Washburn XB-900

I played a similar washburn XB-900. It had a zebrawood top and was a really nice looking bass, and had a proce to match it. I thought it sounded very good. I don't think that I could work at a music store like that, it would drive me insane.

Geoff

 

Before I bought my first real five, I was totally drooling over an XB925. Twin bart soapbars and a bart preamp. Killer tone circuit. Great string spacing.

It was a really killer bass, but dude wouldn't wiggle below $1,300 bucks!!! It was probably worth it, but not to me.

I think Washburn's USA custom shop stuff is wedged in a very competitive price point. Plus their branded as one of the samick factory specials.

But understand your thought that it is a sweetie of a bass.

 

I had an XB900 that I got rid of because I didn't like the tone from the Duncan system. But the playability of the bass was astounding; very light and resonant, with a superfast neck. The response I felt was almost a little *too* quick; I sort of had to play behind the beat to be on the beat, if you know what I'm saying.

I personally think the company's mismanaged. They don't advertise much and their endorsees aren't that well-known. As a result, their profits come largely from beginner sales of import instruments. The high-end stuff from the USA custom shop is a money loser for them, I'm sure.

They also have a nasty habit of abandoning really good ideas. Examples: the Stephens extended cutaway, the 28-fret guitar, the Status/Washburn headless series, the Japanese chambered A/E prototypes (you see them on Ebay every now and then), the J10 archtop, the EA26, the variable coil-tap system, etc. etc. There was also a cool, cheap bass in the XB series that looked like a cross between a Cort Curbow and an Ibanez EDA that was discontinued after a year or so in the mid 90s.

 

The reason that they haven't taken off is because most people are only familiar with their korean and indonesian entry level stuff, which have spaghetti necks and very weak sounding electronics.

 

Aside from being pricey they ARE AWESOME. I have a blue one just like it and love it. I am looking for an XB925 with barts as a match. Great bass and since I bought it I have converted most of my necks to a less glossy finish just like it. I found mine for 450 on Ebay with a case. A locak store is selling a very used one for 900+. Look around and you will find one with a good price and its a great bass.

 

Oh so true! While their imports are crappy sounding and poorly built, the USA made Washburn basses are of high quality. Being that the US Washburn basses aren't very sought after, I'm sure you can easily bargain with the dealer (Nino, uh, you work for one) on a new one or buy a used one on EBAY for example for a killer price. Personally, I like the tone of the XB-900 over that of the imfamous, well known single pickup bass.
Well, now the secret's out so beat your neighbor to it!!!

 

Yeah, the RB2000s are built better than the lower end XB series. Just the electronics are mediocre but they can be switched. BTW, whatever happened to the neck through BR4000 series? They were a very good deal for an "entry" neck through bass.

 

I've got an RB-4000 actually. It's a great bass from a playability standpoint, and I think it would really tear up with some new electronics. I believe Bartolini makes direct replacements for Washburn pickups as well. I'll probably end up selling it because it only has 4 strings (and I'm a 5+ stringer for life). Otherwise, I don't see why Washburn gets so much bad press. I think this RB-4000 has got one of the fastest necks I've ever played. The neck is very similar to the Ibanez soundgear series without that heavy painted finish. Overall, I think it is quite the nice bass!

 

I agree! I heard that Washburn discontinued this line, likely due to poor sales. If so, that's a shame!!!

 

My only gripe with the better Washburns is that the string spacing on the 5's and 6's is way too narrow for my fat little fingers. And the B string could be a little better.