Washburn Unveils Affordable Sonamaster Elite SE2 & SE3: A Premium Take on the S-Style Classic
Washburn revives the Sonamaster with the affordable Elite SE2 & SE3 S-style guitars: roasted maple necks, flamed tops, coil-splitting, and $399 price.
Washburn Guitars has officially revitalized its Sonamaster series with the launch of the brand-new Sonamaster Elite SE2 and SE3.
Taking direct aim at the S-style market, these new electric guitars offer an impressive blend of premium specs—such as roasted maple necks and stunning top veneers—at an incredibly accessible price of just $399.00.
Sonamaster Elite
Whether you are a gigging musician or a hobbyist looking for an upgrade, Washburn’s latest budget-friendly releases are built to punch well above their weight class.
Premium Tonewoods and Striking Aesthetics
Both the Washburn SE2 and SE3 pair an upgraded solid Mahogany body with beautiful, eye-catching top veneers, giving these instruments a boutique look.
- Washburn Sonamaster SE3: Available in a distinct Striped Ebony finish, as well as two Flamed Maple veneer options (Trans Red Burst and Trans Blue Burst).
- Washburn Sonamaster SE2: Features a sleek and aggressive Flamed Maple top in a moody Trans Black finish.
Pick up either model, and the first impression is instant familiarity. Both guitars feature 22-fret Roasted Maple necks and fingerboards, a feature rarely seen in guitars at this price point.
Outfitted with a comfortable Standard "C" neck profile and a modern 9.5″ fingerboard radius, they are built to accommodate both fast, melodic lead lines and complex chord work with ease.
SE2 vs SE3: Finding Your Signature Voice
While the chassis and playability remain identical, the two models diverge significantly in their pickup configurations, allowing players to choose the exact voicing they need:
- The SE3 (HSS Configuration): Designed for maximum tonal versatility, the SE3 pairs a humbucker at the bridge with single coils in the middle and neck positions. This allows the guitar to seamlessly transition from full-bodied rock grit to classic, bell-like single-coil chime.
- The SE2 (HH Configuration): Geared toward players who want a thicker, more aggressive sound, the SE2 opts for a dual-humbucker configuration. With full-bodied humbuckers at both the neck and bridge, it provides a highly consistent, beefy output across all switch positions.
Clever Electronics and Gig-Ready Hardware
Beyond the pickups, both guitars share a remarkably clever electronics system operated via a 3-way pickup selector and Master Volume and Tone controls. Washburn has packed in two major hidden upgrades for players:
- Push/Pull Coil-Splitting: Integrated into the Tone control, this feature allows you to split the humbuckers on command, turning beefed-up humbucker tones into jangly, articulate single-coil voices.
- Direct-to-Jack "Blower" Switch: This switch bypasses the guitar’s volume and tone pots entirely, isolating and routing the bridge pickup straight to the output jack. The result? Instant, maximized bite and volume for standout solos and leads.
To ensure the SE2 and SE3 can keep pace on stage, Washburn equipped both models with a reliable chrome-finished fixed bridge and a set of premium 18:1 Grover tuning machines, keeping your action and tuning locked in throughout the set.
Pricing and Availability
At a highly competitive $399.00 MAP, the Washburn Sonamaster Elite series redefines what players can expect from an affordable S-style electric guitar.
For full specifications, exact dimensions, and dealer locations, head over to the official Washburn website: Washburn Sonamaster Series.
- +Roasted maple neck at this price point is rare
- +Coil-splitting adds tonal versatility
- +Blower switch for instant solo volume boost
- +Premium Grover tuning machines for stability
- +Flamed maple and striped ebony finishes look expensive
- +Two pickup configurations available for different player styles
What's the difference between the Washburn Sonamaster Elite SE2 and SE3?
The SE2 features a dual-humbucker (HH) configuration for thicker, aggressive tones, while the SE3 uses an HSS configuration (humbucker at bridge, single coils at middle and neck) for greater tonal versatility from full-bodied rock to classic single-coil chime.
What special features do these guitars have beyond their pickups?
Both models include push/pull coil-splitting on the tone control to convert humbucker tones to single-coil voices, and a direct-to-jack 'Blower' switch that bypasses volume and tone controls to route the bridge pickup straight to the output for maximized volume on solos.
What wood and hardware are used on the Sonamaster Elite SE2 and SE3?
Both guitars feature solid mahogany bodies, roasted maple necks and fingerboards with a 9.5-inch radius, chrome-finished fixed bridges, and premium 18:1 Grover tuning machines for tuning stability.
