It clearly says "Washburn" and "Mercury" on the headstock face. Should be easy enough to identify, right? Wrong. After exhaustive online research at Washburn, Axebition, Craiglist, Reverb, Guitar-List and countless other sites; I've decided to simply label this guitar [Serial Number 9710776] a "Washburn Mercury HSS Solidbody." What, no model number? Read on, and you'll understand why.
According to Axebition, the Mercury Series [MG] was only available "during the time that Grover Jackson was in charge of the Washburn Custom Shop," which was from 1993 to 1996. Axebition goes on to list eight Mercury Series guitars featuring Wilkinson Tremolos and Seymour Duncan pickups. These are the MG90, MG82, MG100, MG100 Pro, MG102, MG120, MG122 and MG122 Artist.
Meanwhile, the 1993 Washburn Electric Guitars/Basses Catalog showcases nine Mercury Series guitars. These are the MG70, MG74, MG72, MG40, MG42, MG52, MG30, MG34 and MG44. Eight are equipped with a Floyd Rose-licensed tremolo system, and one with a Tune-O-Matic/Stopbar combo.
Researching guitars online is a rewarding experience, for sure. To date, I've identified MGs sporting a similar finish [MG700, MG701], fretboard, tuners and string tree [MG401]; and headstock shape [MG340]. However, an exact match has yet to be found. So, having reached a dead end of sorts, I'll go ahead anyway and list a number of specifications based entirely on my own observations.
Do also take note of the ChickenSonique graphic on the front of the body, just below the bridge. This implies that the techs at ChickenSonique Guitar & Custom Electronics have indeed worked on this guitar. Exactly what they did, however; is anyone's guess.
Could we have a Partscaster on our hands? I do not think so. For one, the body and neck mate perfectly. It's not like someone slapped together a no-name kit body and Washburn neck. Then there's the body itself, which has been accurately routed and drilled for the trio of Washburn pickups and tremolo. No plugged and painted-over holes here. In any case, I've spread my report on this guitar over several posts, this being the first. We'll start off with a brief overview, and take it from there.
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| S-Style Body | Tobacco Burst Finish |
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| Front of Body | Forearm Contour |
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| ChickenSonique Graphic |
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| Back of Body | Belly Cut |
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| Tapered Heel Joint |
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