Washburn F10S Solid Top Folk Body Acoustic Guitar
Spruce top. Mahogany back and sides.
Overall User Ratings (based on 21 ratings)
Submitted December 28, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Nice going, Washburn!"
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I'm very happy with my purchase, and will probably keep it a long time. I'm more into nylon-stringed classicals but have occasional need for a good steel-string, and my F10S fills the bill nicely. Sure, I'd rather have a Martin 000-28 or Taylor 514CE, but let's face it, I'll probably never have the bucks!
Sound
The tone produced by the solid spruce top is very crisp and punchy, even though back & sides are laminate. I installed an undersaddle pickup and 3-band EQ in mine after I got it to see what this baby would do as an acoustic-electric...WOW! I was all smiles as I first plugged in and dialed in the sound...very pleased. I bought it as a fingerstyle instrument and it fits my needs to a "T". Even without amplification, though, it has quite decent tone.
Features
A little weak in the "features" dept. No pickguard, plastic end pin, no fancy purfling or binding, just plain-Jane. It does, however, have genuine Grover tuners and a compensated saddle. I put a rosewood pickguard and chrome strap buttons on mine soon after I got it and it is now more esthetically pleasing. I'm a little finicky, though-you might love it as it is.
Quality
The only real flaw my Washburn had was that it has a loose brace under the top, which I detected when I converted it to A/E. I haven't fixed it yet but will next time I re-string it. It's not causing any sound problems. (This guitar is manufactured in Indonesia, where quality control is probably on par with China.) Otherwise it seems very solid with a nice gloss finish. With normal care, it should last a lifetime.
Value
This is a fabulous value in a solid-top folk acoustic. You could expect to pay twice as much for a lot of other brands of similar quality.
Manufacturer Support
This is my first Washburn product, so I can't comment on tech support. I do my own repairs, anyway.
The Wow Factor
As stated earlier, this is a no-frills guitar. Its "sex appeal" lies solely in its "bang-for-the-buck." You're basically getting a decent, folk-sized guitar with a solid top that sounds great.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Gospel/Christian, country, "Chet Atkins" stuff
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Submitted August 25, 2004 by a customer from HOTMAIL.COM
"A COOL, VERY COMFORTABLE, GOOD SOUNDING, FUN PLAYING ..TAKE ANY WHERE BEATER"
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I was looking for a small and ultra comfortable "beater" type guitar that I could keep in my office without fear of it getting handled or stolen. I have a Taylor Baby for my main travel guitar (an awesome sounding little guitar, the new Martin Travel Guitar is sweet too)... but it's a kinda high end piece that if it got stolen I would be seriously bum'ed out. This is a great take any where, no worries axe. Just what I was looking for!!!! It sounds good, plays good, comfortable and fun to play. Has a good sound for a smaller body and I am very happy with it. You can bang it around with out freaking and take it any where. I nice addition to any player's collection...
Sound
You can't really compare the sound of this guitar to a larger full body one, but considering it's smaller (more comfortable body) this is an awesome little acoustic. I was actually surprised..!
Features
Like all factory guitar if you look hard enough you will find some thing wrong, but I wouldn't be concerned.. for the money spent... this is a fine guitar. Well built, well designed. A very good value!
Quality
For the money spent.. one can not complain! Washburn has been making guitars for some time now and have it all figured out. This guitar is a good value... I can't compare it to my Gibson or Taylor.. but those guitars cost big bucks. It's well built and designed and best of all fun to play. You get what you play for with guitars but this guitar gives you a bit more then what you paid for...! Quality or lack of is not an issue here..! The only thing I wish it came in a dull satin finish or better yet not finished...Think that gloss kills the sound a bit.
Value
Great value all around...! I am very happy with this purchase and think you would be too!
Manufacturer Support
Haven't made contact with them, no reason to.. but I am sure the service would be good, Washburn has been around for a long time for a reason. No worries!
The Wow Factor
I really liked the small and comfortable body size. It's just what I was looking for! I would say it's a practical addition to my guitar collection! A 1956 Gibson Les Paul Gold Top is SEXY.. this is just a very cool little guitar.
Musical Background:
Active Guitar Slinger
Musical Style:
Rock, Alt. Country.. what ever gig PAYS!
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Submitted October 20, 2003
"A bass player's perspective:"
It's not so expensive that you can't take it to the park to play. Great for playing for small groups. I'd suggest looking for a guitar with a larger body style and maybe active pickups if you want to play acoustic in a band or play for larger audiences though.
Sound
This model sounds slighty brighter than other guitars I've tried, partly
because it comes with steel strings on the upper b and e strings from the factory. Changing over to a new set of 80/20 bronze strings might give it a more consistant sound. Also, the bass is a little thin due to the relatively small body style. And as 'Veteran Guitar Player' said, try drop d, it opens up a whole new range of sound and really flatters this guitar.
Quality
My guitar was flawless. The black trim in the photo is actually ivory on my model. Solid top, two pieces for the back. Very glossy, take it easy if you use a pick, no pickguard.
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