THE FULL HISTORY OF WASHBURN GUITARS
With roots going back before the Civil War, Washburn began as a partnership between George Washburn Lyon and Patrick Healy. Formed in Chicago, Illinois, Washburn has been building stringed instruments since 1883. An American institution, Washburn has built guitars, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, and more throughout the years. Many of the biggest names in folk, rock, and blues have played Washburn and some of the most significant trendsetting music has been played on a Washburn. From early blues, to the inspiration behind the MTV Unplugged revival, to the modern day, Washburn has been a choice among the song-smiths of the day.
130 years of history is at the root of our strong foundation building high quality instruments. It is this background that inspires us to create instruments for you and we hope you experience the exceptional value, playability and voice that is Washburn. We are sure you can find a musical partner in a Washburn, be it the historically significant Lakeside and DeLuxe, the quintessential acoustic-electric Festival, the luthier inspired Comfort, or our extensive variety of Americana models
Though our roots are firmly planted through providing some of history’s most well known, best valued and best selling acoustic and Americana instruments, your dreams have remained an important part of fulfilling our mission- to provide you with the perfect tool to achieve them. From the first Washburn electric built in 1976, everyone from beginners taking their first step into the bright stage lights to seasoned professionals commanding the attention of thousands of screaming fans have found a home here at Washburn. From rock, metal, country, bluegrass and jazz, we have an electric guitar that will fit you and your style perfectly and grow with you as you develop your style and technique.
We have a legacy of famous and talented artists who have helped shape the soundscape of today’s modern music, from Nancy Wilson and Howard Leese with Heart, to the rise of hard rock’s and metal’s glory years with Rudy Sarzo and Nuno Bettencourt- who is celebrating 25 years with us; through the grunge years where icons like Dimebag Darrel kept guitar solos alive until passing the torch to Ola Englund and Marzi Montazeri. The list goes on and is growing everyday. Whether you strive to join that list, or are happy to push your “likes” on YouTube, or just want to have some fun with family and friends in the basement or backyard- we have the perfect fit for you no matter your taste or skill level.
