"Most guitarist tend to discriminate this type of guitar as being suited for specific genre. That is not the case with Washburn's HB30 semi hollow-body guitar. Although it looks like the usual Jazz semi hollow, it has a centre block which prevents feedback problems, while adding incredible amounts of sustain. That reason alone makes it suitable for about every genre."Price:
Although a $500 guitar, it can be found for around $300 at www.activemusician.com, and www.samash.com. This guitar is a 10/10 value as it sounds and plays much better than the price would suggest. (Rating: 10 out of 10)
Features:
- Maple body & top
- Double cutaway semi-acoustic body
- Chrome hardware Bound f holes
- Multi laminate binding
- Raised black/white pickguard
- Rosewood fingerboard
- Tune-o-matic bridge
- Stop bar tailpiece
- Neck pickup: 621 with open coils
- Bridge pickup: 623 with open coils
- 4 knob/3 way switch
- Grover® 18:1 gear ratio tuners
- Maple neck
- Mahogany neck
- Neck radius: 320mm 24.72"
- Scale 22 frets
- Joined at the 19th fret
- Nut Width: 1 5/8" (43mm)
Sound:
For the price this guitar sounds amazing. First of all the sustain in this thing is awesome for the price, and unlike some competing semi hollow-body guitars does not have any feedback problems. Another thing is the pickups the two pickups sound very different allowing for a broader range of tones. You can get a smoky jazz tone with one, while the other can give you a sharper clearer sound. The neck furthermore is the best I have ever tried allowing for incredible speed, allowing every note to come out fluid... that is with good technique of course. It's a great guitar for anything from Jazz to shred. I bet you readers are probably thinking why a semi hollow body for metal. You have to play it to see why. It has one of the nicest tones for rock and metal when paired with a good distortion, as well as the most comfortable neck in it's price range (or even in comparison to more expensive guitars) to allow for speed playing. (Rating: 9 out of 10)
Build Quality:
With basis on one of the older models I can honestly say that the build quality is top notch. Not only does the guitar feel and look beautiful, but the neck is simply excellent allowing for easy access all the way to the 22nd fret. On most guitars, playing the higher frets requires a different uncomfortable technique, which is not the case with this Washburn. My only complaint however is the fact it could have had 2 more frets to make it the ultimate shred metal guitar. The neck is truly fantastic. (Rating: 9 out of 10)
Reliability:
It is very well built, and in case anything goes wrong the company replies to emails quickly. The company even does upgrades if you send them the parts to upgrade to (they'll charge for the work though, but that way you won't lose the warranty). (Rating: 8 out of 10)
Overall:
An almost perfect guitar. It's biggest problem being that it scratches too easily. (Rating: 9 out of 10)
Total user(s) rating = 9.0 out of 10.
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