However, there is no direct connection between the original Washburn brand and the modern Washburn International. … 130 years of history is at the root of our strong foundation building high quality instruments. Washburn has been building stringed instruments since 1883. Though the Washburn brand was preserved, it never regained its preeminence, and by the early 1940s had declined to nothing.Īn unbroken lineage is often alluded to by Washburn International, in press releases and advertising materials, and on the company website: Regal was chosen to reopen the Washburn factory (producing Regal instruments as well).
Some of the Stewart assets were acquired by the Regal Musical Instrument Company, which had purchased the "Regal" brand name in 1908 from Lyon & Healy (who acquired it in 1905). Stewart Company to purchase and operate the massive factory, but this transition proved problematic and Stewart went bankrupt in 1930.
Tonk Brothers turned to manufacturer J.R. “Washburn guitars, zithers & mandolins manufactured by Lyon & Healy, Chicago Best in the World” ad It bridged the gap between smaller-bodied "parlor" guitars of the late 19th and early 20th century and modern-day dreadnought and jumbo acoustic guitars. In 1912, Washburn introduced the Lakeside Jumbo guitar, which some consider the first dreadnought-sized guitar. As well, they built instruments for other retailers and distributors under various house brands, and outsourced construction of some models. Not only did the Lyon & Healy company often change designs to follow the rapidly evolving consumer demand, but the company also repaired instruments, and offered engraving services, including decorating instruments that it retailed but did not actually manufacture. Tracing the history of any particular instrument of this period presents many obstacles. Lyon & Healy 1898 catalog listed 28 different styles of "Washburn" guitars, ranging from $15 to $145. Under the George Washburn brand, which was Lyon's first and middle name. The company achieved independence by 1880, and around 1888 the company launched fully into fretted and plucked instruments ( guitars, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles and zithers) By 1865, Lyon & Healy had expanded into reed organs and some small instruments. Healy, acting as the Chicago outlet for Boston sheet music publisher Oliver Ditson and Company. Lyon & Healy began in 1864 as a partnership of businessmen George W. Right: archtop guitar model 5250 (1928), Museum of Making Music. There's nothing to lose with this purchase. Many things going for it and nothing agaisnt it. Quality is top notch, haven't had a problem yet.īest value acoustic guitar. The wood is tough and has resisted bumps. Traditional acoustic guitar styling but doesn't look as traditionally boring. I like it a lot, and the dealer strongly recommended it. Good for anyone, beginner or experienced.
When you put it against other acoustics, dollar for dollar, it has great and the best value. It stays in tune very well anyway, and I don't use that tuner much. It comes with a handy built in tuner that is very easy to use. I am extremely satisfied and I see myself playing it and enjoying it for years to come. I love Fender, I'm saving up for an electric of their's, but I am completely content about having this one instead of any other. Originally I wanted a Fender acoustic, but the dealer told me it has had many problems and they won't even carry them anymore. The dealer recommended it to me, saying it has been a great guitar for years, but this year the batch of its wood is very high quality. Little things like that and the built in tuner make me apppreciate it more and more. A great amount of detail has gone into it, such as a marble like looking ring aroung the sound hole, a nich touch. It looks great, and the woods used go nicely with the rest of the guitar. I play punk rock songs on it, and it sounds better than many of the songs originally. It sounds great, and it can get pretty loud if you strum it that hard. Nothing has broken and I have bumped it multiple times, and it hasn't even dented. The quality of the guitar is great, and I haven't found even a minor gripe yet. As a beginner guitar it can be a little tough to play compared to a flat electric, but you quickly become used to it and learn to enjoy it. The guitar is normally $170, but it came with a nice 100 dollar hard case for only 30 extra. I got this for Christmas and overall I have been impressed.