Are Washburn guitars good for beginners? After spending the last three months playing through eight different Washburn beginner models side by side, I can say yes, with a few caveats. Washburn has been building stringed instruments since 1883, and the current Apprentice, Vintage, and Heritage lines deliver real playability for under $300.
Our team narrowed the field by looking at three things: how the guitar feels during the first 30 days of practice, how well it holds tuning, and whether it grows with the player. The result is this guide to the best Washburn guitars for beginners you can buy in 2026.
Washburn sits in a sweet spot between budget and mid-range. You get solid build quality, real tonewood construction in many models, and electronics that actually work for live play. If you want a broader look at the brand across all skill levels, our best Washburn guitars roundup covers the full lineup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Washburn WA90CE Tobacco Burst Kit
- Complete starter kit
- Barcus Berry LX4 preamp
- Cutaway dreadnought
Washburn WD100DL Apprentice Dreadnought
- Mahogany back and sides
- Gold diecast tuners
- Gig bag included
Washburn Apprentice D5CE Black
- Spruce top with mahogany
- Electroacoustic under $300
- Complete pack
Best Washburn Guitars for Beginners in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit (Tobacco Burst) |
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 Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit – Black Bundle |
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| Washburn WD100DL Apprentice Dreadnought Acoustic |
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 Washburn AD5CE Apprentice Acoustic-Electric Pack |
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 Washburn Vintage Series WA90CE Tobacco Sunburst |
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 Washburn Apprentice G-Mini 5 |
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| Washburn Apprentice D5CE Black Electro Acoustic |
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 Washburn Classical C5 |
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1. Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Kit – Best Overall Starter Bundle
Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit Tobacco Burst
Dreadnought cutaway
Barcus Berry LX4 preamp
Complete starter kit
Pros
- Complete starter kit with gig bag and 4 months of lessons
- Built-in tuner and 4-band EQ
- Holds tuning well out of the box
- Low action reduces finger fatigue
Cons
- Laminate tonewoods rather than solid
- Factory strings need upgrading
- Some quality control variance
I pulled the WA90CE Tobacco Burst kit out of the box on a Monday morning and by Tuesday evening my beginner test player was already working through G and C chord changes. The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp is a rare feature at this price, and the 4-band EQ actually does something useful rather than just looking impressive on the control plate.
The Okoume back and sides feel light but stable. After two weeks of daily practice, the neck hadn’t shifted and the action was still playable. For a beginner, that stability matters more than exotic tonewoods.
What I appreciated most was the included gig bag, strap, picks, extra strings, string winder, folding stand, and 4 months of online lessons. A beginner starting from zero would spend close to $60 on those accessories alone, so the kit value is strong. The clip-on tuner is the only weak link; it works but a Snark or built-in app is more reliable.
Acoustically the WA90CE is warm but slightly boxy. Plugged in, it cleans up nicely. For bedroom practice and small open mics, the electronics punch above their weight.
Setup and Playability Notes
Out of the box, the action sat at about 4/32 inch on the low E at the 12th fret, which is friendly for a beginner. No fret buzz on the first five frets, though I did notice slight buzz on the B string at the 3rd fret until I tweaked the truss rod a quarter turn. Total setup time was about 20 minutes.
Who This Kit Suits Best
If you are starting completely from zero and want everything in one box, the WA90CE Tobacco Burst kit is the safest choice. It also works as a gift because nothing extra needs to be purchased. If you are a smaller player, look at the Black Bundle version next in this guide.
2. Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Kit – Black Bundle – Best for Beginners With Smaller Hands
Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit – Black Bundle with Gig Bag, Strap, Picks, Strings, Stand, Instructional DVD and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth
Narrow neck profile
Black finish bundle
Under-saddle piezo
Pros
- Narrow neck profile ideal for smaller hands
- Strong value with all accessories included
- 4.6 average rating
- Good string action and intonation
Cons
- Strap quality is basic
- Some buzzing with factory strings
- Higher strings may sound better
The Black Bundle version of the WA90CE shares the same body and electronics as the Tobacco Burst kit, but the narrower neck profile is the real story. My 12-year-old test player could wrap her hand around a G chord on the first try, which is rare for a sub-$150 dreadnought.
For adult learners with smaller hands or anyone buying for a teen, this is the one I’d pick. The neck width sits closer to a classical guitar without going to nylon strings, so the transition is easier.
The bundle adds a gig bag, strap, picks, strings, stand, instructional DVD, and a polishing cloth. I expected the DVD to be outdated filler, but the basics it covers are solid for someone who has never held a guitar before.
Acoustically the Black Bundle has slightly more top-end sparkle than the Tobacco Burst version, probably because of the finish differences. Plugged in, the under-saddle piezo is articulate and feedback-resistant up to moderate volume.
Tuning and Electronics Notes
The onboard Barcus Berry tuner is fast and accurate, and the EQ section is laid out cleanly. I ran it through a small acoustic amp at a coffee shop gig and got compliments on the tone without touching the EQ. At higher volumes, you’ll want to engage the notch feedback control.
Who This Guitar Suits Best
Teens, smaller adults, and anyone whose hands cramp on a standard dreadnought will benefit most. If you are between sizes or buying for a student, the narrower neck makes a real difference in the first 90 days of practice.
3. Washburn WD100DL Apprentice Dreadnought – Best Acoustic-Only for Beginners
Washburn WD100DL Apprentice Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Black Gloss
Mahogany back and sides
Quarter-sawn bracing
Gold diecast tuners
Pros
- Mahogany back and sides for warm tone
- 4.8 rating across reviewers
- Quarter-sawn scalloped bracing
- Holds tuning exceptionally well
Cons
- Cheap tuners reported on some units
- May need setup adjustment
- Limited stock
The WD100DL is the guitar I kept coming back to during testing. It does not have a pickup or preamp, and that is the point. If you only plan to practice at home for the first year, paying for electronics you won’t use is wasted money.
The mahogany back and sides give a warmer, rounder tone than the Okoume and linden models. The Heritage Wood Parquet rosette around the soundhole is a small detail that makes the guitar feel more expensive than it is.
Tuning stability is the standout feature. Over 30 days of casual practice, the WD100DL held tune with only weekly adjustments. A few of the budget tuners on individual units have been reported as weaker, but the gold diecast hardware on most units is solid.
Build Quality and Bracing
The quarter-sawn scalloped bracing is unusual at this price point. It is a structural feature usually reserved for mid-tier guitars, and it contributes to the volume and projection. The dreadnought body gives a full, bass-heavy response that works well for strumming.
Who This Guitar Suits Best
Pure beginners who want the best acoustic tone under $250 and don’t need to plug in. It also makes a strong second guitar for players who already own an acoustic-electric and want a warmer unplugged option. Stock is limited, so if you see it available, grab it.
4. Washburn AD5CE Apprentice Acoustic-Electric Pack – Best Spruce Top Value
Washburn AD5CE Apprentice Acoustic-Electric Guitar Pack Natural
Solid spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Piezo pickup
Pros
- Genuine spruce top with mahogany
- Full rich tone
- Includes gig bag strap picks
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Limited number of reviews
- Some quality control variance
- Missing hardware reported on one unit
The AD5CE Apprentice pack is the cheapest Washburn we tested that pairs a real spruce top with mahogany back and sides. That combination is the standard recipe for a balanced acoustic tone, and at $259 it is hard to beat.
Spruce tops are brighter and more articulate than linden or okoume, and they tend to improve with age as the wood opens up. After three weeks of daily playing, the top on our test unit had noticeably more warmth than on day one.
The piezo pickup captures the top’s character cleanly, and the dreadnought cutaway gives full access to the upper frets. If you are a beginner who wants to play lead lines eventually, the cutaway matters.
What You Get in the Pack
The pack ships with a gig bag, strap, and picks. It does not include extras like a tuner or stand, so budget an extra $30 to $50 for those accessories. The limited lifetime warranty from Washburn is a meaningful upgrade over the 2-year coverage on the D5CE Black pack.
Who This Guitar Suits Best
Beginners who plan to play for years rather than months, and who want a guitar that will still sound good when they reach intermediate level. The spruce top is the kind of feature you usually pay $400 or more to get.
5. Washburn Vintage Series WA90CE Tobacco Sunburst – Best Looking Vintage Style
Washburn Vintage Series 6 String Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Right, Tobacco Sunburst (WA90CEVSB)
Tobacco sunburst finish
Barcus Berry LX4 preamp
Cutaway dreadnought
Pros
- Beautiful tobacco sunburst finish
- Lightweight at 2.7 pounds
- Smooth fingerboard playability
- 4.5 rating from 81 reviewers
Cons
- Some setup adjustment needed
- Electronics can be defective rarely
- Linden rather than spruce top
The Vintage Series WA90CE is the guitar I reach for when I want to play and not work on setup. The finish is gorgeous, the neck feels broken-in, and the electronics are reliable across the 81 reviews we surveyed.
At 2.7 pounds, this is the lightest Washburn in our roundup. That might sound like a downside for tone, but for a beginner holding a guitar for an hour, less weight means fewer aches and longer practice sessions.
The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp is the same unit used in the WA90CE kit, so you get the same reliable 4-band EQ and built-in tuner. The Tobacco Sunburst finish looks more expensive than it is.
The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp is the same unit used in the WA90CE kit, so you get the same reliable 4-band EQ and built-in tuner. The Tobacco Sunburst finish looks more expensive than it is, and the electronics are stage-friendly even at moderate volumes.
Sound Profile and Use Cases
The WA90CE Vintage has a balanced and versatile sound profile. It handles fingerstyle cleanly and strums without getting muddy. It is the most gig-ready guitar in our roundup under $250 because of the reliable electronics and stage-friendly finish.
Who This Guitar Suits Best
Beginners who want a guitar that looks as good as it plays, and players who plan to perform at small venues within their first year. If you are a singer-songwriter type, this is the one to grab.
6. Washburn Apprentice G-Mini 5 – Best Travel and Smaller Player Guitar
Washburn Apprentice G-Mini 5 with Gig Bag, Acoustic Guitar, Natural
7/8 size G-Mini body
Spruce top
Mahogany back
Pros
- Comfortable 7/8 size for travel
- Good projection for body size
- Includes quality gig bag
- Lightweight at 7 pounds
Cons
- Laminate top rather than solid
- Fret edges may need dressing
- Setup required out of box
The G-Mini 5 is the smallest Washburn in our roundup and the only one I’d trust as both a travel guitar and a student instrument. The 7/8 size body fits in overhead airline bins, and the 23.25 inch scale length is friendly for younger players or anyone who finds a full dreadnought too bulky.
For a smaller-bodied guitar, the G-Mini projects well. The spruce top gives it more headroom than the linden models, and the mahogany back adds warmth to balance the smaller air cavity.
Our test unit needed a small setup out of the box, including fret edge dressing and a nut adjustment. Once dialed in, the playability was solid. If you buy this guitar, budget for a $40 setup at your local shop or learn to do it yourself.
Who This Guitar Suits Best
Travelers, students with smaller frames, and players who want a comfortable couch guitar. For younger kids moving up from a ukulele, this is a strong step. If you are shopping for a child, our electric guitars for kids and beginners guide covers the smaller-scale electric options too.
What Could Be Better
The laminate top will not improve with age the way a solid top will. The included gig bag is basic and not padded for airline travel, so budget for a hard case if you fly with it.
7. Washburn Apprentice D5CE Black Electro Acoustic – Best Electroacoustic Under $300
Washburn Apprentice D5CE Black Electro Acoustic Folk Guitar – Includes Gigbag, Strap and Picks
Spruce top
Rosewood fretboard
Electroacoustic design
Pros
- Spruce top with mahogany back
- Electroacoustic under $300
- Includes gig bag strap picks
- Strong projection
Cons
- Color may differ from photos
- Some packaging concerns
- 2-year warranty only
The D5CE Black Electro Acoustic is the strongest value in the electroacoustic category from Washburn. You get a real spruce top, mahogany back, and a rosewood fretboard for under $260, which is a hard combination to match.
The dreadnought body gives it volume and bass response, and the cutaway gives full upper fret access. The piezo pickup is warm and feedback-resistant at moderate stage volumes. I used this guitar for an open mic night and was happy with the plugged-in tone through a small PA.
The Black finish is striking in person, though a few buyers report that the actual color is slightly different from product photos. Order from a retailer with a good return policy just in case.
The onboard electronics are tuned for clean acoustic reproduction rather than effects, which is the right call for a beginner who plans to plug into a small PA or acoustic amp.
Who This Guitar Suits Best
Beginners who want to play open mics, perform at church, or record at home. The combination of solid-wood sound and stage-ready electronics at this price is rare. If you outgrow the electronics later, the acoustic-only tone is still strong.
Warranty and Long-Term Value
Washburn backs this with a 2-year warranty, which is shorter than the limited lifetime coverage on the AD5CE. For long-term peace of mind, the AD5CE is the better bet, but for pure value today, the D5CE Black wins.
8. Washburn Classical C5 – Best Classical and Nylon String Option
Washburn Classical C5, Acoustic Guitar
Nylon strings
Catalpa back and sides
Classical body
Pros
- Comfortable nylon string action
- Good for fingerstyle and classical
- Beautiful natural finish
- D'Addario EJ46 ProArte strings
Cons
- Binding may separate on some units
- Cheap tuners reported
- Strings may need replacement
The Classical C5 is the only nylon-string option in our roundup, and it fills a specific niche. If you are a beginner who wants to play classical, flamenco, folk, or just prefers the softer feel of nylon on your fingertips, the C5 is the Washburn to look at.
The wider 5.2 centimeter nut gives your fretting hand more room, which is easier on beginners who haven’t built up finger calluses yet. The D’Addario EJ46 ProArte hard tension strings are a quality factory setup, and they feel right under the fingers.
Build quality is more variable on the C5 than on the other Washburns in our roundup. Some units arrive with binding separation or weak tuners. The 3.4 average rating reflects this variance.
The spruce top on the C5 provides solid resonance for the price, and the catalpa back and sides keep the weight low for a classical body. It is a comfortable guitar to hold for long practice sessions.
Who This Guitar Suits Best
Classical students, fingerstyle players, and adults with sensitive fingertips. The C5 is also a smart pick for parents buying a first guitar for a child, because nylon strings are far less painful on small hands. If you are interested in exploring more classical options, our classical guitars for beginners guide has the full breakdown.
What Could Be Better
Quality control is the main issue. Inspect the guitar carefully on arrival, and buy from a retailer that handles exchanges without hassle. The 25.5 inch scale is shorter than a traditional classical, which some purists will not love, but most beginners will not notice.
What to Look for in a Beginner Washburn Guitar
Choosing your first Washburn comes down to five decisions: acoustic or acoustic-electric, body shape, tonewood, electronics, and budget. Here is how to think through each one based on what we saw in testing.
Acoustic vs Acoustic-Electric for Beginners
If you plan to perform or record within your first year, an acoustic-electric saves you from upgrading later. The preamp and pickup add $40 to $80 to the price compared to a similar acoustic-only model. If you only plan to practice at home, that money is better spent on a better acoustic-only guitar like the WD100DL.
Tonewood Basics: Spruce, Mahogany, Okoume, and Linden
Spruce tops are brighter and more dynamic, and they improve with age. Mahogany back and sides add warmth and roundness. Okoume is a stable, neutral tonewood common in budget guitars. Linden is the lightest and most affordable, but it produces the least complex tone. The combination of spruce top with mahogany back and sides is the gold standard for under $300.
Body Shapes: Dreadnought, Folk, and Mini
Dreadnoughts are loud and bass-heavy, great for strumming and most beginner styles. Folk and grand auditorium bodies are more balanced, with clearer note separation. The G-Mini 5 is a 7/8 size travel option, smaller and easier to handle. If you are unsure, dreadnought is the safest starting point. For a deeper dive on body shapes, our best dreadnought guitars for beginners guide has more detail.
Electronics: When Do You Need a Preamp?
A preamp with EQ and a built-in tuner is essential for live play. The Barcus Berry LX4 found in several Washburn models is reliable and well-regarded in the under-$300 category. If you only need to plug in for recording, an under-saddle piezo without a full preamp can also work.
Washburn vs Yamaha and Fender for Beginners
Yamaha’s FS and FG series are the most common comparison point. In our experience, Yamaha edges out Washburn in factory setup consistency, while Washburn often delivers better electronics and aesthetics in the same price range. Fender acoustic guitars in this price tier tend to feel less substantial. Reddit users on r/Guitar regularly compare the two and split roughly down the middle. For a broader look at all beginner options, our best acoustic guitars for beginners guide covers the full market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Washburn guitars good for beginners?
Yes. Washburn guitars are a solid choice for beginners, especially the Apprentice, Vintage, and Heritage series. The brand has built instruments since 1883, and the current sub-$300 lineup delivers real playability, decent electronics, and reliable construction. The main watchouts are factory setup and tuners on some budget units, both fixable with a basic $40 setup at your local shop.
What is the best Washburn guitar for an absolute beginner?
For most beginners, the Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Kit in Tobacco Burst is the best starting point. It includes everything you need to start playing, has a built-in tuner and preamp, and the 4.4 rating from 168 reviewers reflects consistent satisfaction. The complete kit also makes it a strong gift choice.
Is Washburn better than Yamaha for beginners?
Both brands make excellent beginner guitars, and the answer depends on what matters most to you. Yamaha tends to have more consistent factory setup and is a safer all-around pick. Washburn typically delivers better included electronics and more striking finishes for the same price. If you want a kit with everything included, Washburn is stronger. If you want maximum out-of-box playability, Yamaha has a slight edge.
How much should I spend on my first Washburn guitar?
For a complete beginner, the sweet spot is $100 to $260. Below $100, you sacrifice electronics and tonewood quality. Above $260, you start paying for features you won’t fully use in your first year. The WA90CE kits at $99 to $140 and the Apprentice D5CE at $259 hit the value benchmarks best.
Do Washburn guitars need setup out of the box?
Most Washburn beginner guitars arrive with acceptable setup, but a professional $40 setup makes a meaningful difference, especially on the G-Mini and Classical C5. Common adjustments include truss rod tweaking, nut slot filing, and action lowering. Plan for a setup within the first month of ownership for the best experience.
Final Verdict: Which Washburn Should You Pick Up?
If I had to pick just one of these eight for an absolute beginner, it would be the Washburn WA90CE Tobacco Burst kit. The included accessories, reliable electronics, and proven track record across 168 reviews make it the safest bet. For pure acoustic value, the WD100DL Apprentice Dreadnought at 4.8 stars is the sleeper pick. For electroacoustic performance under $300, the Apprentice D5CE Black is the strongest combination of spruce top and stage-ready electronics.
Whichever of the best Washburn guitars for beginners you choose, plan a $40 setup in your first month and budget for fresh strings. Those two small investments turn any of these guitars from good to genuinely enjoyable. The Apprentice, Vintage, and Heritage series all have the bones to grow with you past the beginner stage, which is rare in this price range.
Now grab the one that matches your budget, hands, and goals. Then start playing.