Washburn Guitars

What Washburn Guitars does

Washburn Guitars is a 140-plus-year-old American manufacturer of stringed musical instruments, founded in 1883 by George Washburn in Chicago and currently headquartered in Bloomfield, USA. The company designs and builds acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, banjos, and mandolins, organized into approximately 15 product series (Apprentice, Bella Tono, Classical, Comfort, Deep Forest, Festival, Harvest, Heritage, Woodline, Wing, and others) and offered in body shapes ranging from Dreadnought and Classical to Parlor, Mini Jumbo, and Travel/Mini. Core construction techniques include quarter sawn scalloped bracing for tonal resonance, use of tonewoods such as spruce, mahogany, koa, okoume, ebony, and burl, and integration of Barcus Berry active electronics with built-in tuners for amplified performance on stage and in studio settings. Historical milestones include becoming the largest mandolin maker in America in 1889, releasing the first dreadnought guitar (Lakeside Jumbo) in 1912, pioneering the Festival acoustic-electric line that became the de facto standard on MTV's 'Unplugged' in the 1980s-90s, and merging with Tonk Brothers in 1930.

The company operates a horizontal business model, selling instruments across beginner, intermediate, professional, and collector price tiers ranging from approximately $99 (entry-level Apprentice packs) to $999+ (premium Wing and Bella Tono series). Revenue is generated entirely through hardware sales of instruments, cases, and accessories. Distribution is dual-channel: a global network of authorized dealers (with a 'Find a Dealer' locator on the website) provides international and domestic retail reach, while direct e-commerce on washburn.com is restricted to US customers. Washburn is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JAM Industries USA, a major music instrument distributor, and operates as a sister brand to Oscar Schmidt within the same corporate umbrella. Marketing is conducted organically through social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube), the brand website, and dealer-led channels; there is no disclosed paid acquisition, AI capability, software product, or app layer, and no disclosed revenue, headcount, or external funding figures.

Name

Washburn Guitars

Legal name

Washburn Guitars

Website

https://washburn.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1883

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Founded in 1883, Washburn Guitars manufactures acoustic, electric, and bass guitars plus banjos and mandolins. A subsidiary of JAM Industries USA, the company sells across beginner-to-professional price tiers through a global authorized dealer network and US-only direct e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Musical Instruments

NAICS

Musical Instrument and Supplies Retailers (459140), Musical Instrument and Supplies Retailers (45914)

SIC

Musical Instruments (3931)

akta.pro primary industry

Musical Instruments (Acoustic & Electric) (MPAIAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Musical Instrument Retail (Guitars, Keyboards, Drums, Band/Orchestra) (CRALAEAA), Instrument Accessories & Consumables Retail (Strings, Reeds, Sticks, Cables) (CRALAEAE)

Keywords

• Acoustic guitars
• Electric guitars
• Bass guitars
• Stringed instruments
• Guitar manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Bloomfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Guitar Sales: Washburn generates revenue through the sale of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, and Americana instruments (banjos, mandolins). Products are sold at various price points from entry-level to premium.
2. Guitar Cases and Accessories: Sale of guitar cases and accessories to complement the instrument product line.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Washburn Guitars designs, manufactures, and sells stringed musical instruments including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, and Americana instruments (banjos and mandolins). The lineup spans multiple product series (Apprentice, Festival, Heritage, Bella Tono, Deep Forest, Comfort, Wing, Classical, Harvest, Woodline) at price points from $99 to $999+, along with protective cases and accessories. Products are distributed through an authorized global dealer network and direct U.S. e-commerce.

Product overview

Washburn Guitars is a manufacturer of musical instruments founded in 1883, offering a comprehensive portfolio of acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, and Americana instruments (banjos and mandolins). The product lineup includes multiple product series (Wing, Apprentice, Bella Tono, Comfort, Deep Forest, Festival, Harvest, Heritage, Woodline, Classical) catering to different skill levels and playing styles. Guitars are available in various body shapes (Dreadnought, Classical, Folk, Grand Auditorium, Jumbo, Mini Jumbo, Orchestra, Parlor, Studio, Travel/Mini) and are sold alongside guitar cases and accessories. The company operates as a traditional musical instrument manufacturer, not a software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Oscar Schmidt: A sister brand under the Washburn family, Oscar Schmidt produces stringed instruments including acoustic guitars and ukuleles.

Products and services

• Acoustic Guitars Traditional acoustic guitars in multiple body shapes and tonewood configurations, designed for players across all skill levels — from entry-level Apprentice models to premium Bella Tono and Deep Forest instruments. Targeted at individual consumers including beginners, hobbyists, intermediates, and professional musicians.
• Electric Guitars Electric guitars featuring the Wing Series collection with iconic '70s-era designs combined with modern craftsmanship. Includes double-cutaway, 6-string, 12-string, and semi-hollowbody configurations. Targeted at intermediate to professional players and vintage enthusiasts.
• Bass Guitars Bass guitars including the Scavenger '78 model that brings the distinctive style and feel of a sought-after 1978 collector's bass to all players. Targeted at bassists, vintage enthusiasts, and professional musicians.
• Americana Instruments (Banjos and Mandolins) Traditional Americana stringed instruments including banjos and mandolins, designed for bluegrass, folk, and traditional American music styles. Targeted at folk, bluegrass, and Americana musicians.
• Guitar Cases Protective cases for acoustic guitars, banjos, and mandolins, categorized by application. Targeted at instrument owners needing protection and portability.
• Wing Series (Electric Guitar and Bass Collection) Premium electric guitar and bass series featuring iconic '70s-era designs including the Raven '78, Hawk 6-String, Hawk 12-String, SH35 Semi-Hollow, and Scavenger '78 bass, combined with modern craftsmanship and performance. Targeted at professional players and vintage enthusiasts.
• Apprentice Series Entry-level acoustic guitars distilled to essential features, designed for beginners and value-conscious players. Models include the F5 folk, G-Mini 5, WD100DL dreadnought, and other affordable options starting at $99.
• Bella Tono Series Premium acoustic guitars featuring exotic wood combinations and high-end appointments, including the Bella Tono Suprema SC40SCE. Targeted at professional and serious players seeking distinctive tone and aesthetics.
• Festival Series Acoustic-electric guitars with large bodies and quality electronics, including the EA15, EA12, EA55G, and EACT42S. Historically became the standard acoustic-electric guitar on MTV's Unplugged. Targeted at stage performers and recording musicians.
• Comfort Series Ergonomically designed acoustic guitars featuring comfort carve-away and binding relief for enhanced playability. Includes the G-Mini 55 Koa, WCG10CE, and WCG12FCE models. Targeted at players seeking comfort during long playing sessions.
• Deep Forest Series Acoustic guitars featuring exotic burl and ebony top woods with auditorium cutaway bodies, including the Ebony ACE (striped ebony top) and Burl ACE (poplar burl-blend top). Both feature Barcus Berry active electronics. Targeted at intermediate to advanced players seeking distinctive tonewood aesthetics.
• Heritage Series Mid-range acoustic guitars featuring premium tonewoods and construction, including the D10SCE model. Targeted at intermediate players seeking quality and heritage aesthetics.
• Woodline Series Acoustic guitars in orchestra body style with a focus on projection and clarity. Targeted at fingerstyle and folk players.
• Classical Series Nylon string classical guitars for classical, flamenco, and fingerstyle playing. Targeted at classical and flamenco guitarists.
• Harvest Series Value-focused acoustic guitars with quality tonewoods for working musicians. Targeted at working/intermediate musicians seeking reliable instruments at accessible prices.
• Ebony ACE Acoustic Guitar Deep Forest series acoustic guitar with striped ebony top, okoume back and sides, auditorium cutaway body, and Barcus Berry active electronics. Priced at $329. Targeted at intermediate to advanced players.
• Burl ACE Acoustic Guitar Deep Forest series acoustic guitar with poplar burl-blend top, okoume back and sides, available in Amber Fade and Black Fade finishes. Targeted at intermediate to advanced players seeking exotic aesthetics.
• Apprentice F5 Acoustic Guitar Apprentice series folk body acoustic guitar with select spruce top, mahogany back/sides, quarter sawn scalloped bracing, and Washburn Heritage rosette. Priced at $449. Targeted at beginner and intermediate players.
• EACT42S Acoustic-Electric Guitar Festival series thinline Florentine cutaway guitar with solid spruce top, mahogany back/sides, nylon strings, and 4-band EQ with tuner. Targeted at stage performers and recording musicians.
• G-Mini 5 Acoustic Guitar Apprentice series 7/8 sized mini grand auditorium guitar with select spruce top and mahogany back/sides, ideal for travel. Targeted at traveling players and those seeking a compact instrument.
• G-Mini 55 Koa Acoustic Guitar Comfort series 7/8 size mini grand auditorium with koa top, back and sides, featuring ergonomic comfort carve-away design. Targeted at players seeking compact size and ergonomic comfort.
• WD100DL Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Apprentice series dreadnought acoustic guitar with mahogany top, back and sides, quartersawn scalloped bracing. Priced at $99-$199. Targeted at beginner and entry-level players.
• Raven '78 Electric Guitar Wing Series 6-string electric guitar based on the iconic 1970s-era Raven design with double-cutaway body for unrestricted fret access. Priced at $799. Targeted at professional players and vintage enthusiasts.
• Hawk 6-String Electric Guitar Wing Series 6-string electric guitar with reborn iconic design combined with modern craftsmanship and performance. Priced at $999. Targeted at professional players and vintage enthusiasts.
• Hawk 12-String Electric Guitar Wing Series 12-string electric guitar delivering iconic tone and masterful playability for vintage enthusiasts. Priced at $999. Targeted at professional players, 12-string enthusiasts, and vintage collectors.
• SH35 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar Wing Series semi-hollowbody 6-string electric guitar — the first semi-hollow for the Wing Series — combining iconic double-cutaway design with semi-hollowbody resonance and harmonic complexity. Priced at $999. Targeted at professional players seeking warm, resonant tone.
• Scavenger '78 Bass Guitar Wing Series bass guitar based on the 1978 Washburn Scavenger, bringing distinctive style and feel of a sought-after collector's bass to all players. Priced at $699. Targeted at bassists, vintage enthusiasts, and professional musicians.
• M3SE Americana Mandolin Americana series mandolin for traditional American music styles including bluegrass and folk. Priced at $599. Targeted at bluegrass, folk, and Americana musicians.
• R-310 Victorian Parlor Guitar Parlor body acoustic guitar in the Victorian style. Priced at $399. Targeted at fingerstyle and traditional acoustic players.
• WCG12FCE Comfort Acoustic-Electric Guitar Comfort series grand auditorium cutaway acoustic-electric guitar with ergonomic carve-away design. Priced at $499. Targeted at stage performers and players seeking comfort.
• WCG10CE Comfort Acoustic-Electric Guitar Comfort series acoustic-electric guitar with ergonomic carve-away design. Priced at $399. Targeted at players seeking comfort and amplified performance.
• EA15 Festival Acoustic-Electric Guitar Festival series acoustic-electric guitar. Priced at $359. Targeted at intermediate players and stage performers.
• WA90CETBB Acoustic Guitar Pack Dreadnought acoustic guitar pack (Packs series) including a guitar and accessories designed for beginners. Priced at $99. Targeted at entry-level players and gift buyers.
• WCG12FCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Pack (WSHAGPAKQTTB) Acoustic-electric guitar pack including guitar and accessories. Targeted at players seeking a bundled package with their instrument.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1889 - Became the largest mandolin maker in America
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Oscar SchmidtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOscar Schmidt is listed as a related brand on the Washburn website, suggesting a parent company relationship or shared distribution under the same corporate umbrella.
• JAM Industries USAcoreOthersJAM Industries USA holds the copyright for Washburn Guitars (© 2026 Washburn - JAM Industries USA). JAM Music Supplies is a major distributor of musical instruments.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Gibson: Iconic American heritage guitar manufacturer (founded 1894) producing acoustic, electric, and bass guitars across multiple price tiers. Direct competitor to Washburn in heritage acoustic/electric models and Americana instruments.
• Fender: World's most recognized electric guitar brand, also producing acoustic guitars and basses across beginner-to-pro tiers. Overlaps with Washburn's Wing Series electric line and acoustic Apprentice-to-Bella Tono range.
• C.F. Martin & Co. Premier American heritage acoustic guitar manufacturer (founded 1833) specializing in dreadnought and orchestra body shapes—the same category Washburn pioneered with the Lakeside Jumbo in 1912.
• Taylor Guitars: Premium acoustic guitar maker competing in the mid-to-high price tier with Washburn's Heritage, Bella Tono, and Deep Forest series, with similar body-shape variety (Grand Auditorium, Dreadnought, etc.).
• Yamaha Guitars: Global multi-tier manufacturer whose guitar line spans beginner-to-intermediate acoustic and electric models, directly overlapping Washburn's Apprentice, Festival, and Harvest entry/mid-range positioning.
• PRS Guitars: Premium electric guitar manufacturer competing in the upper-tier price band where Washburn positions its Wing Series Hawk ($999) and Raven '78 ($799) models.
• Ibanez: Established electric/acoustic guitar maker with strong rock and metal positioning, overlapping with Washburn's electric line including vintage-revival and modern solid-body designs.
• Epiphone: Mid-tier guitar brand owned by Gibson, competing in the same entry-to-mid price segments ($100-$500) where Washburn's Apprentice and Festival series are positioned.
• Gretsch Guitars: Heritage American guitar brand famous for hollow-body and electric models with vintage appeal—directly competitive with Washburn's Wing Series and Americana instrument offerings.
• Guild Guitars: Heritage acoustic guitar brand (founded 1953) with comparable Americana positioning, body-shape variety, and overlap with Washburn's Dreadnought and Americana mandolin/banjo lines.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/washburnguitar
• YouTubeyoutube.com/washburntv
• Facebookfacebook.com/washburnguitars
• Instagraminstagram.com/washburn.authentic
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/washburn-guitars

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Washburn Guitars