Tagged As: Guitar Parlor Washburn
Question:
I may have an opportunity to acquire a '20's vintage Washburn parlor that's in need of a little work. The neck was reset but it needs the frets ripped out and the fingerboard reshaped. The original finish was butchered but there's nice brazilian under it that would look pretty good with a refin. I have no illusions about it's collectability after said refin, I just want a cool guitar for the couch. Any speculation on what a fair price might be
Answer:
I bought a Washburn New Model Style 1897 parlor guitar about 5 years ago that needed some work.I had the neck reset,new repro bridge installed and cracks repaired and replaced the tuning machines with Grover Slothead machines.Total cost to me (including guitar) was about $700.00 plus case. To reshape and refret the fingerboard and refinish the guitar could cost about $800-1000.00 on top of the price of the guitar.I have seen Washburn parlor guitars selling for $1000.00-1300.00 depending on the model/style of the guitar.I doubt that I personally would take the chance,but I have not seem the guitar so this is just my opinion.
Old Washburn Parlor
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Comment #1 (Posted by eric
)
Totally inaccurate information. Wasburns are commanding 2000-2500 dollars if they are brazilian and 1000 in bad condition. Fretboard resurfacing = 100 dollars, refret = 125 dollars The estimate for surfacing a neck is terrible -
Comment #2 (Posted by Clay Mangum
)
Prices for Wahburn Parlors range from $1 to over $10,000. They made the best guitars in the US from 1883-1928. I would not be afraid. A neck reset is $350 and most of them will need that. Most Washburns are not really good with steel strings. They used a very thin top wood. IN 1921 they put in a lateral bridge brace that covered the entire lower bout for three inches. The real problem with steel strings is that they bow the neck. Even with a reset it will bow again. If you want steel strings go 40/32/24/18/13/10. No heavier. Thamasstik Infield makes a set that works real well, combo silk and steel with plain second and first. If you insist on heavier strings you will need to install a JD Bridge Doctor ($25 at StewMac). Measure the action at the twelth fret with and then measure again the next day. If the necks bows you can spot it with this measurement. Change to a lighter string if you experience the action getting higher, or do as Washburn said from 1883-1922 "Warnatee void if steel strings are used". I have seen add on tailpieces but this strains the tail block and the thin sides.