Thanks to my "Saved Searches" on eBay, I've just unexpectedly acquired a 1989(?) Washburn HB-50:
I first heard of these when I was thinking of buying the Gibson ES-339 and I was looking into other small-bodied semis.
There's very little info about them. I'm fairly certain it's made in Japan, and it seems pretty much identical to the Ibanez AM400 from the same period - birdseye maple top on a thin, hollowed out mahogany back (like the Gibson CS-336), but with a generic T-O-M and stop tailpiece rather than the more unique Ibanez hardware.
According to internet lore, apparently the model only appeared in the 1989 Washburn catalogue and
allegedly only about 50 of them were ever made! I doubt that's true, because they exist with two different f-hole shapes and two different headstock shapes.... can't see them making 50 guitars and varying the details that much! The serial number seems consistent with those mentioned by other European owners.
It seems very well made, lightweight and despite being 20 years old it's in almost as-new condition! Frets in good shape, hardware almost untarnished, hardly a mark on the finish. There's a very fine crack along part of the joint line on one side of the neck, but in this case I'm 99% sure it's age-related rather than any indication of a problem. The neck is a little bit slimmer than I'd normally choose, but it's comfortable and seems to suit the guitar.
But anyway, for the price, I couldn't resist! If it's not a "keeper" I can probably sell it on without losing too much. I may have got myself a bargain (for once). :)
