Washburn N4 information wanted

[Guitarnut]

I chanced on a Washburn N4 "Limited edition" on e-bay a few days ago, but with only 2 hours left in the auction, couldn't find enough information to assure me that I was buying the real deal. So I let it go. It was a tobacco burst, with a maple fretboard rather than an ebony or rosewood one. I couldn't see enough of the serial number to determine whether the age stated was correct - or to validate the authenticity. I couldn't see a "Made in Usa" stamp - but the photos weren't all that good. Nonetheless, I've started reading reviews (I did try one out at a guitar show recently, so the interest started then) & am starting to get GAS. But.......I still can't find all that much info. about what models were produced, what I should be looking for to authenticate one, etc, apart from the Washburn archive (which didn't list this one as it was a "limited edition", so didn't help much). Anyone out there know of a site similar to the "Wolfgang Registry", "Wolfgangguitars.com" or "The Ibanez Register" where this sort of info. (and pictures) could be found? Cheers for any help. [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[neilli]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

Wal - that was the guitar at Andover wasn't it?

It is legit, if an oddity as A: It's painted, and B: It has a maple board. I remember that guitar being for sale at Machinehead when I bought my Charvel SD1 (it has their 15 year anniversary sticker on the back of the headstock), and was considering getting the n4 instead......

[Guitarnut]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

Yes, it was the Andover one - just up the road from where I work. Bugger - I could have bought it & had it home by now - went for the £500 start price, which I guess was a bargain!

[neilli]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

Doh [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Accept2]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

The serial number, and the cavity cut size are all legit, so its a legit guitar.......

[Guitarnut]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

Yeah, I'm gutted (sick as a parrot, if you're into football/soccer) that I didn't at least put an offer in for that one now - I much prefer it over the natural wood versions. Tobacco burst to me just shouts "rawk", and I really dislike the "N4" sticker on the artificially aged models! "D'oh" is about right, Neilli (I'm pretty sure we met in PJ's once - I was trying out an Ibanez JS, but wasn't using an amp - I'm shy like that - and you were selling Steve a nice looking Dinky)! I'm just too careful & didn't allow enough time for research - I rarely look at the "finishing soon" listings & this one popped up at a bad time (I was looking for Wolfgangs & an EBMM Axis)! That kind of N4 (tobacco burst, maple fingerboard) would be ideal for me, looks wise (I'm guessing that most "feel", play & sound the same - although there is a suggestion that really early models (90 -91?) are slightly different (not made by Washburn custom shop?) & the pickups were chosen to go with a weightier (paduak?) body, rather than the current choice of wood). Accept2 - I found a forum where someone with the same username was answering loads of queries about N4's - if that was you, are there any sites I should have a look at to get a better idea of the versions available & what limited editions there are? How do the necks compare to Wolfies & EBMMs?

[neilli]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

Yup, that was me....

[Accept2]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

There are alot of N4 owners hanging out at the Washburn forum, and also Nuno's own forum on his website. The original N4s were produced in the Seattle shop of Steven's. Once the custom shop was opened in 92, production shifted there. The original ones have a few differences, as well as the N2s. Some people prefer the early ones, I prefer the newer ones, especially the ones made during the time that Grover Jackson was running the custom shop, 1992 to about 1996. Those feature more variety in the finishes available. One of the coolest N4s I ever saw was owned by JCFer jgcable. I also love the old Acid Rain finishes..........

[jjw]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

sounds great for the money you payed.So your from Andover then i live near Salisbury,i expect i have been overtaken in my car by you on your bike!

[Guitarnut]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

I actually work nearer to Basingstoke, but used to live between Basingstoke & Andover (now moved to Portsmouth) - I have been known to ride out through Salisbury, but always stick strictly to the speed limits. Honest, officer. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Unless you count the 140mph on a straight near Overton while "testing" the bike.

I didn't actually get the guitar - I didn't bid as I couldn't check whether it was worth the cash. Now I've found it was, am crying in my beer & searching e-bay in vain for another bargain.........................

[jjw]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

lol at the testing.I used to have a ZXR750 J1 (the blue one)and a mate had a GSXR750 lucky strike so i know about testing we used to have fun on the blanford road going airborne chaising freakily fast TVR's.Keep your eye for more Nuno's then,i do see them pop up from time to time

[Guitarnut]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

Bad case of GAS after missing out on that last N4, so kept looking! Must stop using e-bay. This one is, I've been told by the seller, a 1997(?) limited edition N4, made for the Japanese market. Signed by Nuno, no. 77 of 100 - but the certificate of authenticity has been lost. Looks like a flame maple top. Nice.

[neilli]

Re: Washburn N4 information wanted

I saw that one as well - nice score [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]