Washburn HB35 / HB-35 / MIJ / Made in Japan / 1980s / 1988 / Long Neck Tenon / OHSC

I'm so impressed with this guitar. 

I really like semi-hollow 335 style guitars. I've haven't felt compelled to shell out for the Gibson ES-335 (yet), so I've spent a lot of time with some of the other options on the marketplace. 

Ibanez Art-Cores don't make me angry, but also ehhhhh. The modern Epiphone Sheratons are totally fine, but also ehhh. Ehhh like there's nothing really wrong, but I don't feel excited by how this guitar feels and plays. Sometimes it feels like you're playing a glob of poly finish that has a guitar inside. 

The Korean Peerless Epiphone Sheratons that I've played have all ruled. Until recently my favorite has been the Epiphone by Gibson late 80s Sheratons, with the earlier thicker than normal adjustable bridge. 

I would absolutely put this HB35 at the front of the line of all of these. It has that extra 10% that makes me really excited to play it. In my opinion it's better made than the lot, has a better feeling neck, and is acoustically more loud and resonant. 

The fit and finish is awesome, with more layers of binding in more places. The finish is in nice, clean shape with evidence of play and some swirling throughout. There are no huge breaks and chips in the finish. I like the no pickguard look myself, but the original pickguard is included. There is the normal wear around the pickguard screw holes (pictured). 

The pickups have been replaced with a set of no-logo zebra Seymour Duncans. I think they suit this guitar wonderfully. One tiny pickup ring screw is missing. No movement in the ring to speak of so I never looked at replacing it. 

I love to see a long neck tenon! Check out how sturdy and nice that neck joint looks! 

Unplugged this guitar pops. Plenty of treble content, everything is clear, consistent, and crisp. 

The neck itself is one of the best things about this guitar. Bass side feels like a shallow C, it flattens a bit at the back, and the treble side feels like it has more of a swoop into a D shape. I can't find any info online about an asymmetrical profile, but darn it if I don't feel a subtle one. It's cool.  

The frets have some wear, but it plays very cleanly and well all the way up the neck. There is plenty of meat left on the frets (I'm guessing they have never been crowned and leveled) so you've got at least a couple crown and level jobs left before a re-fret would even need to be considered.  

There's pitting on the stop tail and bridge, but nothing that impedes functionality. Cosmetic from natural playing. 

From what I can ascertain from Washburn's serial number system, this was made in 1985. I urge you to do your own research and confirm that for yourself based on the serial 8553. 

At the moment, I have several guitars listed on Reverb. I need to reclaim some studio space, and free up some cash to pay for recording time. I only really need 2 or 3 of the listings I have up to sell in order to feel squared away. I'd be a little pleased if this guitar is still around when it's all said and done. 

I've got this one priced under what other Japanese examples have gone/are listed for because I'm hoping for a pretty quick sale. 

The guitar comes with the original pickguard, pickguard screws, hard shell case, and one of the original sale hang-tags. 

This is sold as-is with no returns. Like every guitar I sell, this one will be packed well and shipped insured. 

International buyers are always welcome.