Wanted 1978-84 Washburn Master Classic Guitar

by Chuck Murray
(Virginia)

I am looking for a 1978-84 Washburn Master Classic Hauser (Model C140S) or Ramirez (Model C160S) guitar in good condition. I already have the model C120S (Fleta) and would like to round out the collection.

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Wanted 1978-84 Washburn Master Classic Guitar

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Dec 16, 2011
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C140S Washburn Hauser NEW
by: Henry

I have a mint condition C140S Washburn Hauser model, classical guitar for sale. It has new classical strings on it.
I understand it's worth $1000 or maybe more.
regards,
Henry.

Jan 08, 2012
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Question NEW
by: Anonymous

I Just bough one George Washburn Master Classic, the serial number is 1620 (pen written),The sticker is old and just can see Design but can't make the name.
Can you tell me what is the difference of the 3 models.
thanks
Lisandro
Georgia

Jan 08, 2012
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Jan 21, 2012
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C140 S price NEW
by: Andy

Hi Lisandro,
I was wondering what price range and condition you found the C140S in?
I'm considering purchasing one and trying to determine a fair price.
Thanks,
Andy

Jan 23, 2012
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Washburn Classicals NEW
by: Chuck

Hi Andy, Lisandro, and Henry...
Sorry I took so long to answer your posts. I am still in the market for either a C140S or a C160SW Washburn. Henry I would be interested in talking to you about your Hauser. How can I contact you? Email.

Lisandro, I have studied these guitars for some time now and have gained information from both USA Music (the current owner of the Washburn brand) and my original dealer (1978) who is still in business and is a wealth of information being an accomplished classical guitarist and collector as well as a dealer. I even have two of the original ads and a catalog page from the 1978 Washburn dealer catalog. The C120 Fleta and the C140 Hauser were introduced in 1978 and are very similar, the major difference being that the C140 was all solid wood with the C120 being solid spruce top with rosewood laminate back and sides. However, the laminates used in Japan at that time were top quality and in my experience, there is very little difference in sound quality between the two. (I have played both) There is no way to identify the Japanese luthiers who made these guitars but my dealer says that he suspects they came from the Arai shop. The Ramirez C160 was introduced in 1980 and was a step up in wood quality from the Hauser. It also sported a cedar top instead of spruce. The C140 was slightly deeper than the C120 and the C160 was deeper still. Very few C120's and C140's ever appear on ebay (never seen a C160SW there) and it is very difficult to establish a price based on previous sales. My current Blue Book (12th Ed) has the C120 at $250-$300 and the C140 at $350-$425. There is no original MSRP listed. However, my dealer and USA Music both verified the original MSRP of the C120 at $750. They estimate the MSRP of the C140 at around 900-950 and the C160 around 1200. Remember these are in 1978 dollars. Another indicator is the MSRP's of the C100 Valencia and the C200SW Sevilla, both made from approximately 1987 until 1991. These are probably the highest priced classicals ever made by Washburn. The C100SW had an MSRP of $1500 and the C200 was $1900. My dealer tells me that they would have been discounted from 10-20% They are currently valued by the Blue Book at 600-750 for the C100SW and 650-800 for the C200SW. I have never seen a C100SW or a C200SW for sale on Ebay. Although these are very fine guitars (I would never sell my Fleta), I believe the values are being hurt here by the focus of Washburn over the last 20 years on cheap imported entry-level guitars. For example, I have played just about everything there is in the 500-2000 price range and haven't found anything incrementally better that my Fleta. However, I would feel lucky to get 400-500 for it.
I look forward to your feedback.

Jan 23, 2012
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C140S NEW
by: Andy

Thanks for all of the information Chuck.
Please correct me if I am mistaken - the C140S is all solid, even though the model number is 'S' and not 'SW'?

I've not been playing long and have the experience that goes with it. I find people are hesitant to estimate on Washburn classicals, for the reasons you gave in your post. A local shop and a couple of musician's felt the instrument was in the 600-800 range.

I'm not sure if the C160 original MSRP was above 1000. I've seen a copy of a Washburn advertisement for the master classical line and it says in the text "For less than half the cost of the originals, you can now experience the sound and workmanship once available only from $2000 guitars."

The 1 page add is on sale on ebay for $5....

(I was under the impression it was solid and I hope it is because I've agreed to a price that is nearly double blue book. I've attempted to judge what the guitar is worth - as a used instrument, compared to other similar instruments. I've ignored, I think, the impact the manufacturer's image has on the price.)

Cheers,
Andy

Jan 24, 2012
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Washburn Hauser NEW
by: Chuck

Hi Andy: I actually purchased the ad you describe and I also have a digital copy of the 1978 catalog page describing the C120 and C140 including specs for each. The Fleta is slightly longer and the Hauser slightly deeper. The C140 is described as all solid...."solid aged spruce top" and "solid rosewood sides and back"...This was verified by my original dealer as well. It is also confirmed by the C140 description in the 12th ed. of the Blue Book of Acoustic guitars. The S vs. SW is a mystery but the catalog page is your proof. There is also some confusion regarding the labels. Before 1980 when the Ramirez (C160SW) was introduced, many of the C120's and C140's had regular George Washburn labels with no mention of the words "Master Classic" ...the "model number" would have been written in pen and labeled "Fleta" or "Hauser". The first 2 digits of the serial number would have been the year of manufacture...78 or 79. In 1980 the Master Classic label was used....as you can see from the ad to which you referred. Comparing your guitar to what is out there new, I think you got a good deal. If you wish I can send you a copy of the 1978-79 catalog page. It has pics of both the C120 and 140 with specs. If you provide your email I would be glad to send it.

Jan 24, 2012
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Washburn Catalog NEW
by: Chuck

Andy,

I completely forgot to tell you that you can actually access a 1981 catalog picturing these guitars at vintagewashburn.com/acoustic/classical.html

Jan 24, 2012
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address NEW
by: Andy

Hey Chuck,
My email is andymatter at gmail dot com.

Ineteresting about the labels mine is square, doesn't say Master Classical or Hauser and the serial number is 3 digits, typeset not hand printed...

Thanks,
Andy

Feb 05, 2012
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also looking for a C-140 or C-160 master classic NEW
by: Jim Smith Sr

Excellent and accurate information on the Master Classical series.
A note on original MSRP:
(from a 1982 Washburn price guide)

C-120S....$ 749.00
C-140S....$ 999.00
C-160S....$1,099.00

I'm also looking for a C-140 and C-160....I have both, but they are in very poor non-repairable condition. Any leads to replacements would be greatly appreciated.

I can be contacted at:
info..at..americanmstudios...dot...com

Jim

Feb 09, 2012
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Washburn Hauser NEW
by: Dale

I bought a Washburn Hauser from the Guitar Center in Lincoln Ne. last year, mint condition for $350.00. I own many concert guitars Ramirez 1A, Contreras 1A etc and I like the little Hauser as much or more than the expensive guitars.

I would love to own the Fleta and Ramirez guitars from Washburn, they are hard to find.

I think no matter what, because they are Washburns they will never sell for more than 4 or 5 hundred.

I also have the catalog from about 1979 for these guitars. Dale St Louis

Sep 09, 2012
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Washburn C140S NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi,

I have a Washburn C140S (serial 249) for sale. How do I determined it is from the Master Serie? I bought it in 1984. Email me at calypsouljd@yahoo.com

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Wanted 1978-84 Washburn Master Classic Guitar

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