Washburn Guitars have a long-standing reputation for crafting instruments that blend quality, innovation, and affordability. The Bella Tono series is a testament to this, specifically designed to offer players compact, visually striking acoustic guitars without sacrificing rich sound and projection. The Bella Tono Elegante S24S acoustic guitar perfectly embodies this philosophy, presenting a sophisticated instrument that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the ear. This review dives deep into the features and performance of the Elegante S24S, exploring why it stands out in the competitive acoustic guitar market.
The first impression of the Elegante S24S is undeniably captivating. The “Studio” body shape, unique to Washburn, immediately feels comfortable and inviting. The tonewood combination of a solid spruce top with pau ferro back and sides creates a warm and visually appealing aesthetic, further enhanced by the sienna hue that permeates the guitar. The mahogany neck seamlessly integrates into this warm color palette, contributing to the instrument’s overall elegance.
body shot of Washburn
Beyond the tonewoods, the Elegante S24S showcases a remarkable attention to detail in its appointments. Gold diecast tuners exude a touch of class and promise reliable tuning stability. The blue-green marbled abalone inlays and binding are truly eye-catching, adding a luxurious feel that belies the guitar’s price point. This abalone is thoughtfully incorporated into the purfling, binding, headstock logo, and even the fretboard inlays, creating a cohesive and artistic visual theme. The fretboard inlays themselves deserve special mention. They depict a charming scene – a crescent moon at the 5th fret, followed by gulls in flight, culminating in a subtle mountain range at the 15th fret. This intricate inlay work is not just decorative; it adds a unique personality to the instrument. Further enhancing the visual appeal, the abalone purfling and rosette are bordered by vibrant fire-red padauk, while darker ebony binding provides a refined contrast to these flashier elements.
Sound and Tone of the Bella Tono Elegante S24S
While aesthetics are important, the true test of any guitar lies in its sound. The Bella Tono Elegante S24S delivers a warm, well-rounded tone with a pleasing balance across the frequency spectrum. As intended by Washburn, the guitar excels in producing clear and articulate high frequencies. These singing highs cut through the mix without sounding thin or brittle, a characteristic often sought after in larger-bodied guitars but impressively achieved in this compact design. This clarity is particularly noticeable when playing melodies on the higher strings, where each note rings out distinctly against the backdrop of the lower and mid frequencies.
The balance of highs and lows makes the Elegante S24S versatile across different playing styles. Whether fingerpicking intricate patterns or strumming chords, the guitar responds with clarity and definition. In fingerstyle playing, the separation between bass notes and treble melodies is excellent, allowing both voices to be heard distinctly. The guitar’s resonant qualities are particularly pronounced in the lower fret positions, especially around the first to third frets, and in specific spots higher up the neck. The top strings exhibit a longer sustain compared to the lower strings, which, in practice, emphasizes the articulate high end that is a hallmark of the Bella Tono sound. This characteristic can be particularly advantageous for players who prioritize clear, ringing trebles in their playing.
bridge of Washburn
Playability and Comfort
Beyond sound, playability is paramount, and the Elegante S24S shines in this area as well. The mahogany neck features a modern “C” profile, a popular choice known for its comfortable feel in the hand. The satin finish on the neck enhances playability, providing a smooth, non-sticky surface that allows for effortless movement up and down the fretboard. This satin finish also facilitates thumb-over techniques for players who incorporate bass notes with their thumb. The compact “Studio” body shape further contributes to the guitar’s comfortable feel, making it an excellent choice for players who prefer smaller-bodied instruments or those who find dreadnoughts or jumbos cumbersome. The 25.5″ scale length is standard for acoustic guitars, contributing to a familiar feel and string tension.
While the review model required a setup to eliminate fret buzz, this is not uncommon with new guitars and is easily rectified. The setup process revealed a minor manufacturing oversight with screws left protruding inside the body cavity, but this was addressed and did not detract from the guitar’s overall appeal and performance.
The Verdict on the Washburn Bella Tono Elegante S24S
The Washburn Bella Tono Elegante S24S acoustic guitar presents a compelling package for players seeking a visually stunning, comfortable, and sonically pleasing instrument at a reasonable price. It excels at delivering clear, singing highs and a balanced overall tone, making it well-suited for fingerpicking and lighter strumming styles. The compact body and comfortable neck profile enhance playability, while the exquisite abalone and gold appointments elevate its aesthetic appeal far beyond its price point. Despite a minor setup issue in the review model, the overall quality and value of the Elegante S24S are undeniable. For guitarists looking for a distinctive acoustic guitar that offers both visual elegance and sonic versatility, the Washburn Bella Tono Elegante S24S is definitely worth considering.
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
