Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $2,648
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Washburn Custom Shop 'Nuno Bettencourt' Signature N4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Crafted for the discerning guitarist who seeks both style and substance, the Washburn Custom Shop 'Nuno Bettencourt' Signature N4 is a harmonious blend of innovation and artistry. Designed in collaboration with the legendary Nuno Bettencourt, this guitar marries iconic aesthetics with a performance-driven build, making it a staple for those serious about their sound.
At the heart of this guitar is its Seymour Duncan SH1 '59 neck pickup, celebrated for delivering those rich, vintage tones that harken back to the golden age of rock. Paired with a Bill Lawrence L-500 bridge pickup, the N4 ensures a versatile sonic palette, from creamy leads to biting riffs. The Stephen's Extended Cutaway design is another standout feature, offering unparalleled access to the upper frets, allowing your fingers to dance effortlessly across the fretboard.
This guitar isn't just about its electrifying sound; it boasts a sleek, comfortable alder body and a smooth maple neck that feels like a natural extension of the player. The ebony fretboard is adorned with dot inlays, adding a touch of elegance to its robust build. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the N4 is engineered to elevate your musical journey.
Key Features:
- Seymour Duncan SH1 '59 neck pickup for vintage tones
- Bill Lawrence L-500 bridge pickup for versatile sound
- Stephen's Extended Cutaway for superior fret access
- Alder body with maple neck and ebony fretboard
- Dot inlays for a classic aesthetic touch
Product specs
| Brand | Washburn |
| Model | Nuno Bettencourt Signature N4 Vintage USA |
| Finish | Vintage Matte Natural |
| Year | 2010s |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Locking Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Natural, Tan |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile of the Washburn Nuno Bettencourt N4 Vintage Signature Electric Guitar?
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The Washburn N4 features a thin neck profile, measuring approximately 0.75" at the 1st fret and 0.88" at the 12th fret, providing fast playability suitable for shredding and technical playing styles.
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What type of pickups are used in the Washburn Nuno Bettencourt N4?
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The Washburn N4 is equipped with a Seymour Duncan '59 neck pickup and a Bill Lawrence L-500 bridge pickup, offering a versatile tonal range from warm, vintage sounds to sharp, cutting leads.
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Is the Washburn N4 suitable for heavy metal and rock music?
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Yes, the Washburn N4 is well-suited for heavy metal and rock, thanks to its dual humbucker configuration and locking tremolo bridge, which provide powerful tones and stability for aggressive playing.
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Does the Washburn N4 have a locking tremolo system?
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Yes, the Washburn N4 features a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability, ideal for dive bombs and other dynamic techniques.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Washburn N4?
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The Washburn N4 is crafted with an alder body, maple neck, and ebony fretboard, combining to deliver a balanced tone with crisp highs and a smooth playing surface.
Videos
Guitar World
Nuno Bettencourt Signature Guitar - Washburn N4 Authentic Guitar
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Washburn Custom Shop 'Nuno Bettencourt' Signature N4.
Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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The B&B L500XL pickup in the bridge position is a popular choice for enhancing tonal clarity and output.
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The guitar features a clear acrylic control cavity cover, offering a unique visual element not commonly found in other models.
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A limiting washer beneath the volume knob prevents the protruding knob screw from turning, enhancing control and precision.
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The recessed output jack is a signature design element, providing a streamlined appearance and potentially reducing the risk of accidental unplugging during performances.
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The Stephen's Extended Cutaway neck joint allows thumb access up to the 24th fret, enhancing playability in the upper register.
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Build quality
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Sanding the neck with 2000 grit sandpaper significantly improves the smoothness for a more comfortable playing experience.
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The guitar has a distinct knot near the bridge humbucker, aiding in identification and adding character to the wood finish.
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The early '90s Davies N4 models feature a unique neck profile and tougher Kahler Steeler bridge, distinguishing them from later factory builds with potentially cheaper Schaller bridges.
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User experience
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Owners report a distinctive stale smoked tobacco smell, suggesting extensive use in live settings and adding to its vintage character.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners report that a fret level and crown performed in 2006 maintained razor-low action without buzzing, highlighting the guitar's long-term stability.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
240
My 'home' guitar
I first got one of these in the mid 90s and fell in love immediately. Yes, the L500 XL in the bridge can be a bit shrill but that's easy to deal with. The rawness is sublime, the neck is comfortable and fast, the trem is perfect (scholar floyd on this one) and the body is raging beautifully. This is a paddock model so is now looking a little darker and more purple/brown.
If I'm feeling writers block all I need to is this and the H&K amp and 20 minutes to let rip. It's my home. My happy place.
Its what I use as my benchmark when carving necks on my own instruments.
Artist usage
Add artist
Josh Portman posted a picture of his favorite guitars, in which the Washburn Custom Shop 'Nuno Bettencourt' Signature N4 is shown.
"Happy Tuesday from me and my five favorite children! '86 Alpine White Les Paul Custom, '78 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty w/ maple neck, '88 Fender Mary Kaye Blonde '57 Reissue P-Bass, Charvel Warren DeMartini Signature Snake, and my original Washburn Nuno Bettencourt N4, signed by the man himself!"
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Washburn Custom Shop 'Nuno Bettencourt' Signature N4, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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