WI66PRO Review

A bound, carved flame maple top, (gold top on the WI66PROG) the revolutionary V.C.C., deluxe hardware including Grover 18:1 tuners combine to make a truly striking and deluxe guitar. This model, along with the WI67PRO, marks the return of pearl wing fingerboard inlays to the Washburn line. The set neck allows a slim neck joint and offers comfortable access to the upper register.

Features:	9
Sound:	9
Action:	9
Reliability:	8.5
Impression:	9.5
Overall rating:	9
Users rating:	8.3
Comments:	12

overall: 8.6

Featured review by: blicero, on march 22, 2006

Purchased from: Grand Central Music

Features: I just bought a Washburn WI66PRO (Idol Series) and it is a great instrument. It was probably made in 2005 and a Korean import. I was looking for a LP style but without the Gibson price. I was leaning towards Epiphone or ESP but a another poster recommended I give Washburn, Hamer or Dean a look. I had lost track of Washburn products outside of acoustics but I was impressed by the Idol Series. The selling point for me was the excellent Seymour Duncan pups (Custom Custom & '59), the easy playing smooth neck, the Buzz Feiten system, and the great quilt top. The neck is thin (14" radius) and made out of mahogany with a rosewood fretboard. There are pearl inlays on the frets. The tune-o-matic bridge with stoptail at one end and 18:1 Grover tuners at the other. The next level up, the Pilsen, is USA made and only $150 more typically. However, it was hard to find a Washburn dealer in my area but I got lucky through Ebay. Grand Central Music (eBay dealer) had the guitar on my doorstep two days after the auction closed. Packed in the factory case with a short cord and arrrived in tune! // 9

Sound: I play mostly blues and rock. The pups work well for those styles. The Voice Contour Controls (instead of traditional tone controls) are designed to dial in a single coil sound from the dual humbuckers like a coil split. I use several typical Boss pedals, some modded, some not through a Vox Valvetronix AD30VT 30W guitar combo. There is such a variety of sounds available from this set up. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: The guitar was set up well. It arrived in tune. However, the action may need to be raised a touch when I change strings. The low E has some fret buzz. The front pickup (SD '59) came really low so I raised it to better suit my taste. The neck is set perfectly and there are no visible flaws. Yes, it is Korean made but this a great representation of quailty work from overseas. However, I put Schaller strap locks on it the day after I bought it and there was a slight problem. The Washburn screws are bigger than the Schaller screws so a little super glue helped make up the difference. Since, I would never remove strap locks, I feel comfortable with the change. Normally, I use Dunlop strap locks so there could be a better fit with that product. // 8

Reliability & Durability: Yes, it could travel and be dependable if treated well. Some touring bands use this model as their main stage guitar. The hardware is excellent. Another reason I chose this model was the pups and how I would not have to immediately swap them out (like I would with an Epiphone), they are keepers. If I played live, I would have a backup just in case a string broke. The finish is great and if polished regularly, it will look great for years. // 8

Impression: I would recommend anyone looking for an LP style guitar give this model a test. You will be impressed. Worth it! // 9

overall: 9.4

Reviewed by: MadMudgeN, on december 27, 2006

Price paid: $ 434

Purchased from: ebay

Features: I got this off of an auction on ebay. It's the 2006 model made in Korea, with 22 frets. It's made of rosewood and maple, and it has a beautiful flamed top honey burst finish. It looks like a Les Paul, has passive Seymour Duncans (that wail, but I'll get to that later), it has a really unique control system and has grover 18:1 locking tuners. Mine particularly came wit an SKB hardshell, but a factory HSC accompanies this guitar from what I understand. All in all, this thing is beautiful and functional. // 9

Sound: This guitar can play anything. As I mentioned, it has a really unique "voice contour" control system, where two of the knobs really affect the way the pickups sound (one for each humbucker). You can turn them down for a bluesy, Strat-like sound, or crank it up and rock out with some pop rock and even push it to metal. When it comes down to it, I don't think you can get better variety of sounds, because I've had this guitar for a day and it's versatility is already showing, since I can play Lynyrd Skynyrd, Darkest hour, and Death Cab For Cutie and get perfect tones through a Vox AD30VT. Perhaps the only recommendation I would have is if you intend on playing mainly metal, either get ZW EMGs or get the BLS model of this guitar which already has active pickups. If you're thinking of getting a Gibson or an ESP, check this guitar out for sure. // 9

Action, Fit & Finish: This thing came to me with very little use, still factory setup, and it's perfect. The action is fantastic with no fret buzz and the intonation is right on. The only weird thing that I fixed was they have the neck pickup really loose when it comes to you so it's kind of "sunk" in the guitar. It sounds fine, but I adjusted mine. Everything was properly affixed, and the guitar came with perfect finish; no dings, scratches, dents or marks on this baby. // 10

Reliability & Durability: This guitar seems durable as all hell. Like I said, I just got it today, but I've been playing it for four hours straight more or less, and not once has the strap came off. The hardware seems like it could withstand quite a bit, and I think that I would gig with this guitar without a backup, because I'm clumsy and I already hit it on the edge of a table; still, no dings, no loss in quality, no broken pieces, and no finish marks. These guitars are solid. // 9

Impression: Overall, this guitar is everything I've ever wanted. I used to think I really wanted a Gibson or an ESP, and I just couldn't afford them with the prices. Then I found this little gem on ebay and got it for Christmas. It matches the way I play perfectly. I've played for about 3 years now, and this guitar is so easy to play, it practically plays itself. Now I'm going to sell my Epiphone, because I don't need it anymore, as it pales in comparison to this guitar. If it were stolen, and I had the money, I'd replace it in a heartbeat. The tuning system and Voice contour control make this guitar unique and fantastic. Basically it comes down to this: I've had access to a Gibson SG and an ESP EC-1000 for the past year, and I prefer to play this one. Perhaps the only thing I wish it had was 24 frets instead of 22, but that's a minor quandry. This guitar is amazing, so go buy one! // 10

Comments

[PlugOfDoom]

I bought this guitar as my first "real" guitar and I love it. It's really light and very easy to play, even at the high end of the neck due to the awesome set neck.

The Seymour Duncan's sound awesome too. I don't think the VCC makes that much of a difference, but it really doesn't have to. It sounds good enough on it's own.

I would recommend this guitar to anyone who likes light-weight, easy to play guitars. You won't be disappointed!

[blicero]

I would like to add that I paid $659 US.

[p8ntballerz182]

so.... does anyone like oranges?

[Keefus]

This guitar does sound good, but i find the neck is farely heavy and i have to keep holding it up while i play.

[asdfnjkl]

Is the 'factory case' the Washburn GC40 case? if not, is it better or worse than the GC40?

[danv2916]

This is quite possibly the sexiest guitar ive ever seen

[Andymo]

Hi, I am a newbie and glad i came across this site, both blicero and MadMudgeN Reviews on the Wi600PRO were very helpfull as i was considering buying this model, now i definitely will. i am from Scotland UK and have searched a few sites and able to get one at a reasonable price, the only thing is they dont seem to sell them with the washburn gig bags or cases over here,i know i could get a universal bag or case but i am a bit coordinated, anyway thanks for the help guys

[highway_star]

I'm from Scotland too! and I did buy this, in a 'Caramel' finish but I have to say the Tobacco finish in the pic gets me drooling everytime

Great guitar for the money (I paid £399 - about $790 US) which is a bargain considering the quality of guitar and pick ups that come with it. The VCC is not to everyones taste but if you play around with it you start to notice the changes in sound. I agree that it is slightly top-heavy in the neck but only slightly - dont know if its a kid that said he had problems with the weight (whereas I'm an old git!).

Good guitar. If you cant afford Gibson you cant go wrong with this. Recommended.

[El_Lobo_1]

I have a slightly different model, the WI67PRO and it plays wonderfully. The only downside is no whammy bar.

[MadMudgeN]

Mine was $434 US, which I didn't mention and I feel is an absolute steal for this guitar. It's well worth the money for sure; it's definitely the first guitar I've ever played that just feels 'right'.

[troykeenan]

its not available in left handed

[rootsr]

I'm considering this guitar as my intermediate guitar, and I have one question. Does the toggle switch get in the way when you strum, i.e. you accidentally flick it when playing?