Washburn D46S

[Zubs]

Can anybody tell me if the Washburn D46S is a good guitar? I have not seen or played on but have played the D10S. I like the looks of the D46S?

 

Thanks

[DonK]

I've never been a big fan of Washburns - the ones I've played have tended to be heavy and overbuilt IMO - but then again, my experience with them is limited. I DID, however, recently play a D-52SW at a local store and while I thought it was pretty nice, I was less impressed when I saw the $700 price. I think there are better options in that range, especially the Epi Masterbilts and Guild GAD's. The D-46SW is a few hundred less, but isn't all solid wood, and really isn't that much less than a comparable all solid-wood Masterbilt.

 

The cosmetics of the D-46SW are of course a personal preference thing; not my thing, but definitely a bit different.

[Zubs]

Thanks Don,

Again I have not played this guitar but might be able to pick one up for under $300.00 with a hard case brand new. This would be the first acoustic guitar I have bought after starting to play again in 29 years.

[Harmonycat]

 

I've never been a big fan of Washburns - the ones I've played have tended to be heavy and overbuilt IMO - but then again, my experience with them is limited. I DID, however, recently play a D-52SW at a local store and while I thought it was pretty nice, I was less impressed when I saw the $700 price. I think there are better options in that range, especially the Epi Masterbilts and Guild GAD's. The D-46SW is a few hundred less, but isn't all solid wood, and really isn't that much less than a comparable all solid-wood Masterbilt. The cosmetics of the D-46SW are of course a personal preference thing; not my thing, but definitely a bit different.

 

 

Once again Don....I have to agree with you. I have owned a few Washburns and still have a couple. There is a lot of overbuilt imported Washburn stuff around that is not worth owning. I have already sold two of the four I have owned.

 

I own a Washburn D-52SW and it is a very good guitar, lightly built and very high quality. It is one of the Chinese clones that goes by other names with some cosmetic differences. GAD Guilds, Aria AD series, Washburn Timbercrafts etc.

 

It is a fabulous guitar and so is my Aria AD-80. But I would never have paid $700.00 for either. I payed $640.00 for both of them...NEW!!! At $320.00 each they are flat out unbeatable. The much touted Epiphone Masterbilt is also a very nice Guitar that I can really appreciate, but if I had to pay $750.00 plus tax CDN for it up here, there is no value in it. At $399.00 from Ebay, including a case...yeah!

 

But let us put that into perspective too.....I got a New Store Demo Norman ST-68 which sells for $859.00 plus tax up here,($980.00 out the door). for $420.00, local pickup from Ebay. It buries all of those Chinese guitars.....and I have played ALL of them! I waited an watched for nearly a year to get it.

 

For $760.00,( less than an Epiphone Masterbilt), I bought a New Yairi DY-94 that included a case, and taxes, local pick up. Price that at MF or Music123,and I can assure you that it will shame a boatload of guitars at any price. Would I buy it for the $1798.00 plus shipping and taxes, (just over $2100.00)? Are you nuts? Dude...for that much money I could buy a New Martin D-35 and a New Epiphone Masterbilt!! I came within a hair of buying a D-35 New for $1450.00.

 

There are alot of really good guitars arround in a Buyers Market.

 

Personally.....I would not put much faith in a Washburn WD46SW unless it was about $150.00. I payed $208.00 CDN for a WD32SW Blem with a Washburn proprietary gig bag, shipping and taxes included. It is a better guitar and is my beater! The Indonesian product was not that good. OK at times...but never great!

 

My advice is learn to develope a discernining ear and touch....play every guitar that you can....read lots of reviews...ask lots of questions and be very patient. There are lots and lots of really good guitars at bargain prices if you know the Market and what to buy.

 

Yeah a Washburn Timbercraft D-52SW is a great guitar and so is an Aria AD-80....but at a certain price....they stop being great.

 

I love my Aria AD-80...but I would not be too fond of it if I shelled out $800.00 plus taxes and shipping! I could buy a hell of a Larrivee for that much money! I have seen D-60s go for less than $1200.00.

[Samilyn]

Hi Zubs

 

Sorry to say I can't help you with your question. I have very little experience with Washburn.

 

But do want to welcome you to HCAG and back to the land of guitar! Get a git you love, sit down and do some picking with us. Glad to have you aboard.

[JerseyGuy]

 

I've never been a big fan of Washburns - the ones I've played have tended to be heavy and overbuilt IMO - but then again, my experience with them is limited. I DID, however, recently play a D-52SW at a local store and while I thought it was pretty nice, I was less impressed when I saw the $700 price. I think there are better options in that range, especially the Epi Masterbilts and Guild GAD's. The D-46SW is a few hundred less, but isn't all solid wood, and really isn't that much less than a comparable all solid-wood Masterbilt. The cosmetics of the D-46SW are of course a personal preference thing; not my thing, but definitely a bit different.

 

 

 

Agree. But I have a 1995 Washburn D47 Navajo, all solid wood, American made, flamed sycamore sides and back, and it plays beautifully and looks great, too. It's too bad they don't build to this quality anymore and yet still think they can charge 700+.

[Zubs]

Hey Guys thanks for for the help I think I'm going to take your advice DonK. and go with the Epiphone DR-500M Masterbilt Acoustic Guitar. It seems to be a nice guitar and maybe this time around I'll stick with it. thanks again. I'll let you all know know when I get it.

[guitarist21]

 

Hey Guys thanks for for the help I think I'm going to take your advice DonK. and go with the Epiphone DR-500M Masterbilt Acoustic Guitar. It seems to be a nice guitar and maybe this time around I'll stick with it. thanks again. I'll let you all know know when I get it.

 

 

I'm late to this thread, but Epiphone Masterbilt is a fantastic choice in your price range and I wish you the best of luck with your purchase. Washburn makes some really great low-end guitars (think D-10... my first "real" acoustic was a Washburn) but their more expensive stuff doesn't seem to have quite as good a features-to-price ratio.

 

Also consider the DR-500P and the DR-500R. The P has maple back and sides and the R has rosewood. All of the DRs are great and I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever one you pick but I personally prefer the 500R. It has a more complex, deep tone, whereas the 500M is more woody. I had the opportunity to try out a DR-500P at my local GC and while I wasn't a huge fan it has a really unique, brighter character. So see if you can get your hands on one of them to try.

 

Ellen

[OldGuitarPlayer]

I too am not a big fan of Washburns. I tried one of their all mahogany dread models (don't know the model) and volume and tone wise it was dead.

I mean...hardly any sound came out of it. The top was very thick and the guitar was heavy. I wonder who was going to pay $550 for it?