I recommend it.

Sound
I can't imagine finding a guitar at this price level that sounds better. Period. I get compliments from longtime musicians on how this guitar sounds both unplugged and plugged in. They are amazed to learn I have not customized it any way (other than dropping an anti-feedback rubber plug into the sound hole when using the pickup/preamp)and are blown away when I tell them how little I paid. For the money, this is a ten. I only give it an eight because it naturally is eclipsed by guitars that cost many times over what this one costs. As for playing it unplugged, the solid top has aged well over the last two years. It is very responsive. If you barely touch the strings, it thumps. The low end decays quickly, so it has initial bottom end thunder without muddying up the high mids. It is bright like mahogony sides and back are supposed to be, so finger-picking sounds great. I usually don't even use a pick when strumming it unplugged.For a guitar with a cutaway, at this price, to sound this nice unplugged is amazing to me.

Features
Mine has an older preamp. It is functional, uncomplicated, and effective.

Ease of Use
Good all-around guitar.

Quality
This thing is built like a mack truck. Not a sissy guitar you have to be afraid of playing at a gig.

Value
Price. Warranty. Sound. As good as it gets.

Manufacturer… read more Support
OK. This is why I wanted to rate this guitar. The weird thing is that it broke. Yes, I know I just said it was built like a mack truck. I stand by that. But somehow the bridge/saddle part of it cracked in a very strange way. I have to assume it was something wrong with that piece of wood. Washburn FIXED it. They stood by their warranty. They were quick, courteous, and professional. They answered the phone. They answered questions. It was a pleasant experience all the way around.

The Wow Factor
Just because they sell a lot of guitars, and some at a low cost for entry-level players, that doesn't mean they are bad guitars. It may not have the ooh and aah factor of a Martin or Taylor, but I, for one, will wear the Washburn brand on the peghead of my guitar proudly. I like getting by a little cheaper in performance and keeping the more expensive guitars at home, where expensive furniture belongs.

Musical Background:
Almost 40 years.

Musical Style:
Folk-Pop-Country-Rock read less