Washburn Guitar’s history began in Chicago. Lyon & Healy was founded in 1864 by George W. Lyon and Patrick J. Healy. “Washburn” was the middle name of George W. Lyon. The original guitar factory was located just blocks away from Maxwell Street. Lyon & Healy started as a music publishing company and branched into instrument manufacture during the 1880s. Washburn was their brand. They ceased making guitars in 1928 and sold the Washburn brand to the Tonk Brothers Company, who also owned the Regal brand. Tonk Brothers made guitars under the Washburn brand-name for several years but had ceased to use the brand by the late-1930s and the Tonk Brothers company ceased to exist in 1947.
In 1964 a Chicago music store owner named Rudy Schlacher began importing guitars. When deciding on a marketing strategy he realized that the old “Washburn” name was not being used nor was it owned by anybody else. Schlacher registered “Washburn” as his trademark and used it as the brand-name of his imported guitars.
The Schlacher/Washburn imports were initially made in Japan, were later made by Samick in Korea, and then subsequently manufactured in China. The brand is still owned by Schlacher’s company U.S. Music Corp. Although current marketing of the Washburn brand suggests that their instruments have been made since the 1880s there is absolutely no connection between the original guitars made by Lyon & Healy and any Washburn instruments made since 1964.
The history of Washburn Guitars is the history of a wide range of musicians. It 's history can be heard and experienced every time you turn on the radio or listen to a live performance. It is a history built by skilled craftsmen and musicians who share a passion for the guitar. Washburn continues to be a consistent leader in combining design, innovation, technology to deliver the rich and bold sounds.
source : wikipedia.org
source : wikipedia.org