For guitarists seeking exceptional value in an Electric Acoustic Guitar Washburn offers the Woodline 10 Series (model WLO10SCE), a standout instrument that defies its modest price tag. Priced comfortably under $500, this 14-fret Orchestra cutaway model delivers playability and sonic characteristics that rival guitars at much higher price points. Its balanced, focused sound makes it a versatile choice for various playing styles, from strumming chords to intricate fingerpicking.
Unpacking the Sound: Warmth and Clarity
From the first strum of an open-E chord, the Woodline Orchestra reveals a pleasing warmth and balance. This rich tone is largely attributed to its classic tonewood combination of a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The guitar’s internal architecture, featuring cathedral-peaked advanced scalloped-X bracing – a design Washburn adopted to enhance resonance and projection – further contributes to its balanced sonic profile. No frequency range overpowers another; the bass is firm and present, the midrange offers a pleasant bark, and the trebles sparkle with clarity. The overall sound is clean and articulate, possessing a satisfying level of projection and sustain, making it suitable for both solo practice and performance settings.
To truly assess its sonic versatility, the Woodline Orchestra was put through its paces across different musical styles. Playing Tommy Emmanuel’s intricate fingerstyle piece “Ruby’s Eyes,” the guitar showcased its ability to handle complex arpeggios with grace. The notes flowed together beautifully, creating a ringing, harmonious cascade. The comfortable modern C-profile neck and expert factory setup facilitated effortless execution of slides and slurs, essential techniques in this style of playing.
AG283_Washburn-backImage alt text: Back view of Washburn Woodline 10 Series WLO10SCE electric acoustic guitar showcasing mahogany back and sides with natural high-gloss finish.
Switching gears to a more rhythmic style, the guitar was tested with the Carter Family’s classic “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” This song, a staple for evaluating strumming capability, revealed the Woodline Orchestra’s competence in handling a robust boom-chuck rhythm. While some players seeking a deeply resonant bass in this context might desire a touch more low-end presence, the guitar held its own admirably, delivering a full and engaging strumming experience.
Exploring alternate tunings further demonstrated the guitar’s sonic adaptability. Playing Orville Johnson’s rendition of “God’s Gonna Ease My Troublin’ Mind” in open D minor (D A D F A D) revealed that the Woodline Orchestra retained its tonal integrity even when slackened. The complex cluster chords, characteristic of contemporary classical and fingerstyle blues, maintained impressive definition and note separation, highlighting the guitar’s clarity across different tunings and playing approaches.
Amplified Performance and Onboard Electronics
For players who need to plug in, the Woodline Orchestra is equipped with a Fishman 301T preamp system. When connected to a Fender Acoustasonic amplifier, the preamp effectively translated the guitar’s natural acoustic voice. Playing the same repertoire through the amp confirmed that the Fishman system accurately captured the instrument’s inherent sound characteristics. A notable feature is the preamp’s integrated digital tuner, which is user-friendly and easily readable even in dimly lit environments, a practical addition for live performances and practice sessions.
Design and Craftsmanship: Understated Elegance
The electric acoustic guitar Washburn Woodline 10 Series also impresses with its thoughtful design and quality construction. The ornamentation is tasteful and minimal, featuring rosewood binding and an attractive wooden mosaic rosette that adds a touch of visual sophistication without being ostentatious. The gloss finish on the body is applied smoothly and thinly, allowing the wood to resonate freely. Inside the guitar, the bracing and internal construction exhibit a level of cleanliness and attention to detail often found in higher-priced instruments, reflecting Washburn’s commitment to quality even in their more affordable lines.
The Verdict: Exceptional Value for Aspiring and Experienced Players
With a street price around $369 (case sold separately), the Washburn Woodline 10 Orchestra model is clearly aimed at aspiring songwriters, fingerstyle players, and musicians seeking an affordable yet high-performing electric acoustic guitar. However, its well-rounded performance and impressive features mean that even seasoned players seeking a reliable and great-sounding instrument on a budget will find the Woodline 10 Series a very appealing option. It represents an exceptional value in the current market, proving that quality and affordability can indeed go hand-in-hand in a modern Washburn electric acoustic guitar.
Specifications
BODY: 14-fret orchestra cutaway; Solid spruce top; 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)
PRICE: $659 MSRP, $369 street
ORIGIN: Made in China
WEBSITE: washburn.com
