Washburn Hb-32 Review

[piebaldpython***]

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]

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]

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]

Pie, sweet git.

enjoy the dark side, man...

[street music]

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

[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.

[markb]

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

[luvmyshiner]

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]

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]

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

[just strum]

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

Somebody hasn't been listening to Rocket.