Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (6)
$3,299.00 $2,699.00 $600.00 · All time low
Guitar Center
$2,699.00
Amazon
5.0 (1)
$3,199.00
Reverb
$2,599.00 New
$1,749.00 Used
B&H
$3,299.00

Average Price: $2,707

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Washburn N4". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience the perfect fusion of artistry and engineering with the Washburn N4, a guitar that embodies pure performance and tonal versatility. Designed in collaboration with guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt, the N4 is crafted for players who demand more than just a signature model. This solid body electric guitar boasts an ultra-fast neck and the remarkable Stephen’s Extended Cutaway, allowing for effortless access to the highest frets. Whether you're shredding on stage or crafting intricate solos in the studio, this guitar delivers precision and comfort.

The Washburn N4 is not just about feel but also sound. Equipped with a combination of Seymour Duncan '59 neck and Bill Lawrence L500 bridge pickups, it offers a vast tonal palette, from warm, vintage sounds to aggressive, modern tones. The inclusion of the Buzz Feiten Tuning System ensures your intonation is spot-on across the fretboard, a feature embraced by renowned artists worldwide. With an Original Floyd Rose tremolo, you can express every musical nuance without compromising tuning stability.

Join a community of discerning musicians who choose the Washburn N4 for its impeccable craftsmanship and sonic excellence. Whether you're playing blues, rock, or metal, this guitar invites you to explore new musical frontiers.

Key Features:

  • USA-made with a natural matte finish
  • Stephen's Extended Cutaway for easy fret access
  • Buzz Feiten Tuning System for precise intonation
  • Seymour Duncan '59 neck and Bill Lawrence L500 bridge pickups for a wide tonal range
  • Original Floyd Rose tremolo for expressive playing and tuning stability

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape N4
Body Material Alder
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material Birdseye Maple
Neck Shape Modern C
Neck Joint 5-way Bolt-on
Radius 14"
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 25.5"
Nut Width 1.692"
Nut Material Locking
Bridge/Tailpiece Floyd Rose Original Locking Tremolo
Tuners Grover 18:1 tuners
Neck Pickup Seymour Duncan '59 Humbucker
Bridge Pickup L500 Bill Lawrence Humbucker
Controls 1 x master volume
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings D'Addario XL-120, .009-.042
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Washburn N4?

The Washburn N4 features a Modern C neck profile, crafted from Birdseye Maple, providing a comfortable and fast playing experience suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of pickups does the Washburn N4 use?

The Washburn N4 is equipped with a Seymour Duncan '59 humbucker in the neck position and a Bill Lawrence L500 humbucker in the bridge, offering a versatile range of tones from warm and smooth to bright and cutting.

Does the Washburn N4 come with a case?

Yes, the Washburn N4 comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

Is the Washburn N4 suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the Washburn N4's combination of high-output pickups and Floyd Rose Original Locking Tremolo makes it well-suited for heavy metal, offering powerful tones and stable tuning for aggressive playing.

How does the Floyd Rose tremolo system on the Washburn N4 function?

The Floyd Rose Original Locking Tremolo on the Washburn N4 allows for precise pitch bending and stable tuning, thanks to its locking nut and fine tuners, ideal for expressive playing styles.

What is the scale length of the Washburn N4?

The Washburn N4 has a scale length of 25.5 inches, which is standard for many electric guitars, providing a familiar feel for most players.

Is the Washburn N4 comfortable for long playing sessions?

With its Modern C neck profile, lightweight alder body, and smooth satin finish, the Washburn N4 is designed for comfort during extended playing sessions.

Guitarist

Guitarist

Nuno Bettencourt on his original Washburn N4: guitar playing and conversation

Video thumbnail for Nuno Bettencourt on his original Washburn N4: guitar playing and conversation by Guitarist

Nuno Bettencourt on his original Washburn N4: guitar playing and conversation

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Nuno Bettencourt on the Washburn N4 at The Music Zoo by The Music Zoo

Nuno Bettencourt on the Washburn N4 at The Music Zoo

The Music Zoo

The Music Zoo

Video thumbnail for Nuno Bettencourt Signature Guitar - Washburn N4 Authentic Guitar by Guitar World

Nuno Bettencourt Signature Guitar - Washburn N4 Authentic Guitar

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Washburn N4 by Steve from Boston

Washburn N4

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

Video thumbnail for Nuno Bettencourt Signature Model Guitar - Washburn N4 Vintage  - In-depth Demo - MasterThatGear! by mastertheguitar

Nuno Bettencourt Signature Model Guitar - Washburn N4 Vintage - In-depth Demo - MasterThatGear!

mastertheguitar

mastertheguitar

Video thumbnail for Washburn N4 "Nuno Bettencourt" Vintage | SOUND BITE by GUITARGUITAR

Washburn N4 "Nuno Bettencourt" Vintage | SOUND BITE

GUITARGUITAR

GUITARGUITAR

Video thumbnail for Nuno Bettencourt's Main N4 Washburn & Strings + Picks by Premier Guitar

Nuno Bettencourt's Main N4 Washburn & Strings + Picks

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for Washburn N4 USA Mahogany Nuno Bettencourt Signature Guitar Unboxing and Review by Century Road Official

Washburn N4 USA Mahogany Nuno Bettencourt Signature Guitar Unboxing and Review

Century Road Official

Century Road Official

Video thumbnail for Washburn N4 Vintage Nuno Bettencourt Signature guitar  - Music Works by Andrea Seveso

Washburn N4 Vintage Nuno Bettencourt Signature guitar - Music Works

Andrea Seveso

Andrea Seveso

Video thumbnail for Washburn N4 Vintage by Arsen Gukasyan

Washburn N4 Vintage

Arsen Gukasyan

Arsen Gukasyan

Video thumbnail for DAVIES! 91 Washburn N4 Nuno Bettencourt Signature made in Jan 91 #105! Srephen Davies built! by Todd Cage

DAVIES! 91 Washburn N4 Nuno Bettencourt Signature made in Jan 91 #105! Srephen Davies built!

Todd Cage

Todd Cage

Video thumbnail for The Washburn Nuno N4 Authentic walk around!! by 40 Grit

The Washburn Nuno N4 Authentic walk around!!

40 Grit

40 Grit

Reviews

PROS

  • Outstanding sound and tones, especially for rock genres

  • Excellent build quality with attention to detail

  • Fast neck with easy access to high frets

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended playing

  • Versatile sound suitable for blues, rock, and metal

  • Low action and flawless fretwork

CONS

  • Struggles to stay in tune for extended periods

  • Limited versatility compared to some other guitars

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Washburn N4.

Setup and maintenance

  • A 2005 fret crown and level allowed significantly lower action on the Washburn N4, enhancing playability.

    Source
  • Owners report that adjusting the truss rod by 1/8th turn can significantly reduce fret buzz on the 7th fret, enhancing playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The N4 has been fitted with a Suhr DSH+ in the bridge and a Steve Vai Gravity Storm in the neck for tailored tonal preferences.

    Source
  • Several users recommend replacing the stock bridge with a Gotoh 1996T for improved tuning stability and enhanced sustain.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner detailed a unique semicircle wear pattern around the volume pot from frequent use, indicating personalized wear from long-term ownership.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The original plastic rocker pickup selector switch is prone to breaking; replacing it with a cream variant can add visual contrast.

    Source
  • The stock neck pickup is often swapped for a DiMarzio Air Norton to achieve a warmer tone suitable for blues and rock genres.

    Source

Other

  • Survived Hurricane Katrina with minimal water damage despite the case being submerged, indicating durability in extreme conditions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Washburn's N4 built before the transition from Davies-made models is highly regarded for its craftsmanship compared to later versions.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners have noted that the original frets on 90s models wear out faster, necessitating a refret after a few years of heavy use.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Washburn N4 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Washburn N4 is a guitar that either strikes you with its unique vibe or leaves you indifferent, but there's no denying its impressive performance. Its neck is exceptional, contributing to a feel that's hard to match. The guitar is perfect for those funk-filled moments, though the steep price and niche appeal—largely limited to fans of Nuno Bettencourt—might deter some buyers. The standout features include the Bill Lawrence L-500 bridge pickup and the expertly aged neck and body. However, the volume pot could use improvement as it slightly muddles clarity when adjusting overdrive. Overall, it's a top-tier instrument with minor drawbacks.

positive

Review: Washburn N4 Authentic Guitar — Video | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Washburn N4 Authentic is a high-performance guitar that impresses with its meticulous attention to detail and playability. It mirrors Nuno Bettencourt's personal model, offering features like the Stephen’s Extended Cutaway and powerful pickups that deliver killer tone. The aging process is tastefully done, providing a natural, broken-in feel. However, the mismatched tuners might not appeal to everyone aesthetically. Despite its high price, the N4 Authentic is a dream for those seeking a top-tier, stripped-down instrument with serious stage presence.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dimebag Darrell uses Washburn N4

Dimebag Darrell

Guitarist

Pantera

...
Verified via Cdninstagram

Dimebag is pictured with a Washburn N4.

See how Rabea Massaad uses Washburn N4

Rabea Massaad

Guitarist

Vower

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Rabea is playing One of his Washburn N4 Guitars

See how Kiko Loureiro uses Washburn N4

Kiko Loureiro

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via YouTube

At the end of this interview Kiko plays Make Believe with a Washburn N4

See how Nuno Bettencourt uses Washburn N4

Nuno Bettencourt

Singer, Guitarist

Extreme

...
Verified via YouTube

Nuno talks about his Original N4 Guitar and how it was custom made for him, while using it in the video.

See how Erno Matti Juhani Vuorinen uses Washburn N4

Erno Matti Juhani Vuorinen

Guitarist

Nightwish

...
Verified via YouTube

This is the guitar that Emppu used for Angels Fall First and Oceanborn, all the way up to 1999

See how Mike Schleibaum uses Washburn N4

Mike Schleibaum

Guitarist

Darkest Hour

...
Verified via Guitargeek

(from GuitarGeek) "A detailed gear diagram of Mike Schleibaum's Darkest Hour stage setup that traces the signal flow of the equipment in his 2009 guitar rig."

See how Lao Wu uses Washburn N4

Lao Wu

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

This was the main electric guitar Lao Wu used from 1992-93 at the start of his career. It can be seen in four of the five music videos Tang Dynasty shot for their eponymous debut album. Lao Wu also used the guitar at Tang Dynasty's 1993 concert in Berlin.

As of a few years ago, this guitar is still in Lao Wu's possession, as evidenced by this video at 1:15 and 3:16. It is most likely retired, as the body and finish have been worn down by years of playing.

Lao adorned this guitar by gluing several dragon decals to the body.

See the guitar in action here.

See how Vítor Rua uses Washburn N4

Vítor Rua

Guitarist, Composer

GNR

...
Verified via Discogs

In the album notes for "Of Melancholy" on Discogs, Vítor Rua mentions using the Washburn N4 guitar.

Album Usage

The Washburn N4 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Washburn N4, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Alesis Quadraverb
Alesis Quadraverb Effects Processors
1
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Delay Effects Pedals
1
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
1
EVH 5150 III Footswitch
EVH 5150 III Footswitch Switch Effects Pedals
1
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS Effects Pedal Accessories
1
DigiTech Whammy Pitch-Shifting Pedal
DigiTech Whammy Pitch-Shifting Pedal Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
MXR EVH Phase 90
MXR EVH Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedals
1
Laney VH100R
Laney VH100R Guitar Amplifier Heads
1

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