Washburn R314K 125th Anniversary Parlor Acoustic Guitar (With Case)

Feature:
The addition of a truss rod was a departure from the original but really a necessary feature to have now days .I strongly emphasize that if you are not experienced in tech work that you DON'T try to adjust the truss yourself .Having a competent tech do it will save you money and headaches in the future.Although my axe is serial number 17 of 250 made ,it has the R314KK designation on the label .I don't think that there are any real differences between my baby and the later numbers in the batch .The case for this axe is maybe the nicest I have ever seen in my 50+ years of playing .Period correct and very high quality .

Quality:
I think the fit and finish is really well done ,and captures the spirit of the axe .I have seen neater glue jobs ,but the workmanship on this guitar is certainly passable .It has a very slightly reliced look ,which is appealing .The tuners hold tune well also .Intonation was spot on .I do not think it would appropriate for heavy road use ,but it is more of a studio guitar .It should be treated like a lady ,and I feel you will have this axe for a long time .

Value:
Well since this a specialized niche ,the only axe that is close to this Washburn is the Gibson Robert Johnson which sells for $2200 street price .Just do the math ,this a good value for this axe.Again remember that this is not an "all purpose "guitar ,and is rather specialized .I carry 46 guitars ,so I can afford myself the luxury of a guitar which is tailored for certain applications .

Desirability:
It is totally a cool instrument !Could I live without it ? Yes,but I feel I have outlined the pros and cons of the R314K pretty clearly .I have indeed lusted for this axe since it first came out , but other gear had to come first .

Sound:
First of all it is very important to know what you are buying .This is a PARLOR guitar made to specs of 1883 .It is a light small bodied guitar not a dreadnaught or a jumbo . That being said I characterize the sound as very focused ,quite loud when strummed aggressively ,and has a very balanced tone .In the right hands ,this little lady can go from a bluesy Robert Johnson sound to a warm Eric Clapton tone (as in "Wonderful Tonight").It is very versitle I think ,and shines when miked and recorded in the studio .I use a .73mm pick for flatpicking ,which can achieve a percussive tone .The only thing I did not like on this axe was the strings ,but since I am an Artist Endorser for the brand I play I won't name them.

Ease of Use:
This guitar has a very very pronounced "V" shape ,not a soft "V" ,but a real "V" as it was in 1883.I have no problem with the neck at all ,but it may not appeal to other players .The neck was nice and straight ,medium action (suitable for chording as well as gentle slide work ).I think the action is a good compromise for playing some blues ,as well as other styles .The neck joins the body at the 12th fret ,and is a bit wide ,which is good for single note runs .

Support:
Although I have had no experience with any problems with this guitar ,I am not a big Washburn fan .I think you will have a safety net as the guitar comes with a limited lifetime warranty .My experience with Washburn comes from the fact I was Endorser years ago ,and didn't get along well with the company president at the time ;however ,I am sure that they do back up their axes .

Overall:
This guitar will be an heirloom for me .I won't ever be in the market for another Parlor axe .It really was better than I had expected .The true vintage look and specs make the R314K a keeper .If this guitar was stolen ,I would definitely buy another one.There is really nothing I don't like about it .