• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Are Washburn basses worth it?

#23
Maybe I got lucky, but I had a Force 40 that served me well both touring and recording for most of the 80s. Never had an issue that I can think of. I ended up replacing it with an Aria RSB

topshelfinstruments.com.au

Washburn Force 40 Bass Transparent Cherry 1981

Washburn Force 40, trans cherry red, made in Japan 1981. These vintage Washburn basses enjoy a good reputation, they're a niche thing but their loyalist really enjoy them. This Force model was made at the Yamaki plant, which was doing some excellent work at the time. Yamaki's Daion and Washburn...
topshelfinstruments.com.au topshelfinstruments.com.au
 
Last edited:
#24
GretschWretch said:
Back in the Gilded Age Washburn was the flagship brand named after George Washburn Lyon, one of the top guns of the Lyon and Healy company, and Lyon and Healy were heavy hitters in their day.
Click to expand...

Just because you mentioned it, and I knew about it... here's my Model 223, 1897 Style. ;) (some restored, but mostly original condition)

As @GretschWretch says, no direct relationship to the current namesake. Just the name.
 

Attachments

  • Washburn (top).jpg
    Washburn (top).jpg
    164.8 KB · Views: 20
  • Label.jpg
    Label.jpg
    130.4 KB · Views: 13
  • Rosette.jpg
    Rosette.jpg
    167.6 KB · Views: 14
  • Inlays 7-10-12.jpg
    Inlays 7-10-12.jpg
    1 MB · Views: 20
  • Endpin.jpg
    Endpin.jpg
    124.6 KB · Views: 18
  • Bridge.jpg
    Bridge.jpg
    122.7 KB · Views: 14
  • Washburn (back).jpg
    Washburn (back).jpg
    178.1 KB · Views: 20
  • Like
Reactions: Jefenator
#27
Ten years ago,I used to be into the Taurus series.
The Indonesian ones to be exact.
The T-24 and T-25.
I sold them.Should have kept them.

But in the following years Washburn started to have them made in China.
There is a series of Tauruses (not just a few)with badly made bridges.
Slots in the wrong place so that the bridge would have to be mounted in a cockamamie way.
Not centered on the stringers
Aesthetically intolerable to Me.
How could they let this through QC?
Washie.jpeg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: EdwardofHuncote
#30
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: covermego
#31
Washburn is another one of those old names/companies that in its modern guise is simply a name owned by larger company hoping to trade on that 'since 1839' vibe that has zero connection with the original company. Of course this is true for Gibson and Fender as well.

When it comes to Washburn, you'd simply have to evaluate the one if front of you to see IF it would work for what you want. They've had a fairly consistent seller in the ABG market with the AB box-guitar basses that go back to the 90's with the slot soundhole, while latter versions reverted to a round or oval hole. They had the arrangement where they sold Washburn branded Status headless carbon basses, had their cover of Steinbergers in the 80's.

Not a huge presence in the bass market, but again, you need to consider the one that you're looking at.
 
#32
TySlapsBass01 said:
I just want to know about Washburn basses...
Click to expand...
I have a WB-66, solid well playing instrument, although the pickups are not quite to my taste, but I haven’t been moved to swap them out yet. Sometimes hard to find used, long out of production…
IMG_0678.jpeg


I have a couple of the corresponding Idol series guitars, no complaints, and in the past I had an AB acoustic bass, but moved on to a Warwick Alien.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Thundar
#33
I just checked eBay to see if the issue I talked about was still prevalent.
It still is!!
www.ebay.com

Washburn Taurus T25 5-String Bass with Gig Bag. | eBay

This Washburn Taurus T25 5-String Bass sounds, looks and feels beautiful. Neck-thru design giving it a fantastic sustain and feel. The neck is very player friendly. The package also includes a gig bag and strap. The guitar is in fantastic condition.
www.ebay.com
 
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
  • Like
Reactions: Swerve
#37
Most of their cool bass models can only be found used on Reverb and on other sellers, which is a lot, that is good news.

I have no experience with them, but judging by your pfp I can assume you want to get this bass or a model like the T24NMK since it gives off those Les Claypool vibes... and if that is the reason, that was the reason I wanted to get one heh...

By all means do what you want. It was one of the first basses I looked at, then I debated a Flea bass, till I saw they cost a kidney these days haha... :crying:
Seriously though when I did my research heard they were great, shape cool most of their basses, if it gets you to play, get that paid! When I saw the Flea bass it made me want to play bass and play it, I didn't go with that but I am still happy with my choice, get something that makes you wanna play :D
 
#39
EdwardofHuncote said:
Is there a particular model you're interested in?

I did a setup on a neck-through Washburn some time back for a local music store I do repair work for. I remember thinking it was okay at the time. It was on par with say an import Tobias "Toby Pro" or Peavey Grind. Little heavy, but balanced okay. Electronics worked fine, but nothing special. Probably a sub-$500 instrument. Would have been a good platform for upgrades imo.
Click to expand...
Well...nothing too fancy. I have tried The T12 and T14 before. I really liked the look, the sound and it felt quite good! But people have told me that Washburn basses SUCK, but for this particular model, maybe not.
 
#40
salmon256 said:
Most of their cool bass models can only be found used on Reverb and on other sellers, which is a lot, that is good news.

I have no experience with them, but judging by your pfp I can assume you want to get this bass or a model like the T24NMK since it gives off those Les Claypool vibes... and if that is the reason, that was the reason I wanted to get one heh...

By all means do what you want. It was one of the first basses I looked at, then I debated a Flea bass, till I saw they cost a kidney these days haha... :crying:
Seriously though when I did my research heard they were great, shape cool most of their basses, if it gets you to play, get that paid! When I saw the Flea bass it made me want to play bass and play it, I didn't go with that but I am still happy with my choice, get something that makes you wanna play :D
Click to expand...
Yea! that's kinda true! But here in Singapore(I accidentally put Japan), There are shops that sell Washburn basses and If I could remember, that particular model is in stock!
 
  • Like
Reactions: salmon256

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back