NGD..........Padauk!

  • Thread starter Thread starter nevusofota
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nevusofota

nevusofota

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I've been looking for one of these in excellent condition (original run, not a reissue) for the last few years now. I finally came across one this week! On top of that, it was a killer deal :rock: These pics are straight out of the case for the first time. Needs a cleaning, new strings, and a mild truss rod adjustment.

A '94 Washburn N4 Padauk:










 
Thanks man! I've been saving some loot for a Suhr or Luxxtone when this thing came up at a steal. Now thinking of selling my JP6 BFR to replenish the pot :D .
 
one of the best guitars I have ever played was an N4 my friend had, it was white, and it played effortlessly, sounded beyond good, and was all around excellent. that being said, most of the other N4's I have come across were not so good. these seem to be hit or miss. I would like to check out one of the first davies N4's, supposedly they are night and day different than the current models. they only made them til when, 1991 or 92? anyone know, or actually own one?
 
mooncobra":2dmz80pf said:
one of the best guitars I have ever played was an N4 my friend had, it was white, and it played effortlessly, sounded beyond good, and was all around excellent. that being said, most of the other N4's I have come across were not so good. these seem to be hit or miss. I would like to check out one of the first davies N4's, supposedly they are night and day different than the current models. they only made them til when, 1991 or 92? anyone know, or actually own one?
Yes, I have two Davies. They are IMO the most underrated rock guitars in history. And yes, the Davies models are in a class by themselves. They were only made in '91. Stephen Davies (of Stephen's Stringed Instruments) was a Seattle based luthier that was contracted by Washburn to hand-make the first 1000 or so N4's. Some say this only occurred during the first half of that year before switching production to Washburn in Chicago. I also have one of his Tele clones, which is another amazing guitar. Puts the modern Fender stuff to shame. I believe his patented Stephen's Extended Cutaway neck joint (which was featured on all of his guitars, even the Tele's) is also an innovation that doesn't get that much talk. I have played a few late model N4's and they are very different in feel, playability and quality compared to the Davies models, IMO.

Here is a pic of my 3 Stephen Davies made guitars (2 N4's and a Tele):

 
I had 2 Padauk N4's. Both had to be returned cos' of neck scarf joint issues.

But while they were good they sounded and played amazingly well!
 
NaturalBornBoy":1tperogk said:
I had 2 Padauk N4's. Both had to be returned cos' of neck scarf joint issues.

But while they were good they sounded and played amazingly well!
Try to find one from the early 90's, especially a Davies, totally different league.
 
garey77":3517uoer said:
Rezamatix":3517uoer said:
Nice score. You can always get me with a reverse headstock.
Me too.
I totally agree. Reversed headstocks are where it's at. I think my next git will be a Luxxtone with a reversed headstock and the volume and pu selector in the same spot as the N4.
 
I wish Mr. Davies would license out the cutaway to Warmoth. I literally would pay an extra $300-$400 to get it. That being said, the two non-Davies N4's I've had were not nearly as good quality-wise as my Warmoth is.
 
polaris20":2vy3t6nb said:
I wish Mr. Davies would license out the cutaway to Warmoth. I literally would pay an extra $300-$400 to get it. That being said, the two non-Davies N4's I've had were not nearly as good quality-wise as my Warmoth is.
Davies sold the SEC (Stephen's Extended Cutaway) rights to Washburn. He is retired and no longer in the business. I've actually contacted him via email last year. He's a really cool, down to earth guy.

I agree about the non-Davies N4's, not great quality. They are very hit or miss. I wouldn't own one. However, the mid 90's N4's (post Davies) were made in the Washburn Chicago custom shop that was then ran by Grover Jackson between '93-'96. It is said these were of better quality. This is the reason I was looking for a '93 or '94 Padauk N4 and not one of the reissues from the 2000's. This guitar is of very good quality. The guitar is extremely solid and the fretwork is very good.

If you want new, go for the N4 Authentic. I heard these play extremely well and are built just the same.
 
nevusofota":esc830or said:
garey77":esc830or said:
Rezamatix":esc830or said:
Nice score. You can always get me with a reverse headstock.
Me too.
I totally agree. Reversed headstocks are where it's at. I think my next git will be a Luxxtone with a reversed headstock and the volume and pu selector in the same spot as the N4.
Dude!! Me too. I've already been talking to them about what I want... The only downside is the whole 'we don't do 24 fret fretboards' thing. I think I'll live, though... Now to sell that testicle. :lol: :LOL:
 
Sweet - always loved the Padauk N4's! Beautiful wood - how does it play/sound??
 
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