For guitar players seeking exceptional quality without breaking the bank, the Washburn Woodline 10 Series acoustic-electric guitar (model WLO10SCE) emerges as a true standout. Priced accessibly, this 14-fret Orchestra cutaway model redefines expectations for affordable instruments, delivering playability and sonic characteristics that far surpass budget guitars of previous eras. This review delves into why the Washburn Woodline 10 is a compelling choice for both aspiring and experienced musicians.
From the first strum of an open-E chord, the Woodline Orchestra impresses with its inherent warmth and balanced tonal profile. This richness is attributed to its carefully selected spruce top and mahogany back and sides, a classic tonewood combination known for its resonant and articulate sound. Further enhancing the guitar’s sonic depth is the cathedral-peaked advanced scalloped-X bracing, a design element Washburn has incorporated to optimize resonance and projection. The result is a sound that is remarkably even across the frequency spectrum – the bass is firm and present, the midrange offers a pleasing bark, and the trebles shimmer with clarity. The guitar’s overall sonic character is clean and distinct, providing ample projection and sustain for various playing styles.
To truly assess its capabilities, the Woodline Orchestra was put through its paces across diverse musical pieces. When playing Tommy Emmanuel’s intricate fingerstyle piece “Ruby’s Eyes,” the guitar showcased its ability to articulate flowing arpeggios with exceptional clarity. The notes rang together beautifully, creating a cascading effect that highlighted the guitar’s responsiveness. The modern C-profile neck and professional setup further facilitated the execution of complex slides and slurs, making the Woodline 10 a joy to play for intricate fingerstyle arrangements.
AG283_Washburn-backSwitching gears to a more rhythmic approach, playing the Carter Family’s classic “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” served as an excellent test for the guitar’s strumming capabilities. The Woodline Orchestra proved to be well-suited for the boom-chuck rhythm style, maintaining clarity and definition even when strummed vigorously. While some players might desire a slightly more pronounced bass response in this context, the guitar still holds its own as a capable strumming instrument.
Exploring beyond standard tuning, Orville Johnson’s rendition of “God’s Gonna Ease My Troublin’ Mind” in open D minor (D A D F A D) was attempted. Remarkably, the guitar retained its sonic integrity even in the slackened tuning. Johnson’s cluster chords, reminiscent of contemporary classical music yet applied to fingerstyle blues, exhibited impressive definition and note separation, demonstrating the guitar’s versatility across different tunings and playing styles.
For amplified performance, the acoustic-electric guitar Washburn Woodline 10 is equipped with a Fishman 301T preamp. Plugging into a Fender Acoustasonic amplifier revealed that the Fishman system effectively translates the guitar’s natural acoustic tone. The preamp accurately conveyed the nuances of the guitar’s sound, ensuring a faithful amplified representation. A notable feature is the onboard digital tuner, which is both intuitive to operate and easy to read, even in dimly lit environments, adding practical value for live performances and practice sessions.
Beyond its sonic and electronic attributes, the Woodline Orchestra exhibits thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship. The ornamentation is understated yet elegant, featuring rosewood binding and a wooden mosaic rosette that adds a touch of sophistication. The gloss finish on the body is applied smoothly and thinly, allowing the wood to resonate freely. The interior of the guitar reflects a high standard of construction, showcasing clean and neat bracing and overall assembly.
Priced at a street value of approximately $369 without a case, the Washburn Woodline 10 Orchestra model is clearly targeted towards aspiring songwriters and fingerstyle players seeking an affordable yet high-performing instrument. However, its exceptional overall performance ensures that even seasoned guitarists will find this Acoustic Electric Guitar Washburn to be a valuable and inspiring addition to their collection.
Specifications
Body: 14-fret orchestra cutaway; Solid spruce top with quarter-sawn scalloped spruce bracing; Mahogany back and sides; X-bracing; Cathedral-peaked advanced scalloped-X bracing; Rosewood bridge; Natural high-gloss finish
Neck: Mahogany; Rosewood fingerboard; 25 5/16-inch scale; 43mm (1 11/16-inch) nut; Chrome die-cast tuners; Satin finish
Electronics: Fishman 301T preamp with tuner
Extras: Graph Tech NuBone nut and saddle; Cleartone 7412 strings (12–56); Hardshell case sold separately
Price: $659 MSRP, $369 street
Made in: China
Website: washburn.com
