If your instrument does not have a serial number, the instrument can not be dated or identified. Washburn has used many serial number formats over the years, ranging from 4-12 characters long. The year of manufacture can always be deduced from the first few numerical characters in the serial number.
Can anyone here recommend any resources or reading materials for accurately determining the age and approximate value of older, pre war Washburn acoustic guitars? The guitar in question, in this case, is a parlor sized Washburn model A 5991. The serial number, stamped on the neck block, is 3991. A woman brought this guitar to me to be fixed up, and she wanted me to find out as much about it as I could. It's been in her family for years, and, from the looks of it, in a fairly hot and dry attic for most of that time.
From what I read in the blue book, Washburn used this particular 4 digit serial number format from the early 30's and mid 40's, but they didn't offer any particular information on specific models from that time period. Hopefully, some of you guys are familiar with these guitars. Will post pics if you'd like to see them. I apologize for any typos or weird phrasing; I'm typing this on my phone. Paul, thanks for the suggestion. I'll see if I can find a copy of that book.
Kerry, thanks for the warm welcome! Here are a few photos of the label, bridge, and the guitar itself. The bridge was pulling up, and as you can see, someone tried to remedy the problem with a few bolts. So far, I've removed the bridge and splinted those three cracks in the top (they were massive, and I couldn't get them to close up).
This guitar could really use a neck set as well, but the owner isn't willing to put that kind of money into the guitar at this time, although I'm fairly confident that she'll be back for the neck set after she's had a chance to play it with the high action. Attachments:., 915 KB., 825 KB., 1.1 MB. Reply by on May 23, 2013 at 4:01am. The paper label in your Washburn was used from 1906/7 - 1915. The serial number A3991 would date your guitar to 1907. It's hard to quit make out but it appears to be a style 115 (see bottom of the paper label). The bridges would typically be Ebony and normally have flattened pyramid wings, this one looks more like one you would see on a Regal made guitar.
They also owned Regal Instrument Co. And there was a lot of parts swapping done at that time. Here is a picture I had handy in my computer from a vintage instrument exhibit we hosted in 07 of my Style 115 Washburn. It has the Ebony, flattened pyramid bridge I mentioned. This instrument would have been built for gut strings originally.
It will be ladder braced and have a bridge plate that is in all likely hood be made from Spruce. The straight across, non-compensated saddle will not play in tune with steel or silk and steel strings.
I use Nylgut 'Alabastro' strings on mine and they sound and play great, Elderly Instruments has them. Any plastic strings for classical guitar would work though. Reply by on May 24, 2013 at 11:07am. I've got to get my hands on a copy of that Washburn book. I really don't know much about vintage Washburn guitars. I had a beautiful one come in the shop this week and I'm hoping someone (Paul Breen) can help me put a date on it, and maybe a rough value. I've never seen a Washburn decorated so elaborately.
I can't make out the Style number. The serial number is 81243. It appears to be all original except for one repair on the soundboard seem, done fairly well. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of the whole body, for some reason, sorry.
Reply by on October 25, 2016 at 2:51pm.