Washburn debuts parlor-sized acoustic beauties
(John Gorbe | Posted 2011-02-11)
If you were a guitarist living in the late 19th century and early 20th century, chances are you played a "parlor guitar." In these days, guests were entertained in parlors on these smaller instruments that measured less than one foot across the lower bout. The size of these parlor guitars were normal for the time and, staying consistent with the origins of the classical guitar, they initially used gut strings.
In fact, Washburn Guitars can be traced back to 1883 where the company began in Chicago. The history of Washburn includes of a wide range of musicians, from blues players who shaped rock ‘n' roll to multi-platinum recording artists and emerging guitar virtuosos. It is a history that can be heard and experienced every time you turn on the radio or listen to a live performance. It is a history built by skilled craftsmen and musicians who share one common love – a passion for the guitar.
At the 2011 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA, Washburn introduced the R315KK (pictured at top)and the R321SWRK parlor guitars. Modern-day parlor models are quite popular among acoustic players because of their balance for fingerpicking, brightness and decent volume for their size.
Both the new Washburns are built with mahogany necks with ebony fingerboards and bridges, abalone rosettes and intricate herringbone bindings. The R315KK features a spruce top, Trembesi back and sides and a fancy geometric inlay, which pays homage to their early 1900’s roots. If you want an upgraded model you’ll want to look at the 321SWRK. This model features a solid spruce top with solid Rosewood back and sides. It also adds a “Tree of Life” inlay on the fingerboard.
Both models will be available in mid 2011. The R315KK will retail for $712.90 and the R321SWRK will retail for $1,069.90.
Washburn is owned by US Music Corp located in Mundelein, Il. US Music Corp is an international musical instrument company that manufactures and distributes products worldwide under Washburn Guitars, Parker Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Electronics, Oscar Schmidt, Hagstrom, Jay Turser, Jay J, Phonic, Quik Lok, and Profile brand names.
For more information, visit Washburn at http://www.washburn.com
