Build and features

This Washburn is among the least costly official signature models we’ve ever come across. It’s one of a number of models that bear the scrawl of Anthrax thrasher-in-chief Scott Ian, and it’s not dissimilar to his previous Jackson JJ models and has something of the Gibson SG about it.

Indeed, its fairly small double cutaways wouldn’t look out of place on a vintage SG and its hefty mahogany body, although reassuringly weighty, makes it perfectly feasible to run about the stage like a mad thing with it.

The Obey graphic is a full-body decal and features the unmistakable visage of legendary wrestler André The Giant (from artist Shepard Fairey’s equally legendary sticker campaign from the mid 1980s) alongside a skull that also bears the modern Anthragram logo. The latter symbol is dotted as neck inlays and the work here has been carried out acceptably.

Impressively at this price, the guitar features the Buzz Feiten Tuning System and the neck is wide, thin and comfortable to play. The fretwork is a little on the rough side at times and the finishing a tad untidy, but we can live with it.

Next: Washburn SI-61 sounds, pros and cons