The Washburn Bella Tono series is designed to offer musicians compact, visually appealing acoustic guitars that don’t compromise on sound quality. The Bella Tono Elegante S24S model exemplifies this mission, delivering both refined aesthetics and impressive sonic performance in a studio-sized instrument. This review delves into the details of the Elegante S24S, exploring why it stands out as a compelling option for guitarists seeking a blend of beauty and tone in a Washburn Acoustic Guitar.
The Elegante S24S makes an immediate positive impression. Its compact Washburn Studio body shape is inviting, and the natural warmth of the solid spruce top and pau ferro back and sides creates a visually pleasing instrument. The mahogany neck complements the overall sienna color palette, contributing to the guitar’s cohesive and organic look.
Adding to its sophisticated appearance are the gold diecast tuners and the striking blue-green marbled abalone accents. This abalone is thoughtfully incorporated into the purfling, binding, headstock logo, and uniquely designed inlays. The fretboard inlays tell a subtle visual story, progressing from a crescent moon at the fifth fret to gulls in flight, and culminating in a miniature mountain range at the 15th fret. The abalone in both the purfling and rosette is framed by fire-red padauk, creating a vibrant contrast against the darker ebony binding, which further enhances the guitar’s visual appeal.
Close-up of the elegant abalone binding and purfling on the Washburn Bella Tono acoustic guitar, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship.
Sound and Playability of the Bella Tono Elegante S24S
Beyond its visual charm, the Bella Tono Elegante S24S offers a balanced and articulate sound profile. While the reviewed model initially required a setup to address fret buzz, the inherent tonal qualities of the guitar shone through. The neck, featuring a modern C profile and a satin finish, provides a comfortable and smooth playing experience. This neck profile facilitates easy movement along the fretboard and allows for comfortable thumb-over techniques.
The guitar produces a warm, rounded tone with a notable clarity in the higher frequencies. This clarity ensures that treble notes ring out distinctly against the bass and midrange frequencies. This sonic characteristic is particularly evident in playing styles that emphasize melodic separation, such as fingerpicking, where both the higher and lower voices of the guitar are clearly defined. The emphasis on clear highs aligns with Washburn’s design goal for the Bella Tono series, aiming to replicate the bright top-end response often associated with larger-bodied acoustic guitars in a more compact form.
The body of the guitar exhibits resonant hotspots across the fretboard, particularly in the lower fret positions. The instrument resonates most sympathetically around the first three frets, and specifically around the fifth fret for the higher strings, the seventh fret on the third string, and the 12th fret for the top strings. Notably, the sustain is more pronounced on the higher strings compared to the lower strings. While this difference is subtle, it contributes to the guitar’s strength in projecting higher melodies and riffs, making it well-suited for players who prioritize articulate treble response.
Ebony bridge and strings of the Washburn Bella Tono acoustic guitar, showcasing the components that contribute to its clear and resonant sound.
Conclusion: An Excellent Value Washburn Acoustic Guitar
The Washburn Bella Tono Elegante S24S represents a significant value proposition in the acoustic guitar market. Despite a minor manufacturing oversight discovered during setup, the guitar delivers a level of quality and performance that exceeds its price point. Its comfortable studio body shape, smooth modern C neck profile, and elegant abalone appointments combine to create an instrument that is both a pleasure to play and visually appealing.
The guitar’s balanced tone, with its clear and singing highs, makes it particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing and techniques that emphasize melodic clarity in the higher registers. However, it also responds well to strumming, offering versatility for various playing styles. For guitarists seeking a compact, elegant, and sonically articulate acoustic guitar without breaking the bank, the Washburn Bella Tono Elegante S24S is a highly recommendable option.
SPECS
BODY: Washburn Studio shape; solid spruce top; select pau ferro back and sides; quartersawn scalloped bracing; ebony bridge; ebony binding; bone saddle; abalone purfling and rosette with padauk highlight; gloss finish
NECK: 20-fret mahogany with modern C shape; ebony fretboard with abalone bird and mountain inlays; 25.5″ scale length; satin finish; diecast gold tuners; bone nut
OTHER: D’Addario EJ16 strings (.012–.053)
MADE IN: China
PRICE: $469 street
