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Pros:
- Great Sound
- Affordable
- Flexible Tonality
Cons:
- Might have tuning issues
One of the many affordable acoustic-electric guitars that you need to consider is the Washburn WD20 Series WD20S. This beautiful piece of equipment, affordable as it is, has many qualities which make it the favorite pick for many beginner musicians. The price is, of course, one of the biggest attractive qualities. Still, let’s take a deeper look at what makes this guitar so good for first-time players.
Built Quality
There are not many things that make this guitar stand out from the others in terms of the construction. It has a standard dreadnought body, which makes it a little bulky than the folk and classical designs, and a little less comfortable to play. This discomfort is insignificant and most won’t even notice it. In exchange the player gets a more powerful projection than any of the other guitar body designs. The top wood of the guitar is Sitka Spruce, a very sturdy, handsome piece of hardwood that has a great effect on the sound of the guitar. The back and sides are made of a heavier rosewood, which, because of its density, results in the guitar being a little heavier, but also much sturdier than if it was made with mahogany.
The neck of the guitar is mahogany, with a medium circumference. Most players will find the size of the neck to be quite comfortable, while the rosewood fretboard will be smooth and easy to navigate. Overall the guitar is quite sturdy and designed to last a while, even if the laminate finish will not allow the guitar to age and grow into its sound as with more expensive guitars.
Hardware
The bone nut and saddle for the rosewood bridge is rather sturdy, with the sound travelling through it without an issues or a hiccup, straight into the top of the guitar. The die cast tuners, as expected with cheaper guitars, despite being sturdy, have a bit of trouble staying in tune over long periods of time. All of the hardware has a chrome finish, meaning a sturdy and long-lasting guitar you will get to enjoy for a long time.
Electronics
The guitar has a nice set of Fishman electronics. These include a built in tuner to assist you in achieving the perfect tone you seek, as well as a set of controls for the bass and mid ranges, as well as a phaser. The electronics, though rudimentary, are functional and just enough for any beginner.
Washburn WD20S Sound
The sound on this guitar is anything but understated, possibly being one of the best in the price range. Very well expressed mid and high tones are the result of the solid sitka spruce top. This is balanced out by the rosewood back and sides, adding that little bit of depth and strength to the low and mid-tones that all guitars need. The sound is warm and vibrant, a combination you don’t see too much in the world of affordable guitars. It is also quite a powerful guitar, with the dreadnaught body providing all the amplification without the need to resort to the pre amp’s help.
Conclusion
This is one of the best guitars you can get in the under 300 price range. It has everything you need as a beginner and just a little bit more to make even the professionals want it. Definitely worth a better look by you.
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