Washburn Hb-32 Review

piebaldpython*** · May 27th, 2009, 08:30 AM

I bought my first electric a while ago and just now have gotten around to testing it out. The Washburn HB-32 semi-hollowbody (335 clone)

http://www.washburn.com/electrics/hollow-bodies/

Made out of mahogany in a "distressed" (read: relic) appearance. It differs from the HB-30 and HB-35 in that those are maple tops. Decent looking and nice feeling guitar. The binding is good and the frets are well done with no sharp edges to be found anywhere. Tuners seem to do the job and it tunes up promptly with a tuner. Good intonation. String spacing is a bit narrower than I am used to but not really a problem.

Two open humbucker pups. Volume and tone controls for each pup. Toggle switch to change between pups. My peeve here is that being a NOOB to the darkside, it isn't clear when I use the toggle (the LP toggle), which pup I am engaging. No instruction sheet, no nothing. When the toggle is pointing down, which pup is engaged? It's not like on a Strat or a Tele where the pup selector is in parallel line to the pups. Likewise, I didn't know which volume went to which pup. Frustrating at the time. Decent action for fretting.

I ran it through my brand-new Behringer GM110 V-Tone amp (the amp will be a separate review).

I was able to get some real nice blues lead and chord sounds out of the guitar. Though I feel that the tone is more a result of the kick-*** amp than the guitar. This isn't a knock of the git, more a praise of the amp.

I didn't do much monkeying around with the controls on the git as I didn't know what was what and I was getting annoyed. Familiarity will no doubt make me happier. ahah

I got this as a blues/slide guitar and I am very pleased with it. Good action, nice smooth neck/fingerboard and it feels nice and balanced on my left leg (I play right handed).

It's a good 335 clone and a good git for blues/jazz/classic rock applications. Comes with a well-padded gig bag and 8 ft cord.

**Kazz** · May 27th, 2009, 12:49 PM

If everything is set up as it is supposed to be the switch in the up position will be the neck pup and in the down will be the bridge.....in the middle will be both.

Same thing with the volume and tone controls....top set will be neck bottom will be bridge.

I looked at that distressed finish on an idol a couple of years back...didnt bite but I like it even more on the HB-32.

Just when I thought the GAS bug could not bite again.... :-)

**oldguy** · May 27th, 2009, 05:43 PM

Pie, that is a classy looking axe from the pic you posted. I like the look, like a fine piece of worn furniture, well done. Congratulations, and don't get annoyed, just keep playing it and it will become part of you.

**Childbride** · May 27th, 2009, 07:18 PM

Pie, sweet git.

enjoy the dark side, man...

**street music** · May 27th, 2009, 07:53 PM

Pie, congrats on both of the new purchases, enjoy them before another case of gas pops up.

piebaldpython*** · May 28th, 2009, 12:11 AM

Thanks all for the kind words. Still getting to know her and the amp at the same time. Divided loyalties I guess.

The narrower string spacing is still throwing me off a bit.

As to future GAS......let me just say that you all have NO idea.....in about a month or so, I'll be getting the baddest/coolest looking axe (I hope so anyway,

). A veritable "blues" machine if there ever was one.

**oldguy** · May 28th, 2009, 04:44 AM

Originally Posted by piebaldpython

Thanks all for the kind words. Still getting to know her and the amp at the same time. Divided loyalties I guess.

The narrower string spacing is still throwing me off a bit.

As to future GAS......let me just say that you all have NO idea.....in about a month or so, I'll be getting the baddest/coolest looking axe (I hope so anyway,

). A veritable "blues" machine if there ever was one.

Cool.........I've never seen a blue Explorer! (or is it a Firebird?)

**Kazz** · May 28th, 2009, 04:57 AM

Originally Posted by oldguy

Cool.........I've never seen a blue Explorer! (or is it a Firebird?)

Have you ever seen a Korina Explorer? I hear they are on the rare side.

piebaldpython*** · May 28th, 2009, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by oldguy

Cool.........I've never seen a blue Explorer! (or is it a Firebird?)

Neither......but it will positively WAIL, of that I am sure based on the pups this gal-o-mine will have. She'll be strung in Open E.

**Steve206** · May 28th, 2009, 02:46 PM

Hey Pie,,,

Congrats on the guitar.

I went on a 335 search and ended up with the same thing. Got mine new from BoogieStreetMusic. I recommend used. I paid $700. It did come with the SD PUPs. So, I guess it all balances out in the end. Mine is a 2005 MIC.

I was looking at epi dots and casinos and sheratons and everything in between. Those vikings look pretty decent.

Anyway, for what I use it for, it is a great guitar. Needs a little attention to the fret ends, but who doesn't???

Have fun,,

Steve

**oldguy** · May 28th, 2009, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by Kazz

Have you ever seen a Korina Explorer? I hear they are on the rare side.

Only pictures........never in person.

**Algonquin** · May 28th, 2009, 05:25 PM

Congrats on the first electric Pie. I nice hollow body like you picked up is a good transition... Still has lots of acoustic charm, but can rip it up when plugged in.

Play it in good health.
Cheers

David

**oldguy** · May 28th, 2009, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by piebaldpython

Neither......but it will positively WAIL, of that I am sure based on the pups this gal-o-mine will have. She'll be strung in Open E.

And so I will patiently await pics..............

Congratulations, Pie!

**mrmudcat** · May 28th, 2009, 05:50 PM

Kaz I had a korina explorer in the 80's cant remember what it was traded for

:

I still have 2 bad arsed explorers in plumburst!!!

Pie great to hear about your new toy and I think I know whats coming or do I ????

piebaldpython*** · May 28th, 2009, 06:11 PM

Thanks to all for the kind words about my git. Yes, she's nice with a supple neck and feels comfortable in my hands. My fingers are still adjusting to the smaller size but it's a fun ride....that and exploring the new amp. Within a week, I should have my preferred sounds figured out and that'll be good.

As to GAS ahead, yes Mud you have a vague idea of what's to come and so I will bring the rest of class more or less up to speed. Here's the pups that she will be ARMED with.

http://www.bg-pups.com/hb.html

Scroll down the page to LIZARD.....that will go in the neck.......then, scroll down to HELLABUCKER and that will go in the bridge. That and my DVM pedals and the house will be rockin' and wailin'.

Clips are on the site. Hi-gain doesn't interest me.

**markb** · May 29th, 2009, 09:05 PM

As a recent convert to the semi-hollow thing, I can only say nice guitar, pie

:

**luvmyshiner** · May 29th, 2009, 09:13 PM

I've been watching this thread with interest, but haven't said anything yet. Pie, you know I'm not a big fan of the dark side, but that is one SWEET lookin' guit. Congrats my friend.

**just strum** · May 30th, 2009, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by luvmyshiner

Pie, you know I'm not a big fan of the dark side...

Hmm, that's odd. The clip that CB sent me of you playing last night tells a different story.

**luvmyshiner** · May 30th, 2009, 04:22 PM

I should wear that get up to practice in, that way I won't be able to look at my hands.

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