Used Washburn Model 1915

The Washburn 1915 model is perhaps one of the most noteworthy of the early American parlor guitars. Its playability is exceptional and the instrument’s overall condition is really good considering its age. At the time this guitar was made, Washburn was part of Lyon & Healy, a company that started in 1864 as a partnership of businessmen George Washburn Lyon and Patrick J. Healy. Lyon & Healy was originally formed to distribute the popular sheet music of Boston-based publisher the Oliver Dotson Company. By 1865, Lyon & Healy had expanded into making reed organs and some small instruments. The Washburn brand achieved independence by 1880, and around 1888 it launched fully into fretted and plucked instruments (guitars, mandolins, banjos, and zithers) under the Washburn name, which makes Washburn the second oldest guitar line in the U.S.—following Martin, which was established in 1833.

This guitar has such a big, beautiful-yet-delicate sound despite its size. It has Brazilian rosewood back and sides along with its Adirondack spruce top, which deepens the tone.  
This instrument also has a solid mahogany V-shaped neck and an ebony fretboard and bridge. According to a Washburn catalog from the period, the price to dealers was around $18, so whatever the retail mark-up was, this was a lot of guitar for the buck. This is a very nice, well marinated example in good playable conditions and comes with a hard shell case. Original gears are in case with one missing tuner button.