NGD Yep, another Washburn N4!

**Ayrton** · #1 10-23-2008, 12:33 AM

However, this is the 1993 padauk custom shop model. Only offered in '93-'94 before production stopped due to the toxicity of padauk dust. Washburn then offered an ash model that was stained to look like padauk, before finally re-releasing a true padauk N4. Now, however Washburn uses the quick growth Asian padauk vs the older slow growth (dense) African.

Behold suckas!

As keeping with my OCD, the guitar is currently apart on my bench, and I will have better pics when she is all cleaned up.

MFB · #2 10-23-2008, 12:54 AM

I still can't get past that damn "Extended Cutaway"

Isn't Padauk the same thing Paul Gilbert made one of his 3 coil Iceman out of?

kotornut · #3 10-23-2008, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFB

I still can't get past that damn "Extended Cutaway"

My buddy has an N4 and I played it, and to be honest that extended cutaway is awesome. For comfort while playing high onthe neck, it's the best system I've ever used. I don't think it's totally necessary but it is comfortable nonetheless. As far as stability and relaibilty and so on I have no idea.

*edit: I'm refering to the best systes for bolting a neck onto a body. Of course, a neck through guitar and other similar ways can totally eliminate th feel of any neel or joint whatsoever up high on the neck.

Plus, I like how comfortable and light the regular N4 is. Don't know if it changes much with the different woods.

jallen · #4 10-23-2008, 01:22 AM

That makes me miss my N4- those older padauks are awesome!

Act of God · #5 10-23-2008, 01:43 AM

What are the necks like on the N4's? Wide? thin? They just released lefty versions, but they are $2,000...kind of a lot for a guitar I never held

**Ayrton** · #6 10-23-2008, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFB

I still can't get past that damn "Extended Cutaway"

Isn't Padauk the same thing Paul Gilbert made one of his 3 coil Iceman out of?

No, Paul's guitar is made from korina wood. However, korina also creates toxic dust when sanded.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kotornut

Plus, I like how comfortable and light the regular N4 is. Don't know if it changes much with the different woods.

The alder N4s are very light, but this one is a bit hefty due to the wood. Padauk is very dense, and has a mellow sound with very good cut.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Act of God

What are the necks like on the N4's? Wide? thin? They just released lefty versions, but they are $2,000...kind of a lot for a guitar I never held

The necks varied depending on the model N4. The orginal "Davies" N4s, have the thinnest necks, but nothing like an Ibanez. The current "vintage" model has a neck that is close to the originals. The rest of the N4 line have a thicker C profile similar to a USA Fender strat.

tobias. · #7 10-23-2008, 04:38 AM

nice axe…congrats!

**jono** · #8 10-23-2008, 12:55 PM

Behold - Excalibur.

That's probably the coolest looking of all N4s - those old african pads are simply stunning

markg5150 · #9 10-23-2008, 04:15 PM

Great score Ayrton

My brother picked a current shop N4 on a recent trip to NY. I'm going to have wait another month before we meet up and I can have a go on it!

**Ayrton** · #10 10-24-2008, 01:29 AM

Well here she is all cleaned up!

I wish I had better photo skills, but...

Here you can see how red padauk is before sunlight darkens it.

kotornut · #11 10-24-2008, 01:30 AM

Sweet catch. That guitar is great. Enjoy it!

Gary Qwa · #12 10-27-2008, 03:31 PM

Mmm... Schweet...

I had a Japanese N4 Padauk and it felt great, straight from the box! But the bridge pup died and the Bill Lawrence pup was the reason why I bought it. So, traded it was...

**Ayrton** · #13 10-28-2008, 11:23 AM

You traded off a guitar because the pup died?

At some point I will get off my butt and order some Bill & Becky 500s.

Gwalchavad · #14 10-28-2008, 04:03 PM

LOOKS GOOD!

**Ayrton** · #15 10-28-2008, 04:17 PM

After a week of wailing on this thing, I can still say I love it. The setup came out great, and even with the BLUSA bridge pup, the sound is to my liking.

I love to buy and sell guitars, this thing is a for sure keeper.