Chicago, IL, December 2007. Washburn Guitars introduces seven new models to its current Idol Series of electric guitars.   The Washburn Idol Series has been known for offered the playability of a thicker bodied guitar but without all of the weight and these new additions to the line all continue in that tradition.  The new Idols debuted at the Winter NAMM 2008 Show in Anaheim, CA in January and will be available in Summer 2008.

The WI566 is finely crafted in the USA of a mahogany top and body, mahogany/set neck, Rosewood fretboard and Abalone side block inlays.  It comes with EMG pick-ups and a Tone Pros® tailpiece.  The WI460, WI440 and WI420 are all beautifully constructed with a mahogany body and 2-piece mahogany/set neck, with an Ebony fretboard, pearl block inlays and a stop tailpiece.  Additionally, the WI460 and WI420 feature a mahogany top, while the WI440 features a flamed maple top.  The WI460 offers EMG pickups and the WI440 and WI420 offer Seymour Duncan pickups.  The WI45 is made of either an exquisite Flamed Maple or a gorgeous Mahogany with a Mahogany/Set neck, Rosewood fretboard and Mother of Pearl wing inlays.  It has Randall pickups with a Stop Tailpiece.  The WI566, WI460, WI440, WI420, WI45 all feature the Buzz Feiten Tuning System, a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover® Exclusive Tuners.

The WI18 is skillfully built with a mahogany body and quilted maple top with a mahogany/set neck. The WI15 the boasts a basswood body and top with a maple/bolt on neck. Both have rosewood fretboards, but the WI18 is made with diamond inlays, whereas the WI15 is made with dot inlays. Both models feature die cast tuners, Washburn pickups, a Tune-O-Matic bridge and a stop tailpiece.

The WI566 will be available in Cognac, Blueburst, Blackburst, and Caramel Burst (retail $1,999.90). The WI460 will be available in Black and White (retail $1,699.90). The WI440 will be available in Flame Tobacco Sunburst and Flame Trans Black (retail $1,699.90). The WI420 will be available in Black and White (retail $1,699.90). The WI45 will be available in Flame Honey Burst, Flame Trans Red ($949.90), Black or White (retail $899.90). The WI18 will be available in Quilt Trans Black and Quilt Trans Red (retail $549.90) and the WI15 in Black, Walnut and Pearl White (retail $349.90).

Washburn Guitars is owned by US Music Corp., located just north of Chicago.  US Music Corp. is a uniquely positioned, fully integrated musical instrument company that manufactures and markets instruments, accessories and audio equipment for professionals, aspiring professionals, collectors, hobbyists and beginner musicians.  Also owned by US Music Corp. are Parker Guitars, Randall Amplifiers, Eden Amplifiers and Oscar Schmidt.