ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA, January 24, 2019 — Building on the triumphant return of Washburn's IDOL series of electric guitars in 2018, the legendary instrument maker today added two new models to this revered lineup. The new IDOL Standard 160 and IDOL T160 made their debut at Winter NAMM 2019 in KMC’s Booth #6814 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.
According to Washburn Vice President & General Manager Gil Soucy, both models are available for immediate dealer delivery and offer players the latest guitar electronics and a distinctive southern-twinged sound.
“Whether players are looking to lay down Southern rock riffs or slick solos, bars of chicken pickin’ or chunky chord progressions, the new IDOL Standard 160 and IDOL T160 will get them there,” Soucy said. “Using the best electronics and classic cutaway stylings, these models reinvigorate the IDOL Series and deliver unique sound characteristics for a whole new generation of guitarists.”
The new IDOL Standard 160 features a Tune-O-Matic style bridge, two Duncan Design Humbucker pickups with individual volume and tone controls, a three-way selector switch and Ovangkol fingerboard to help dial in the perfect tone. The gloss black finish over the classic IDOL body and bolt-on hard rock maple neck give a uniformity and sleek attraction to it’s overall appearance. With a 24 ¾“ scale length, this guitar is perfect for Southern rock riffs and soaring lead solos or full, round and clear chord progressions.
The new IDOL T160 features a Wilkinson “Ash Tray”/3-brass saddle style bridge and TE-103 Duncan Design Stack Technology single coil pickups in the neck and bridge positions for great vintage tones without the 60-cycle hum. The single volume and tone control and three-way selector switch help every player dial in their signature sound. A gloss black finish over the classic IDOL body paired with the natural finished bolt-on hard rock maple neck and Ovangkol fingerboard offer a traditional and appealing look. Players looking for a warm Nashville Chicken Pickin’ sound, thick blues solos or clear, chunky chord progressions simply cannot do better than the 25 ½” scale length Washburn Idol T160.
Washburn’s distinctive IDOL body shape first debuted in 1999 as a modern take on the single cutaway guitar, ideally suited for guitarists looking to express their uniqueness and individuality. The series received a refresh last year, with Washburn launching two new models at Summer NAMM 2018, and with today’s series expansion the brand is putting unrivaled quality, voice and playability within reach of the next wave of great rock guitarists.
About Washburn
An authentic American original since 1883, Washburn Guitars has been designing and manufacturing stringed instruments —guitars, mandolins, banjos, and ukuleles— for some of the biggest names in rock, folk, and blues who have made some of history’s most famous music with a Washburn. While its roots are firmly planted in providing some of history’s most well known, best valued, and best selling acoustic and Americana instruments, Washburn is committed to fulfilling the highest dreams of today’s players, at every level, with a complete line of contemporary Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Bass Guitars, Americana and Ukuleles, Signature Series Guitars, and Accessories. Washburn is based in Chicago, Illinois and is a division of JAM Industries USA.
For more information about Washburn, visit www.washburn.com.