, Rose, Wilkinson, Duncan...), almost completely ignoring the Idols, the Chicagos, the BTs, the MGs (even the USAs), Stage, Tour, and WIng.
I should add that "reasonable valuation" doesn't necessarily reflect market realities.
There are models that lack demand, or baffle the seller, so many Washburn used prices are under-market. In 2016, I got my JB-80 for $240, all-in.
Then again, there's more than a few Washies that have gained a reputation approaching mystical (and perhaps insane). At Reverb.com, there was an LS-93 expecting $1,000, and an LT (with Gator case) asking $850... recently reduced from $1,450.
- J14 Regal
- J15 Paramount
- E400
- Dime 3 / Dime 3 ST / D3 Confederate
- Dime ST Pro
- Nextar NX6TM
- PTK (the PT3 but korina body and ebony fingerboard)
- WI68 / WI80 / WI90 / NC70
- JB100 MIDI
- MR400 (with or without Bigsby)
- WM612 doubleneck
- DD75 Maya Pro / DD81 Maya / DD91 Maya
- N4E SA / N4 Relic / N5 / N6 / N8
- PS800 / PS2000 / PS9200
- SI75 / SI81
- X81 Face Eraser
(Not many basses get the respect they deserve: to the list add the XB920 / XB925 / XB926 / XB928 and the Bootsy Collins.)
Since not everyone buys a new guitar thinking "it could be worth something some day!" and treats it like a precious relic, Washburns tend to get played, like the reliable tools they are. There's gonna be chips, dings, dents, and loose wiring on some still-sweet guitars. So, setting aside the obvious higher-end axes, let's look at the ones given a $500+ value if in 80% condition, which are much more likely to be overlooked by hoarders.
- J6 Montgomery / J6S
- J9 Washington / J9G / J9VG
- J10 (1989-1992)
- CT3 / CTP Plus / P3
- CT4 / CTSTD / P4
- CT5 / CTDLX / P4DLX
- CTS
- E100 / E300 / E400
- Dime ST Pro / Dime V Pro
- NX6 Nextar
- PT3
- Sonic 6 / S6
- Sonic 7 / S7
- WI70 / PI70
- JB80 / JB100
- LS103
- MR450
- WM100 / WM Standard / WM4
- WM200 / WM Plus / WM3
- MG142 / MG154
- DD70 Maya Standard
- N4 / N4QM
- A20/30 Artist
- EC36 Spitfire
- SS80 / SS100
- AF40
- SB20 Eagle / SB100
- X40 / X50 Pro FE
I remain dissatisfied -- this leaves out dozens of great "workhorse" guitars that can be had for $200 or $150 or even $100, often with quality components (Grovers, Rose, Wilkinson, Duncan...), almost completely ignoring the Idols, the Chicagos, the BTs, the MGs (even the USAs), Stage, Tour, and WIng.
I should add that "reasonable valuation" doesn't necessarily reflect market realities.
There are models that lack demand, or baffle the seller, so many Washburn used prices are under-market. In 2016, I got my JB-80 for $240, all-in.
Then again, there's more than a few Washies that have gained a reputation approaching mystical (and perhaps insane). At Reverb.com, there was an LS-93 expecting $1,000, and an LT (with Gator case) asking $850... recently reduced from $1,450.
