Unknown Washburn

[jsbguitar]

I have a Washburn guitar here that cannot be identified in terms of when it was made. Washburn can't recall when they made it and there are no serial numbers or anything . The dealer said it was very unusual for Washburn to put their logo in mother of pearl. Some say it looks painted, but I assure you it is not.

Does anyone know anything about this guitar?

[VintAxe]

Hmmmm.

The body looks to be from "The Force" series of 1982-83, but the headstock shape isn't even close. I've also never seen that style of script used in a Washburn logo.

Are you sure the neck is original?

[Bassassin]

Hmm - looks to me like a generic 70s style Strat copy, I would guess some of this sort of guitar was marketed under the Washburn brand before the better-known original designs of the late 70s/early 80s emerged.

It's not a Force - although they were Strat-derived, these had a very long top horn & more "slabby" styling. The guitarist in a band I was in back in the 80s had one - black with red binding!

Anyway, some more detailed pics of this might help with a factory ID - neckplates are a good clue, also any names or brands stamped on hardware or pickups.

Jon.

[jsbguitar]

This is a close up shot of the body. There isn't a serial number on the neck plate. However, it could be on the other side of it. The neck seems to be original. I know for a fact it does play smooth and has kind of a roadhouse vintage sound.

[VintAxe]

I'm joining up with Jon on this one. I couldn't see the upper horn very well in the first photo but your body shot clearly indicates an attempt at a Fender copy. I'm pretty sure it is pre 1978.

[jsbguitar]

I've asked a couple of other people about this and all said pre-1979. I was thinking around 72-75. I'm going to post a couple of more pics to see if any of this rings a bell.

I think I've bothered you guys enough over this. Thanks a lot gentlemen!

[Bassassin]

[jsbguitar]

Thanks for the insight! I relayed your information back to the guy a bought it from and he was real pleased. I'm going to put full value in your assessment!

There is still the mystery of Washburn creating their logo in mother of pearl and the lack of serial numbers; I'm thinking it was a simple prototype design.

The owner of the shop I bought it from thought it was funny how you had better knowledge of this than Washburn did. LOL

[jsbguitar]

Just updating you guys on whats been going on with this thing. I recently got new tuning keys for it; they were almost impossible to find! Now I'm looking for new pick ups, but standard strat pups wont fit. These are a tad shorter. Any suggestions? I thought maybe Wilkinson might have what I need.