Conference napalm::guitar

    
    Does anyone have an opinion on Washburn basses?
    
    Is there a 'Consumer Reports' for musical instruments in which there
   is a (unbiased?) review of equipment?
    
    Thanks,
    
     Bob
    

	My son has a couple of Washburn basses and is very pleased with
	them.  (I think they are the Rudy Sarzo model and the B2[??])
	He has also played a P-bass and a Guild (don't know the model
	but it had a shape similar to the Gibson Flying "V".) but prefers
	the Washburns to either of the others.

	I think that choosing a bass, like most things, is largely a
	matter of finding the sound and "feel" that YOU like.  As far
	as quality goes, though I'm no expert, I think that the 
	Washburns can match most other "name" instruments and do it
	for less.

    I bought a B-2 a few months ago for about $250. I think it sounds
    good and plays great.
    
    -Dave

    
    I've always been interested with the Wasburn guitars with 36 frets
    ("The Spitfire"),and curious as to its possible applications.  Its 
    a nice axe, and a snip at �800.  Its got a cool paint job too.

    -Tony

    
    Washburn used to be (is??) based in Chicago and for years made
    high-grade flattop guitars, banjos, mandolins, etc.  Sometime in
    the 60s, I guess, they all but went under, and resurfaced in the late
    seventies with Japanese built guitars that were then set up at the
    Chicago plant.
    
    IMHO, they are of equal quality to the other high grade Japanese
    guitars (Ibanez, ESP, Fernandes).
    
    Their acoustic/electrics are highly touted as  being feedback-proof
    and have started to edge in on Ovation's market.
    
    Their solid bodies have had many celeb endorsers but the only guy
    I ever saw actually *play* one in a show was John Fogerty (who doesn't
    even endorse them).
    
    
    

    Rik Sawyer, a fellow DEC guitar player/noter, plays one and is known
    to be quite fond of it.
    
    	db

    I recently purchased a blue Washburn Crackel, (not that the color
    matters, but i like blue guitars ;^)  ) I bought it for $400.00.
    I love it !!! Its not the best washburn guitar but its deffinately
    the best guitar in that price range. (in my opinion any way) Its
    only $100.00 more than my first guitar and i can't believe the
    difference between the two.
                                           -laurie

    I recently bought a Washburn 6 string acoustic. It was sort of bottom
    of their range at �200 here in UK. I was able to compare it directly
    with equivilant Yamaha, Takamine and Fender models and I found the
    sound and action much better than the others. More significantly
    though the finish is superb. I went to the shop convinced it was
    to be a Yamaha or Takamine and was totally swayed by the Washburn.
    
    Richard
    Basingstoke, UK.

    Which shop was that Richard ?? 
    
    -Tony
    @Reading UK

    I have a Washburn A-20, it's a high quality guitar IMO, but I'm
    still stuck on my strat and it usually gathers dust between string
    changes....
    
    dbii

    
    Dave,
    
    what kind of features does the A-20 have?
    
    Mike D

    My A-20 is what a good friend of mine called a "Def lepard" guitar due
    to the shape...for features it has two humbucking pickups, both of
    which split coil (pull the volume pot for split) 3 position les paul
    type switch, a flame top in a brown to yellow sunburst, ebony fretboard
    more frets than my strat (25 maybe?). Chrome hardware, 6 in-line tuners
    etc. It's definately a rock and roll looking guitar...has a good sound,
    and the pickups are very hot. I don't know if they still sell them or
    not but for a hwile they  came with a strat style termelo that didn't
    lock (mine has no trem....yet). 
                                   
    
    dbii

    Re. 6
    
    It was Kingfisher Music in Fleet. Its one of the best guitar shops
    I've seen here in the UK.
    
    Richard

    Any recommendations out there for Washburn acoustics, the unamplified
    models that have the Martin shape? I think the model number may
    be D-20.
    
    Bob

    I bought a Washburn acoustic a few months ago here in the UK. Can't
    remember the model number but it was about �200 here. I 'road tested'
    it against comparably priced Yamaha, Fender and Takamines. In my
    opinion the Washburn won hands down (I actually had set my mind
    on the Yamaha or Takamine when I went in the shop).
    
    Also, the finish on the Washburn was unusual and of excellent quality.
    I find it sounds best on 'lead' type playing rather than for
    chords/strumming. I use my 12 string for that.
    
    Richard

    Thanks, Richard - is that a D20, do you know? It's shaped like the
    bigger Martins, and is a uniform lightish brown in colour (I don't
    know the wood)
    
    Bob

    Yep, its a D-20-N. I got it at Kingfisher Music in Fleet not far
    from Reading. They had the most comprehensive range of gitars I've
    seen and that includes Charing Cross Road etc. They were also very
    helpful. I think the guitar cost me �189. You're right about the
    finish. It is an unusual light 'oak' sort of colour, really nice.
    
    Richard

    Thanks, there, Richard - I played one briefly a few weeks ago. Before
    that I had my mind set on a Sigma D-18 or Tak (the 307, concert size,
    nice guitar) but the Wash seems to be a lot better than either,
    and cheaper.
    
    The shop I tried it in wanted 210 for it, with a bit of haggling
    I may get nearer to the price you paid (or perhaps a trip to Fleet
    is in order).
    
    Roll on Feb 6 - next payday, and guitbuy day!!!!!!  8^)
    
    Cheers
    
    Bob

    Anyone ever try out the long neck models they offer?  Like the 29 and
    36 fret models??  I've seen them around, but haven't played
    one...curious as to the playability (action) and response from these
    babies.
    
    B.

      I almost bought the EC-29 when I was looking for a strat-type
    axe to replace my Rich Bich. I had the Bich sold for $600 and had
    a target price of around $1200 for my new guitar. I liked the
    feel of the Washburn, incredible access above the 18th fret. I'll
    tell ya that playing above the 24th was a real weird experience.
    It's there, it works, but it's not as easy to play WAY up there.
    There's a lot of finish options. I was looking at a cherry sunburst
    or a splatter finish. Not a bad guit, it runs around $1100.
      Then I went back to B.C. Rich. The kicker that got meer
    from them was the custom order deal. SOOOO - Whatdayawant on yer
    guitar, you gotI was happy with my previous BC's and they
    made (past tense) a real nice neck-thru strat. Much better than
    most of the Jacksons I've played. I put it all down in 1144.something.
      Oh yeah - there's a picture of it in the album coming out!
    
    							-/boom/-  

    Hey Charlie Farren...
    
    I see you reading notes!  ;^)  You play these guitars...what are your
    comments on the new Washburn electrics?
    
    Tanks,
    Buck

    
    	Hey, didn't Robbie Robertson drop his Strat for a Washburn?
    
    	-pat

	I need some help identifying and learning the value of a
	Washburn "Falcon".  Here's brief description ...

	* Double cutaway.
	* Binding on front of body, neck, and headstock.
	* 2 Humbuckers.
	* Glued on neck.
	* Ebony fretboard, with what *appears* to be brass fret markers,
	  in the shape of a dot, with a smaller dot on the middle, which
	  *appears* to be pearl.
	* Brass bridge assembly, no trem.
	* Back of guitar is carved/contoured, but the front is completely 
	  flat.
	* 24 fret neck.


	It absolutely SCREAMS too !  So, anybody out there have any idea
	what this little demon is worth, or was worth when they were first
	made.  I have no idea when it was manufactured, but this one is in
	very good shape.  I've already bought it, and got a great bargain
	so I know I got a good deal - just curious *how* good of a deal I 
	got !  Thanks !

	Scary

    
    A Falcon was one of Washburn's "Wing" series of the early 80's,
    basically a Les Paul-like guitar.  I would guess it's worth about $350
    or so; the models with rosewood boards, no binding, bolt-ons, etc.
    less.
    
    							Brian

    Sounds about right - the guy was originally trying to sell it for $350
    but didn't get any takers.  He's lusting for a new axe (actually his
    wife wants some $$$) so he's letting it sail for $100.  I didn't bother
    to wake him - I quietly took the guitar from him.  In case anyone's
    interested he's got a Wasburn A-5 (I think), which has a bolt-on neck
    with maple fretboard, anlged headstock, Explorer-type body (black), 2
    humbuckers, no trem, also for sale .... how much ?  $150 for this one,
    go figure ...
    
    
    Scary

    Another question about this axe ... I was cleaning it last night and
    decided to pull the knobs off to get a real good job - lo and behold
    the volume knobs are push/pull, but I didn't have a &*^%$ cord at the
    house to hook it up and see what it sounded like.  Coil tap perhaps ?
    
    These kind of surprises, I can handle !
    
    Scary (who loves this axe ...) 

    Push-pull pots for coil tapping were common on Washburn guitars like
    the Falcon.  
    
    							Brian

    THANKS !!!  It will be interesting to hear how this sounds.  Got a gig
    this afternoon ... guess I'll try it out then !
    
    Scary

I have been a lurker in this notes file for several months now, 
enjoying it immensely (my compliments to everyone . . .), but with 
nothing in particular to say, until today.

I have been offered an opportunity to buy a 1920 Washburn 
small acoustic.  It has been described to be similar to a Martin 
OM-28, with a wide 12 fret bound neck and ebony fretboard, with 
the body of (Brazilian?) rosewood, herringbone (spruce?) top,  some 
kind of inlay around the edges and soundhole, and a finished headstock.  
It has scalloped X bracing inside, and the seller (who is a guitar 
technician) told me over the phone this morning that not only 
is it beautiful (which frankly, I don't care much about),
and plays well, but it BOOMS, and the highs are nonetheless 
balanced.  He sez he wants $650 for it, and that it needs no work 
at all.

I have been looking for a small-bodied wide-neck acoustic for 
some time, and frankly, this deal seems too good to be true.  
I have played ugly beat-to-death mahogany Martins with bridges 
pulling off of wavey tops, etc., without the wide neck I want 
(big hands), that the sellers wanted hundreds more bucks for.  
I haven't found anything under $1000 here in New England that 
I dug, in the past 6 months, and anyways, spending more than 500 
is a stretch right now (baby). 

Since this would be one of those thru-the-mail deals, and I've 
never dealt with this guy before, doing this potentially excellent/lousy 
transaction makes me a tad nervous.  Can any of you experts help 
me with some info, like

    - do these old Washburns play good, e.g. easy like a good small 
      Martin?

    - is there any info that he didn't mention (or that I don't 
      remember -- it was EARLY this morning . . .)  which I should ask
      him about this particular axe before taking the plunge?

    - will I be able to sell this thing if I have to?  I don't
      remember ever seeing one in the WantAdvertiser . . . 

    - is this a good deal, or should I offer him less?

    - I understand that thru-the-mail deals are fairly common
      in musician/collector circles.  How does one normally structure
      the transaction so that all parties, that is, ME, are relatively
      protected?


This guy is going to send me a Polaroid of the thing today, so I 
can "look" at it, and  have something to use to convince the Ms. . . . 
but I know all it'll probably do is make me gibber and drool 
uncontrollably, and then the next thing you know I'll be begging her,
offering to do all kinds of work around the house if she'll let me 
get it please, PLEASE, PLEASE baby PLEASE baby PLEASE. And then 
it'll be a REALLY lousy deal if it ends up that I don't like the guitar.  
So any info would be greatly appreciated . . .


Thanx,
DCT

   
  

    A common practice in deals via mail is that the buyer gets 24 or 48
    hours approval once he receives the instrument.  If it's a professional
    dealer, this won't be a problem.  If it's a private party, make sure
    this is understood beforehand and use whatever subjective criteria you
    have to evaluate whether you trust him or not.  If you return it you'll
    probably have to pay shipping back.
    
    You're right, it does sound like a sweet deal.  You might want to give
    somebody like Mandolin Bros. a call (check any guitar mag for the number)
    to find out what they would sell something like that for.
    
    /rick

    I believe that Washburn has re-issued the instrument you described.
    If this deal doesn't go down, I would call around to find a Washburn
    dealer and demo a new one. As a matter of fact, it wouldn't hurt to 
    demo a new one *before* making a decision on the vintage one.
    
    	Just a thought.
    	Mark Jacques
    

    Old Washburns (and Brunos, Larsons, etc.) can be wonderful guitars. 
    Many of the Washburns I've seen and played were well constructed and
    had very nice sound.  The advice given in the previous notes concenring
    a trial period should be followed.  I've bought a number of instruments
    from dealers thru the mail - and I've returned a few.  No problem with
    dealers like the Mandolin Bros.
    
    I don't know about the reissue of this model.  The new Washburns are
    built in Japan (and maybe Korea).  I have not been impressed with the
    build quality of their acoustics.  One of the guys in my band has a new
    Washburn and it sounds fine plugged in but lacks depth in the acoustic
    mode.  BTW, the guitar you described is probably more like a Martin
    00-28 rather than an OM-28.  Both models a small bodied compared to
    dreadnaughts, but the 00's are smaller than the OM or 000.
    
    Finally, I have a Taylor that is the same size as a Martin 000 that has
    a wide, but thin neck that is very comfortable.  This is a very well
    made guitar.  It can be had in a number of woods and trim level and can
    cost as little as $650-700 in mahagony.  Mine is maple and has a very
    big balanced sound.  This model is becoming very popular with serious
    finger pickers (Harvey Reid, Chris Proctor) and many other artists have
    been going to Taylor.  Check them out if you can.  Mandolin Bros. carry
    Taylor and will discount heavily, though they do not list all the
    Taylor models in their catalog.
    
    Paul
    

    
    Thank you one and all for your advice.  I have since gotten a picture
    of the guitar, and it is beautiful.  The people I've talked to
    including Mandolin Bros., Sandy of Sandy's in Cambridge (he actually
    TALKED . . .), Music Emporium, told me there aren't many of them
    around, there isn't much of a market for them, but a good guitar is
    a good guitar, and at that price, if it's good, it's a deal.
    
    I'll give it a try -- thanx especially for your reassurance about doing
    thru the mail deals, and sending them back if need be.
    
    Only problem is, I'll have to sell my '58 National Resophonic "Plank" .
    . . it's hard to get white mother-of-toilet-seat vinyl like that 
    anymore . . .
    
    Thanx again,
    DCT
    
    

    
|    Only problem is, I'll have to sell my '58 National Resophonic "Plank" .
|    . . it's hard to get white mother-of-toilet-seat vinyl like that 
|    anymore . . .
        
        I'm roooooooooooolin'  !    I just went to reply to this note
        and caught this  at the last minute.  I wonder why people are
        looking at me so strangely  !   Thanks dude, made my morning.
        :^)
        
        Now. . .if I can regain my composure. . .
        
        Does  anyone  have any specs on  (or  has  anyone  played)  a
        Washburn Acoustic/Electric AB20 or AB40 ?  I saw an ad in the
        last  issue of Bass Player magazine,  and  they  look  pretty
        sharp.   The  1990  Guitar  Buyers  Guide  lists the AB40 for
        $1699.00, which is  a  little steep for a bass I know nothing
        about.  Any help  would  be  appreciated.  (Already have four
        electric basses.  Time to think about an acoustic !  :^))
        
        Thanks for any and all help. . .
        
        Matt

    Saw and played one, probably a 20 (the cheaper one).  Like most of this
    ilk, played nice sounded OK but it really is no competition for a string
    bass (not loud or deep enough).   Didn't check with an amp.
    
    What these beasts sound good for is a real alien thing for
    bassists...solo bass.  I.e. doing a John Renbourn trip on bass....
    
    						Brian
    
    P.S. Also tried the new Applause bass..Korean made, cutaway body. 
    About $400, including pickup.  Liked it better than the Ferrington.

   I tried one of the ABs over at the Music Factory in Salem NH.  I know it
   was cheap-ish - in the $400 range.  (Certainly not $1700!)  I liked it a
   lot.  Sounds great through an amp, too.  Definitely "acoustic" sounding,
   both dry and through an amp.

   Would be great for Hot Tuna style stuff.  Play better than many other
   acoustic basses I've tried (most notably an older Guild, which didn't
   impress me in the least).  The AB holds it's own in the volume category,
   too.  Other acoustics I've played have been very quiet.  This wasn't.

   -- Sam

        Thanks guys.  I'm just looking for something that I could use
        when I make  road  trips to MA or NH or where dragging an amp
        would be somewhat cumbersome.    Looks like I'll just have to
        keep checking around.
        
        Anyone have names of other acoustic bass manufacturers ?
        
        Thanks. . .
        
        Matt

    
    I think there was a note in here on these things....Martin, Ovation,
    Applause, Kramer/Ferrington, Larivee, Guild all have acoustic bass
    guitars.  
    
    							Brian

        (Can anyone tell I got a new mail order catalog ? :^))
        
        Yep, and  I  found  that  they're  (American  Musical Supply)
        selling Washburn Acoustic/Electric  Basses  for  $489.00 (add
        $79 for the case) !Specs  are:   active electronics, rosewood
        fretboard and 1 TSP (?) pickup.
        
        Now if only I could stop  drooling  over the Fenders shown in
        here.  `52 US Vintage Tele, `57 US Vintage Strat, or the 60's
        J-bass, I could hit ^Z and finish this ! :^)
        
        <sigh>. . .
        
        Matt

    I'm looking for info on a Washburn D-14 acoustic. I played it today
    down at Mr C's in marlboro. I liked it, but I didn't fall in love with
    it. The price seems right tho - $300. It's used but in excellent shape.
    It seems like a quality guitar, it just doesnt have the sound that I'm
    looking for. I may buy it anyway because $300 is about all I can spend
    and get away with (without being castrated by the "house ways and means
    chairman). What I'd like to know is, about what does a D-14 go for new
    and where does it fit in their line?
    
    
    Other competion to this guitar is an Ovation Legend, good but not
    excellent shape. I like the sound and feel of that real well. I'm
    trying to talk him into $325.  Also, I played a new Sigma with a
    cutaway - I don't know the model. It too was pretty good for the $ at
    275.
    
    "sakman" 

    Sakman,
    
    I'm looking right here at a Musician's Friend (800-776-5173) catalog,
    and the D-14 is listed at $250.  As far as where it fits in their line,
    they show here a D-12 ($200), a D-14, a D-21S ($370), a D-25S ($390), a
    D-28S ($420), and a DC60 (the "C" must mean cutaway, since it has one)
    for $800.  
    
    Charlie

Does anyone in this conference have experience with or opinions about the
AE-20, AE-30 or AE-40 Electric-Acoustics?  (These are in their "Festival"
series and also go by the names of (I think) Newport, Monterey and Woodstock,
in order.)  The AE-20 and -30 apparently also come in twelve-string versions,
which interest me, too.  I've only just started looking and I'm not sure if
if there are comparable guitars by other manufacturers that are far superior,
so if there are other slim-bodied cutaway acoustic-electrics I should consider
as well, please let me know. 

Also, pointers to reviews in back-issues of Guitar Player (a friend has a
collection) would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Richard

Oh yes, re -.1, if anyone has mail-order catalogs and can give me ballpark
prices on any of these models I'd appreciate it!

Thanks,
Richard 

re: -1

Musician's Friend lists the AE-20 at $549.88 ($779.80 list).

The don't have the -30 or -40 listed.....

alan

re -.1

Thanks!

db also had the Musician's Friend and two other catalogs in his office.  Both
of them only list the EA20, too:

  P.M.I.
    EA20	List: $599	PMI: $390
    EA2012	List: $639	PMI: $415
    GC75 Case	List: $129.90	PMI: $84.50

  AMS Musician's Discount Catalog
    EA20	$439
    GC-75	Add $59 (not orderable separately?)

Any opinions of these three houses?  And does anyone know of MA/NH Washburn
dealers?  (I've already checked out The Minor Chord, but they had no EA-*'s)

Richard

        RE: .last
        
        What does  PMI  list  for  a  price  on the AB-20 ?  Sounds a
        little more reasonable  than  any  other price I've seen from
        other mail order places.
        
        Thanks. . .
        
        Matt

    I'm considering buying a Washburn electric guitar, Model KC Ltd.,
    Chicago Series, and a 30 watt Dean Markley amp.
    
    Any coments?
    
    Frank
    

    I'd say Washburn makes a nice guitar for the money , but I'd opt for
     a little Fender (or Squire) amp instead of the Dean Markley.
    
        Gonzo

  My experience with Washburns is both good and bad. On some of thier
guitars (including bass), they tend to have finish problems. I don't 
know if this is happening now though.
  The finish my bass, and on some guitars, tends to have lines pop up
on the finish. I think the wood does this. I don't have anything against
plywood bodies. I think that that has contributed to a sustain (at least
in my bass) that is sometimes better than some other's models with just
a two piece body.
  Some times the Washburns have quality problems with there wiring, and
jacks that they use. But! don't let this hinder you if you feel that 
the guitar *has* what you want.

  As far as the Squires go, if you can get an American made Squire; consider
that. The wiring and parts tend to be better quality.

  In both cases, be selective! Again... If the guitar has what you want, by
all means; get it.

/John

    Anyone seen the new Washburn's yet?!?!?
    
    
    GTS * GTS * GTS * GTS * GTS *
    
    
    They look sort of like the Ibanez RG 550's ... 2 oct neck, flame maple
    tops, translecient finishes, maple or rosewood boards, gold floyd rose
    trem's and tuners, black pickups, clear pickguard.
    
    The one I'm drooling over is a clear Fushia, with a maple neck, and
    gold floyd ... drool!!  And they're reasonably priced...in the $600
    range.

    
    Do the necks have the same sort of flat radius-less necks ?

    Gee Buck - thought for sure you were gonna get a N3 Nuno special!
    jc

    RE: Tone
    
    Yeah, the guitars are very similar, but actually the Washburn's look
    better built!
    
    
    RE: jc
    
    NOT!

    FWIW - I played one once...  The guy in Trip Romeo has one and it
    SCREAMED !  Just about played itself...But I was just eggin' ya on
    Buck.
    :)

>    Gee Buck - thought for sure you were gonna get a N3 Nuno special!
    
    Umm...  I thought there were only N2 and N4 models in the Nuno series?
    
    gh 

Typo - I type like I play guitar - don't blame those
wrong notes on ME !
:)

    I dunno if its played very often, but while watching the EC unplugged
    MTV broadcast last spring, (I taped it) they played an ad for Washburn
    guitars. There's this guy on a city sidewalk who plays this killer
    uptempo acoutic blues piece. Don't know who the guy is, it might be an 
    actor, but it sure looks like he's playing it. And as mentioned, the 
    piece is some kind of killer fret work.  Anybody else seen the ad or
    know any more about it?
    
    "sakman"

    I played the Washburn Nuno model recently and was VERY impressed. Kinda
    of a chunkyish neck but still fast. The only thing I though was weird
    was the trem, but that may have been how it was set up in the shop.
    (The model I played was the top of the range one).
    
    It was nice, but not 800 quid nice.

    That guitar is SMALL ... just like Nuno!

    
    
    The different is that the guitar is somewhat more perfectly formed than
    old Tenniscourt is.

    Well, I've sifted through the replies in this note, but I can't find
    the information that I'm looking for:
    
    - Does anyone know which Washburn electrics have Floyd Rose tremeloes
      fitted ?
    
    - The Washburn solid bodies I saw listed in a 1992 Guitar Club catalogue 
      have different model names to those I've seen mentioned in this note. Can
      anyone throw any light on this?
      The models listed are:
    
      KC20
      KC40
      KC90
      KC70
      WP50
      WP80
      N2

    Since I have the possibility of buying a Washburn (mint condition, Floyd 
    Rose) + hard case + practice amp + accessories for the equivalent of $325, 
    I think I'm probably onto a good thing. I played a Washburn a couple of 
    years back (don't recall which model) and was very impressed.
    
    Unfortuately, the guy who's selling couldn't tell me which model it is,
    and I didn't bother asking for too many details on the phone, as I'd
    want to see it anyway. But it's nice to go prepared on these occasions,
    and the offer sounds too good to miss, at least to *my* ears! Comments?
    
    Cheers, 
    
    Dom 
    

    Two years ago I went Guitar shopping.
    My purchase was a washburn KC90.
    I know for sure that the KC90 and Kc70 have Floyd Rose Trem.
    The N2 has one also but is very expensive as it is Nuno Bettencourt's
       signature line.
    The Kc90 is also no longer made. I was lucky to receive it. It was
    shipped in from California from the warehouse.
    
    The KC90 also has Seymour Ducan pick ups 
    the KC70 has D'Marzio ( This is from memory so if i'm wrong don't flame
      me.
    
    I hope this helped...
    
    Chris "One day to play side by side with Alex Lifeson" Vermette

    I am looking for info/opinion on Washburn J-50, J-20 (both jumbo
    accoustic) and D-17SCE (accoustic/eletric).  They are priced around
    $350-400, is it a good price?
    
    Thanks,
    
    H. Lee

    My son is considering the purchase of a used Washburn N2 (Nuno
    Bettencourt) guitar.... I offerred to solicit the input of people from
    this notes conference regarding:
    
    -neck design and "playability"
    -quality of electronics
    -quality of hardware (tuners, tremolo, etc)
    -resale value (this used one is available for $375)
    
    My son is mostly into playing Metallica, STP, Kiss, Hendrix, etc. He 
    currently is playing a Fender Strat. standard which falls out of tune 
    alot and breaks strings frequently because of "bending" and agressive \
    use of the whammy bar. Will the N2 better fit this sort of playing style.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Jonathan

    
    Any comments on the SB10's, Wing Series ? I can get one for 335.00,
    they are discontinued. Figure you can't get an Epi for this price.