Washburn Guitars, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation, has a history that extends beyond its high-end instruments. For those navigating the guitar market, especially beginners, encountering the name “Lyon” associated with Washburn can be a point of curiosity. If you find the letters L-Y-O-N on a guitar linked to Washburn, it generally indicates an entry-level instrument, designed for those starting their musical journey, rather than a professional-grade Washburn model. This distinction is important to understand when exploring the Washburn universe.
Understanding the Lyon by Washburn Distinction
It’s crucial to recognize that Lyon Guitars are positioned as Washburn’s beginner line. While bearing the Washburn name, they are crafted to meet the needs of novice players, often at a more accessible price point. This is a common strategy in the guitar industry, where brands create subsidiary lines to cater to different market segments. Think of it similarly to Fender’s Squier series or Gibson’s Epiphone – offering an entry into the brand’s family without the premium price tag of their flagship models. This approach allows aspiring guitarists to experience a reputable brand early in their playing career.
Washburn’s Expansion and Market Reach
Washburn’s history reveals a strategic approach to market expansion. While known for producing limited-run, high-quality instruments favored by discerning musicians, Washburn also recognized the potential of reaching a broader audience. Historically, under Rudy Schlacher’s leadership, Washburn often focused on smaller production batches, emphasizing innovation and quality over mass production. However, the growing demand from large retailers like Guitar Center and big-box stores for the prestigious Washburn brand, albeit at higher volumes and different price points, prompted a shift.
To meet this demand without compromising the integrity of their core Washburn line, the company introduced series like the Legacy Series in 1992, featuring models like the LS-93 and LS-103, and subsequently the Silverado and Laredo Series. These lines, while offering quality, were still distinct from the entry-level market segment Washburn aimed to capture later.
The Emergence of the Lyon Series
In 1994, Washburn officially launched the Lyon Series, directly addressing the demand for affordable, beginner-friendly guitars. This series comprised five generic, clone-style models, each designed to mirror popular and recognizable guitar shapes:
- WE-1: A Stratocaster-style guitar with a single-single-single (s-s-s) pickup configuration.
- WE-2: Another Stratocaster variant, this time featuring a humbucker-single-single (h-s-s) pickup layout for added versatility.
- WE-3: A Telecaster-style guitar, embodying the classic Tele design and tone.
- WB-10: A Precision Bass-style bass guitar, providing the fundamental P-Bass experience for beginners.
- WB-20: A Jazz Bass-style bass guitar, offering the slightly different tonal characteristics and feel of a J-Bass.
These Lyon models provided entry-level players with instruments that resembled iconic guitar designs, bearing the trusted Washburn name, but at a price point accessible to those just starting out.
Lyon Guitars: A Stepping Stone
Lyon guitars serve a specific purpose in the Washburn ecosystem. They are designed as a starting point, providing beginners with reliable and playable instruments to learn and develop their skills. While they may not possess the high-end features or meticulous craftsmanship of premium Washburn guitars, Lyon instruments offer a valuable entry point into the world of guitar playing, backed by the legacy and brand recognition of Washburn. For aspiring guitarists, understanding the Lyon designation helps clarify the instrument’s intended market and its position within the broader Washburn guitar family.
