The Washburn N4 is a solid‑body electric guitar produced by the American musical instrument manufacturer Washburn Guitars. Introduced in the early 1990s, the N4 was marketed as a "Superstrat"‑style instrument, featuring a double‑cutaway alder body, a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and a configuration of three single‑coil pickups.
Design and specifications
- Body: Alder, typically finished in a variety of solid colors such as black, white, and flat black.
- Neck: Maple, bolt‑on construction, with a 22‑fret rosewood fingerboard.
- Pickups: Three single‑coil (sometimes humbucker‑single coil‑single coil) configurations, often mounted in a reverse‑style layout.
- Bridge: Fixed bridge (often a Tune‑O‑Mate or similar) or a licensed Floyd Rose tremolo system on certain variants.
- Controls: Dual volume knobs, a tone knob, and a 5‑position pickup selector switch.
The guitar’s aesthetics include a contoured body and a sloped headstock, aligning with the trends of 1990s alternative rock guitars.
Production history
The N4 was part of Washburn’s effort to compete in the market dominated by other "Superstrat" models from manufacturers such as Ibanez, Jackson, and ESP. Production continued throughout the 1990s, with later versions featuring minor cosmetic and hardware updates. The model was eventually discontinued as trends shifted toward other designs.
Notable users
- Kurt Cobain – The frontman of Nirvana is documented as having owned a Washburn N4, which he used during the early phase of the band's career. The instrument appeared in several photographs and was later exhibited at the Nirvana Museum.
- Other musicians – Various underground and alternative rock guitarists have been reported to use the N4, though documentation is less extensive.
Cultural impact
The Washburn N4 has attained a degree of cult status among collectors of 1990s alternative rock memorabilia, largely due to its association with Kurt Cobain. While not as commercially prominent as other Superstrat models, it remains a recognizable example of Washburn’s diversification during that era.