This vintage Washburn 8-string electric bass guitar exudes a powerful 1980s vibe, both in its aesthetic and sonic capabilities. Its dark, imposing look hints at a metal-focused sound, yet its versatility extends to genres like Tejano, delivering deep, resonant basslines reminiscent of a bajo sexto.
Sinister black Washburn 8 string electric bass guitar with gold trim, showcasing its 80s aesthetic.
Sound and Playability
This Washburn 8-string bass delivers a massive, full-bodied tone. The neck-position P-style pickup produces a deep, powerful “whump,” ideal for laying down a solid foundation. Switching to the bridge pickup evokes a “baritone 12-string” character, offering bright, ringing highs and clear articulation. Blending both pickups unlocks a sweet spot, providing a balanced and versatile sound palette. Whether you’re aiming for thunderous lows or shimmering highs, this bass offers a wealth of sonic possibilities for recording and performance.
Beyond its sound, the bass boasts a remarkably fast neck, characteristic of Washburn’s B-20 series. The neck-through construction further enhances sustain and resonance, contributing to the instrument’s overall deluxe feel and playability.
Close-up of the Washburn electric bass guitar neck and fretboard, showing brass inlay and nut.
Premium Features and Design
Crafted in Japan, this Washburn Electric Bass Guitar exemplifies high-quality construction and design. The instrument features top-notch hardware throughout, ensuring reliability and performance. Notable are the brass components, including the fretboard inlay, nut, and saddles, which contribute to the bass’s unique tonal character and sustain. The sleek black finish with subtle gold trim further enhances its sophisticated and slightly menacing aesthetic.
Full body shot of the black Washburn 8 string bass guitar, highlighting body shape and hardware.
Condition and Specifications
This Washburn B-20 8-string bass has undergone professional servicing, including a fret level dress, thorough cleaning, and setup, ensuring optimal playability. While exhibiting light-medium scratching, scuffs, and minor dings consistent with its age, the instrument remains in remarkably good condition and is entirely original.
Specifications:
- Body wood: Ash (possibly)
- Bridge: ABR-like, 8-string
- Fretboard: Rosewood
- Neck wood: Maple multi-piece, neck-through
- Pickups: 1x P-style, 1x J-style
- Action height at 12th fret: Bass 3/32”, Treble hair-above 1/16”
- String gauges: 100w-45w
- Neck shape: Slim-medium soft V
- Board radius: 10″
- Truss rod: Adjustable (note: near end of adjustability, neck is straight from fret 2 onwards)
- Neck relief: Straight (from fret 2)
- Fret style: Wide/lower-medium tall
- Scale length: 34″
- Nut width: 1 11/16″
- Body width: 14 1/2″
- Body depth: 1 3/4″
- Weight: 9 lbs 3 oz
Condition Notes: Light-medium scratching, scuffs, small dings, “belly rash” on back. Hardware shows aging. Truss rod near end of adjustability, but neck is straight in playing area. Currently tuned down a full step for reduced string tension.
Detail of the Washburn B-20 8 string electric bass guitar bridge and body.
Case
Includes a period-correct Washburn hard case for secure storage and transportation.
This Washburn electric bass guitar is a unique instrument that blends vintage 80s aesthetics with versatile sound and premium features. It’s ready to inspire and deliver powerful basslines in a variety of musical styles.
