Washburn

[un5trung]

I have an A-style Eastman which I really like, but eventually I'd like to get an F-style as well. I have a Weber Octave which is also great, and unlike the Eastman is made in America. Like as not I'll wait until I can afford a Weber, but I'm keeping an open mind. The Eastman 815 is awful tempting, for example. But a friend of mine suggested the Jethro Burns M6SW Washburn. I don't know anything about Washburn, and am curious if anyone has experience with the make and/or the model. Do they have good reputations, are they made in America?

Thanks -- Robert

[allenhopkins]

Do they have good reputations, are they made in America?

Can't respond to your first question, but as to the second: no, they're made in Asia. Washburn used to be an American nameplate, but it's now used for a line of imports.

[kelvin]

Hello,
I started playing mando about 3 years ago and my first purchase was a Jethro Wasburn. I had to purchase by mail order as there where no mandos in my town.

I would say that I was happy with the purchase and it got me down the road a bit but after having a chance to play other entry level mandolins since I would have purhcased an Eastman.

The Jethro did not have very much volumn or bark and the tuners where not the best as they had slippage and it did not stay in tune very well.

I have upgraded to a GIbson f5g that I love. BUt the Jethro for sure was a good starter mando.

kelvin

[Bluman]

I owned one for about 1 year. I sold it mainly because I found the neck to small for my hand. I agree with Kevin regarding the sound. I sold it to someone who just loves the mando and is still wonder why I would sell. So there you have it, 1 mandolin and 2 opinions. The same mandolin can provide different things for different people. I was satisfied with other aspects for the price I paid and really didn't have any mechanical problems.

[Ben Milne]

Can't respond to your first question, but as to the second: no, they're made in Asia. Washburn used to be an American nameplate, but it's now used for a line of imports.

Regarding imports... was this always the case or were they manafactured in the US at some point?

[Schlegel]

They were one of the big Chicago factories during the Great Mandolin Craze. Washburn was the mid-grade to upper tier label of Lyon and Healy at the time. American Conservatory was their student grade label. The Washburn name was then sold off after WWII, I think. Don't know the year. Lyon and Healy now only make classical harps, and are a much smaller company.