Who designed the Washburn EA20S?

The guitar was designed in collaboration with Nuno Bettencourt, the lead guitarist of the band Extreme. It was created to meet his specific requirements for touring and recording.

What is a 'thin-line' body design?

A thin-line design refers to a shallower body depth compared to standard acoustic guitars. This makes the instrument more comfortable to hold and reduces feedback when plugged into an amplifier.

What tonewoods are used in the EA20S?

The guitar features a spruce top and pau ferro back and sides. This combination provides a balance of bright clarity and tonal depth.

Does this guitar have a cutaway?

Yes, it features a Florentine cutaway. This is a sharp, pointed design that allows the player to reach the highest frets more easily than a rounded cutaway.

What electronics are included with this model?

The EA20S comes equipped with Fishman electronics. These are professional-grade components designed to capture the guitar's natural tone for stage and studio use.

Is the EA20S suitable for professional use?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a 'workhorse' designed to survive a lifetime of touring and studio work. Its construction and electronics are tailored for reliability.

How does the EA20S compare to the Martin LX1E?

The EA20S is a full-sized, thin-line performance guitar, whereas the Martin LX1E is a compact travel guitar. The Washburn offers a larger scale and a different body shape focused on stage ergonomics.

What is the typical price for this guitar?

The typical price range for the Washburn EA20S Nuno Bettencourt model is approximately £599. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

What playing styles suit this guitar best?

Due to its broad dynamic range, it is suitable for a variety of styles. However, its thin body and fast neck access make it particularly good for technical playing and genres like rock and pop.

Does the EA20S come in different colours?

This specific signature model is featured in a Natural finish to showcase the grain of the spruce and pau ferro woods.

How does pau ferro affect the sound?

Pau ferro is a dense wood that offers a sound similar to rosewood. It provides plenty of depth and complexity, which complements the bright snap of the spruce top.

Is this guitar louder than a jumbo acoustic?

Unplugged, a jumbo guitar like the Gretsch Rancher Falcon will typically have more acoustic volume. However, the EA20S is designed to excel when plugged in, offering better control over feedback.

Gear article

Washburn Festival EA20S Nuno Bettencourt Electro Acoustic

The Washburn Festival EA20S is a signature electro-acoustic guitar designed in collaboration with Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. It features a distinct thin-line body and a Florentine cutaway, engineered for high-performance use in both studio and live environments.

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Background and Design

The EA20S represents a long-standing partnership between Washburn and virtuoso guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. As a member of the Festival Series, this model is built to handle the rigours of professional touring while providing the ergonomic comfort required for technical playing. Unlike traditional deep-bodied acoustics, this signature model utilises a thin-line design to reduce bulk and feedback while maintaining a resonant acoustic presence.

Tonewoods and Construction

The instrument is constructed using a combination of a spruce top and pau ferro back and sides. Spruce is selected for its broad dynamic range and clarity, serving as a versatile soundboard for various genres. Pau ferro provides the depth and tonal complexity necessary to balance the brighter characteristics of the spruce. The body features a sharp Florentine cutaway, which is deeper than standard Venetian cutaways, allowing players easier access to the upper registers of the fretboard.

Electronics and Performance

To suit the needs of stage performers, the EA20S is equipped with Fishman electronics. This system is designed to translate the natural acoustic resonance of the spruce and pau ferro construction into a clear, amplified signal. The thin-line body profile is particularly effective when amplified, as the reduced air volume inside the guitar helps to mitigate low-frequency feedback issues common in larger jumbo or dreadnought acoustics during high-volume live sets.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other electro-acoustic options, the EA20S occupies a unique middle ground. While instruments like the Gretsch G5022CWFE Rancher Falcon or the Guild F-2512E offer the massive projection of a jumbo body, the Washburn focuses on comfort and playability. In contrast to travel-sized models like the Yamaha APXT2 or Martin LX1E, the EA20S maintains a full-scale length and professional electronics suite, making it a more robust 'workhorse' for serious studio and stage applications.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Washburn EA20S?: The guitar was designed in collaboration with Nuno Bettencourt, the lead guitarist of the band Extreme. It was created to meet his specific requirements for touring and recording.
What is a 'thin-line' body design?: A thin-line design refers to a shallower body depth compared to standard acoustic guitars. This makes the instrument more comfortable to hold and reduces feedback when plugged into an amplifier.
What tonewoods are used in the EA20S?: The guitar features a spruce top and pau ferro back and sides. This combination provides a balance of bright clarity and tonal depth.
Does this guitar have a cutaway?: Yes, it features a Florentine cutaway. This is a sharp, pointed design that allows the player to reach the highest frets more easily than a rounded cutaway.
What electronics are included with this model?: The EA20S comes equipped with Fishman electronics. These are professional-grade components designed to capture the guitar's natural tone for stage and studio use.
Is the EA20S suitable for professional use?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a 'workhorse' designed to survive a lifetime of touring and studio work. Its construction and electronics are tailored for reliability.
How does the EA20S compare to the Martin LX1E?: The EA20S is a full-sized, thin-line performance guitar, whereas the Martin LX1E is a compact travel guitar. The Washburn offers a larger scale and a different body shape focused on stage ergonomics.
What is the typical price for this guitar?: The typical price range for the Washburn EA20S Nuno Bettencourt model is approximately £599. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
What playing styles suit this guitar best?: Due to its broad dynamic range, it is suitable for a variety of styles. However, its thin body and fast neck access make it particularly good for technical playing and genres like rock and pop.
Does the EA20S come in different colours?: This specific signature model is featured in a Natural finish to showcase the grain of the spruce and pau ferro woods.
How does pau ferro affect the sound?: Pau ferro is a dense wood that offers a sound similar to rosewood. It provides plenty of depth and complexity, which complements the bright snap of the spruce top.
Is this guitar louder than a jumbo acoustic?: Unplugged, a jumbo guitar like the Gretsch Rancher Falcon will typically have more acoustic volume. However, the EA20S is designed to excel when plugged in, offering better control over feedback.