"When you push these pickups into the red they've got a napalm punch that belies the cultured looks".

The new issue of of Total Guitar magazine features a head to head of two of the best doublecut humbucker axes under £300. The Washburn RX-30 is put up against a Charvel Skatecaster SK-3ST and the outcome? Well "...the Washburn wins by a nose while the Charvel leaves with its just a little out of joint".

"Respect to Washburn. Even when the Chicago giant is manning the bandsaw for Nuno Bettencourt, it has one eye on the working musician with the Nando's loyalty card".

"And it's said musician who's in the sights of the RX30: a double cut that sails worryingly close to the financial cliff-edge, beyond which electrics often turn to driftwood, yet packs a spec with no obvious achilles heel".

"...the cutaway is stellar, the unfinished neck works wonders for sweat monsters, and the widening radius is solid for chords and leads".

"Ultimately the deciding slam-dunk comes from those aftermarket pickups. Twangy and woody when played raw, they offer three distinct voices when you clunk between settings - the neck is warm and full; the bridge lean and mean - and it's a relief to be able to tailor this superior voice".

The full review can be found in the February issue of Total Guitar magazine on sale now. The Washburn RX30 is also available now at £210 RRP.

Further Links

• Washburn Guitars
• Washburn RX Series
• Total Guitar magazine