The R319SWKK Parlor acoustic guitar from Washburn gives out some heavy power in a little packaged six string, but don’t let its diminutive size fool you. The natural acoustic tones and nicely toned range of this Washburn guitar will surprise you. The Washburn Parlor is a little-bodied instrument that packs in an astonishing amount of volume and punch for its size. With the right blues guitar lessons and this guitar, you’ll be playing like a pro sooner than you think!

The popularity of these guitars was at a peak between the last part of the nineteenth century up to the nineteen fifties, however, they are are coming back into vogue rapidly. Due to the size and impressive projection, a great many folk and blues musicians have played parlor sized guitars such as the this R319SWKK Parlor Guitar with much success over the years and helped to christen them as a real American folk instrument. One of the secrets to its amazing tone and sound projection lies in its wood. The solid spruce top and Trembesi body create a tone with great balance with broad dynamic range, not to mention with a really attractive appearance as well. The dovetail neck joint gives strength to the construction, and enhances the overall tone.

The Washburn R319SWKK guitar’s mahogany neck and the ebony bridge and fretboard add sturdiness to the instrument and clarity to the general sound. The 24-3/4″ scale, 48mm nut width, and V shaped neck provides comfort when accessing the acoustic guitar’s eighteen frets. Resplendent in an antique satin finish, and boasting die-cast tuners and chrome hardware, this guitar has the appearance of something right out of a museum, with a timeless tone that never gets old. Amazingly, the case is almost as handsome as the guitar!

After playing ragtime and blues guitar for forty years or more, I’ve played many guitars and my heavy picking style of playing isn’t very suited to a very expensive instrument. What do I mean when I say that? Well, I hit the strings pretty hard, and normally perform amplified, so that the delicate sounds are a bit of a waste of time in my performances. Saying that, the vintage look of the Washburn parlors are very attractive. First of all, when you are buying, check that you are getting the R319SWKK, which has a solid top – there are others with tops made of laminated wood that don’t sound the same. You need that solid top to get that great mellow sound.

The Washburn isn’t top of the range as far as fitments and finish go, but it looks great with it’s distressed finish and vintage look. Have it adjusted by a luthier, and fit either light gauge or medium strings, which will depend on your playing style. Mediums give an especially balanced sound for that blues sound. The V shaped neck and the small body size make this a very comfortable guitar to hold and play. Once more, the overall look is terrific – right out of a museum! It isn’t the best guitar on the market by any stretch, but for great punchy sound, feel and fun, you get a lot for your buck.

Learn more about acoustic blues guitar. Stop by Jim Bruce’s Youtube Channel site where you can see lesson videos for acoustic blues guitar.