The Washburn N4 is an iconic electric guitar, known for its unique design, incredible playability, and powerful tone. Created in collaboration with Nuno Bettencourt, the virtuoso guitarist for the band Extreme, the N4 is designed to meet the demands of high-speed playing, delivering a perfect blend of precision, comfort, and style. With its distinctive features, the N4 has become a favorite among rock and metal guitarists who appreciate a guitar built for intense solos and complex riffs.
One of the standout features of the Washburn N4 is its body design. Made from either alder or swamp ash, the N4’s body is lightweight yet resonant, providing a balanced tone with ample sustain. The compact size and contoured body shape make it comfortable to play for long sessions, while the cutaway design offers easy access to the upper frets, making it ideal for lead playing. The N4’s neck joint is another unique feature, using the Stephens Extended Cutaway (SEC) that provides greater access to the higher frets than traditional bolt-on necks, a huge advantage for players who frequent the upper register.
The N4 is equipped with high-quality hardware that enhances its playability and sound. It features a Floyd Rose tremolo system, which allows for expressive pitch bends and dive bombs without sacrificing tuning stability. The locking nut paired with the Floyd Rose bridge ensures that the guitar stays in tune even with aggressive whammy bar use, a crucial feature for rock and metal players who want to experiment with different techniques.
Tonally, the Washburn N4 is built for power and clarity. It comes equipped with a Seymour Duncan ’59 neck pickup and a Bill Lawrence L-500 bridge pickup, which provide a versatile range of tones. The L-500 pickup is known for its high output and clear, biting tone, ideal for heavy riffs and fast solos, while the ’59 neck pickup delivers a warm, smooth sound for cleaner passages and bluesy leads. This pickup combination offers a well-rounded tonal palette, making the N4 versatile enough for multiple genres.
With its ergonomic design, powerful pickups, and dependable hardware, the Washburn N4 is a guitar made to handle high-energy performances and technically demanding playing. Whether you’re shredding on stage or recording in the studio, the N4’s unique features and bold sound make it a standout choice for players who want a guitar that keeps up with their creativity and skill. It’s a classic rock guitar with modern functionality, offering the perfect mix of tradition and innovation.