Washburn WA90CEVSB Acoustic-Electric Guitar Review Best Tone and Playability Explained

Description

Ease of Use

Testing the Washburn Vintage Series 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Tobacco Sunburst (WA90CEVSB) over the past few weeks, I’ve come to appreciate how beginner-friendly it really is. The cutaway design makes reaching higher frets a breeze, which helped me explore some solo riffs without feeling cramped. The built-in Barcus Berry LX4 preamp with tuner means I didn’t have to fumble around looking for a separate tuner—this feature alone made tuning a quick and painless affair. I also noticed that the controls—Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Volume, and Tuner On/Off—were straightforward, letting me tailor my sound without digging into complicated menus. My niece, who’s just starting to learn guitar, found it pretty intuitive too; she was strumming along within minutes, which says a lot about its user-friendliness.

Ice Quality & Type

Okay, I’m mixing metaphors here, but the sound quality of this guitar is as crisp as ice on a summer day. The WA90CEVSB produces a warm, balanced tone thanks to its linden wood top, back, and sides. The walnut fingerboard adds a subtle richness to the notes, making blues and flat picking particularly enjoyable. I tried fingerpicking some classic tunes, and the clarity was impressive—every note came through with definition, not muddied at all. Strumming chords around the campfire sounded full-bodied and resonant, which really surprised me for an entry-level acoustic-electric. The tobacco sunburst finish isn’t just for looks; visually, it echoes that vintage vibe which complements the sound nicely.

Noise Levels

The guitar itself, being acoustic-electric, doesn’t produce unwanted noise, but I did notice the electronic preamp system keeps things pretty clean. No buzzing or humming when plugged into my amp, which is always a relief. While strumming unplugged, the natural sound is pleasantly quiet—perfect for late-night jamming without disturbing the neighbors. The tuner’s beep is audible but gentle, so it doesn’t startle you when activated. Overall, it’s a quiet companion whether you’re playing solo or plugged in at a small gig.

Durability

After daily use and even a few impromptu outdoor jam sessions, the build quality of this guitar holds up well. The basswood neck and linden body seem sturdy enough for regular handling and travel. Chrome die-cast tuners have stayed in tune without slipping, which is a big plus for me since some guitars in this range tend to lose pitch quickly. The walnut bridge and ABS saddle show no signs of wear, despite some rougher playing from my nephew. I’d say this guitar can handle the rigors of both beginner practice and casual performance without showing major wear too soon.

Features

The Washburn WA90CEVSB offers a lot more than just your standard acoustic guitar. The integrated Barcus Berry LX4 preamp with equalizer controls is a standout, letting me adjust bass, middle, treble, and presence on the fly. This kind of tonal flexibility is rare in guitars at this price point. The built-in tuner is another game-changer—never having to carry an external tuner makes gigging less stressful. The cutaway body design not only looks sharp but also improves playability for higher frets. I also liked the adjustable bridge system, which allowed me to tweak string action to my liking. These features make it a versatile instrument for various playing styles, from strumming to blues flatpicking.

Benefits

• Built-in Barcus Berry preamp with easy-to-use EQ controls and tuner
• Comfortable cutaway design for better access to upper frets
• Solid tonal balance with linden wood body and walnut fingerboard
• Durable hardware including chrome die-cast tuners and adjustable bridge

Warranty

The guitar comes with a standard manufacturer warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. While I haven’t had to test this personally, Washburn’s reputation suggests that their customer service is reliable. For a guitar in this price range, it’s reassuring to know that any potential issues can be addressed without hassle. Buyers should definitely keep the warranty info handy just in case.

Drawbacks

• The use of basswood and linden wood, while good for budget guitars, might not satisfy purists seeking richer tones from mahogany or spruce
• The tobacco sunburst finish, although vintage-looking, is prone to showing fingerprints and minor scratches easily
• The built-in tuner, while convenient, can sometimes be a bit finicky with very light string vibrations—needs a firm pluck to register accurately
• Some players might find the neck a bit chunky if they prefer slim profiles, which can affect long practice sessions

Product Alternatives

Comparing this guitar to other popular models like the Yamaha FGX800C or Fender CD-60SCE, the WA90CEVSB stands out for its vintage aesthetics and built-in Barcus Berry electronics. Yamaha’s model offers a solid spruce top with slightly brighter tone, which some might prefer for recording. Meanwhile, Fender’s CD-60SCE provides a slimmer neck profile but lacks the integrated tuner found on this Washburn. If you want a guitar that balances classic looks with practical electronics, this model is a solid pick, although the alternatives might edge out in specific tonal qualities or neck comfort.

Price Performance

Assessing the price performance of the Washburn WA90CEVSB, it delivers solid value for money. Considering the combination of built-in electronics, quality tonewoods like linden and walnut, plus hardware durability, this guitar punches above its weight. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but you’re paying for features that usually come with higher-end models. For beginners and intermediate players looking for an acoustic-electric guitar that performs well unplugged and plugged in, this is worth the investment. Budget-conscious buyers get a lot of bang for their buck with this one.

Competitors

Some direct competitors include the Fender CD-60SCE, Yamaha FGX800C, and Epiphone PR-5E. The Fender is often praised for its playability and slim neck, which could be a better fit for players with smaller hands. Yamaha’s FGX800C offers a spruce top instead of linden, providing a brighter, more projection-oriented sound. Epiphone’s PR-5E is known for its warm tone and classic design but lacks the built-in tuner convenience. The Washburn WA90CEVSB shines in its vintage styling and the Barcus Berry preamp system, which is generally more feature-rich than the pickups on the competitors. However, in terms of tonal richness, some might prefer the wood choices of the Yamaha or Epiphone models.

Features Recap

To wrap up the features, this guitar boasts a 25.5-inch scale length, six common material strings, and chrome die-cast tuning machines that stay in tune well. The walnut bridge combined with an ABS saddle and nut adds to the overall playability and tone stability. The gloss finish enhances the tobacco sunburst look, making the instrument visually appealing. It’s designed for right-handed players and comes ready for stage or casual jams. The guitar’s lightweight nature (2.7 pounds) makes it easy to carry for gigs or travel.

Pluses

• Great tonal balance for blues, bluegrass, and general strumming
• Onboard tuner and EQ make it gig-ready without extra gear
• Sturdy build quality with attractive tobacco sunburst finish
• Comfortable cutaway body increases fret accessibility

Pitfalls

• The neck profile might not suit everyone, especially those with smaller hands
• Somewhat sensitive finish that can show wear quickly
• Tuner requires confident plucking to function optimally
• Wood choice may not deliver the richest acoustic tone compared to premium materials

Having spent many hours with the Washburn Vintage Series 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Tobacco Sunburst (WA90CEVSB), it’s clear this instrument is built for players seeking a reliable, versatile guitar that looks and sounds great without breaking the bank. Its blend of features and vintage charm make it an appealing companion for home practice, campfire jams, or small gigs.

Additional information