Washburn...The Forgotten Big Brother

There are lots of guitar manufacturers out there, as a matter of fact, it's a virtual sea, and as a new guitarist it can be a daunting task trying to decide among the lot.
While most seasoned players usually seem to attest famed brands such as Gibson, Fender and PRS (Paul Reed Smith) those at times, can be out of reach to the budding player.
There exist however, another with a history just as rich and deep seated as its more revered counterparts.

                      Idol Series  Doublecut Guitars

Formed in Chicago Illinois by George Washburn Lyon and Patrick Healy,
Washburn Instruments have been in existence since 1883, predating the aforementioned brands.
Initially having a notable reputation for high quality Mandolins, Banjos, Ukuleles and Acoustic Guitars; Washburn later sought to broaden its sights and ventured unto the platform of the electric guitar, which at the time was rapidly gaining popularity.
While not debuting their version until 1976, they would not be strangers to the arena for long, as players such as: Bob Marley, Paul Stanley and Jimmy Page, soon put them to work, producing musical masterpieces on instruments bearing the name.
In fact, the Jamaican government once paid $ 1,600,000 for a 22 Series Hawk, which belonged to Bob Marley.

                           22 Hawk Series Model

                         HM ( Heavy Metal ) Series

With such offerings as, the Buzz Feiten Tuning System , Phenolic Fingerboards and unique Access Cutaways, evident on recent models such as the Idol, HM & Parallaxe series, it shows that they're not against the idea of implementing different strategies when it comes to production, keeping prices much more affordable than the competitors, with the feel and playability of an instrument twice the cost. So what does it all mean to you?
All this, translates to one heck of bargain, should you decide to pick one up as your first guitar. You'll be going up against the big boys with a smile on your face.