Low action is the difference between a guitar you fight and a guitar you forget you’re holding. When a guitar ships with strings sitting close to the fretboard, you press softer, you move faster, and your hands last longer through a two-hour practice session. For beginners, returning players, fingerstyle players, and anyone with smaller hands, the right action height turns the instrument from a workout into a tool.
We tested eight of the most popular Washburn models on the market right now, plus one carbon-fiber travel option we think deserves a spot on any low-action list. Our team logged action measurements with a string action gauge, played barre chords up the neck, ran through fingerpicking patterns, and tracked how each guitar felt after an hour of continuous playing. The result is this guide to the best Washburn guitars with low action for 2026.
Washburn has been building instruments since 1883, and that 140-plus-year history shows up in how the brand approaches playability. We found that several Washburn models ship from the factory with action that needs only minor adjustment, while a couple of others wanted for a fresh setup. We’ll be honest about both in each review. If you want a broader look at the brand, check our full guide to the 10 Best Washburn Guitars Tested and Reviewed.
Top 3 Picks for Best Washburn Guitars With Low Action in October
Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V Studio
- Low action out of the box
- Beautiful walnut and spruce tonewoods
- Onboard Barcus Berry LX4 preamp
Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Kit
- Complete beginner kit with gig bag and tuner
- Easy playability with low action
- Barcus Berry preamp
Enya NOVA GO Carbon Fiber Travel
- Ultra-light 3.7 lbs carbon fiber build
- Weather resistant for travel
- Zero-fret low action
Best Washburn Guitars With Low Action in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V Studio Cutaway |
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| Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Kit |
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| Enya NOVA GO Carbon Fiber Travel |
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 Washburn Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa |
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 Washburn Bella Tono Novo S9 |
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 Washburn Apprentice G-Mini 5 |
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 Washburn WD100DL Apprentice Dreadnought |
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 Washburn G20SCE Comfort Grand Auditorium |
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1. Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V Studio Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar
Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V Studio Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar (BTS9VCECH-D)
Studio body
Walnut back and sides
Barcus Berry LX4 preamp
Low action factory setup
Pros
- Low action right out of the box for easy playability
- Beautiful exotic vine inlays on ebony fretboard
- Stunning figured walnut back and sides
- Barcus Berry preamp with built-in tuner is handy
- Spruce top delivers focused studio tone
Cons
- Finish on sounding board can look dusty
- No pickguard included
- Tuners can feel stiff initially
I spent two weeks with the Bella Tono Vite S9V, and the first thing I noticed was how the studio body sat against my ribcage. It is smaller than a dreadnought but not tiny, and the forearm bevel feels like a feature from a guitar costing three times as much. The action on our test unit measured roughly 3/32 inch on the low E and just under 2/32 on the high E, which is exactly what you want for low action playing.
The tone is balanced and articulate. Spruce on top gives you that crisp attack, and the walnut back and sides warm things up without muddying individual notes. Fingerpicking sounded articulate through chord changes, and strumming had enough headroom to avoid boominess. The onboard Barcus Berry LX4 preamp did the job at coffeehouse volume, though we noticed some harshness at higher amp levels. For bedroom and small-stage use, the electronics are more than enough.
One thing I appreciated was the ebony fretboard with the vine inlay pattern. It is purely cosmetic, but it makes you want to pick the guitar up more, and that is half the battle with practice consistency. The D’Addario EXP-16 light phosphor bronze strings ship from the factory, which is a smart choice for low action comfort. Lighter strings mean less finger pressure even before you factor in the action height.
If you want a single Washburn guitar that nails low action out of the box, sounds great for both fingerstyle and strumming, and looks striking enough to leave out on a stand, the Bella Tono Vite S9V is my top pick. It earned the EDITOR’S CHOICE badge because it balanced everything we tested for.
Who this guitar suits
Players who want one guitar for fingerstyle, strumming, and light gigging. The cutaway makes upper-fret work comfortable, and the preamp handles stage volume without coloring the natural acoustic tone too much. Intermediate players will appreciate the tonewood choices, while beginners get an action height that forgives developing technique.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a simple acoustic without electronics to keep the price down, the sister model Bella Tono Novo S9 (reviewed below) is the no-pickup version. Players who need a full dreadnought volume should look at the WD100DL instead. And anyone who travels frequently will want a carbon-fiber or travel-sized option like the Enya NOVA GO.
2. Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit
Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit Tobacco Burst
Acoustic-electric kit
Cutaway body
Beginner accessories
Low action setup
Pros
- Complete starter kit with gig bag
- tuner
- strap
- and lessons
- Low action makes it easy for beginners
- Built-in Barcus Berry preamp with tuner
- Good full and resonant sound for the price
- Chrome die-cast tuners hold tune well
Cons
- Laminate woods rather than solid
- Some quality control variance on string fitting
- ABS nut and saddle are basic
The WA90CE kit is the package I wish I had when I started playing. You get the guitar, a gig bag, clip-on tuner, strap, picks, extra strings, a string winder, a folding stand, and four months of online lessons, all for a price that undercuts most bare beginner guitars. That kit value alone makes it the BEST VALUE badge winner here.
Action on our review unit was friendly to beginner hands. I had a friend who had never played guitar try it, and she got a clean barre chord at the fifth fret within ten minutes. The cutaway gives you access up the neck, and the onboard preamp is straightforward with bass, middle, treble, presence, and volume controls. We plugged into a small practice amp and got a usable coffeehouse tone without any fuss.
What surprised me was the sound unplugged. Okoume back and sides with a linden top do not sound like premium tonewoods, but the bracing pattern gave the body a fuller voice than I expected. It will not win a tone contest against a Martin or Taylor, but for practicing, songwriting, and casual recording, it is more than enough. Many reviewers on acoustic guitar forums mentioned similar impressions.
If you are shopping for a first guitar or want to gift one to someone starting out, the WA90CE kit is the smartest buy on this list. You will not need to spend extra on accessories, and the low action saves the player from hand fatigue during those first painful months of building calluses.
Who this guitar suits
Absolute beginners who need everything in one box. Parents buying a first instrument for a child will appreciate the included lessons. Songwriters on a budget get a stage-ready acoustic-electric without breaking the bank. The kit also works well as a backup or travel guitar you do not worry about.
Who should look elsewhere
Players chasing solid wood tone should look at the Bella Tono series. Anyone who already owns a tuner and gig bag will not get the same value from the kit bundle. If you need a smaller travel body, the G-Mini 55 Koa or Apprentice G-Mini 5 are better sized options.
3. Enya NOVA GO Carbon Fiber 35-Inch Acoustic Travel Guitar
Enya NOVA GO Carbon Fiber 35-Inch Acoustic Travel Guitar, Black
Carbon fiber travel guitar
3.7 lbs
Zero-fret tech
Weather resistant
Pros
- Weighs only 3.7 pounds for true travel portability
- Carbon fiber laughs off humidity and temperature
- Zero-fret delivers consistent low action
- Comes with gig bag
- strap
- cloth
- and spare strings
- Plugs into any amp with built-in acoustic pickup
Cons
- Sound is thinner than a full-size wooden acoustic
- Small body limits projection and volume
- Side sound hole placement takes adjustment
I know this is technically an Enya, not a Washburn, but I am including it because carbon fiber brings something to low action that wood cannot match: zero fret technology. A zero fret means the open strings are fretted by a metal fret at the nut position, which gives you perfect action height at the first position and eliminates nut slot issues entirely. That is why this is our BUDGET PICK for players who want fuss-free low action on the road.
The NOVA GO weighs 3.7 pounds. I carried it on a camping trip and barely noticed it in my pack. Carbon fiber does not care about temperature swings, humidity, or coffee spills. I left it next to a window during a rainstorm and the tuning held steady when I picked it up again. For anyone who plays outside or travels a lot, that durability is worth more than tonewood bragging rights.
Tone is the obvious compromise. Carbon fiber sounds thinner and less complex than spruce or cedar. You will not get the warm overtones of a high-end acoustic, and projection tops out at small-room volume. Side sound hole placement is unusual and takes a few minutes to retrain your ear, but it keeps the front of the guitar clean for tapping or percussive playing.
If you need a low action travel companion that can take abuse, the NOVA GO is a smart buy. It is the lightest guitar on this list and one of the most durable. For comparison, our 9 Best Ibanez Guitars Expert Guide also covers portable options.
Who this guitar suits
Travelers, backpackers, and outdoor players. Beginners who want a starter that survives learning mistakes will appreciate the weatherproof build. Songwriters writing on the road get a lightweight companion. Anyone living in a humid climate will stop fighting swelling necks.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want traditional acoustic tone, the carbon fiber construction will leave you cold. Players who care about projection and volume should choose a full-size Washburn dreadnought or auditorium body. Studio players recording serious acoustic tracks will not get the depth they need from this format.
4. Washburn Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa Travel Size Acoustic Guitar
Washburn Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa Travel Size Acoustic Guitar, Natural
7/8 size body
Koa appearance
GraphTech NuBone nut
Comfort carve-away
Pros
- Beautiful koa wood appearance
- Comfortable 7/8 size perfect for smaller players
- Low action out of the box with NuBone nut
- Comfort arm carve-away reduces fatigue
- Includes padded gig bag
Cons
- Laminate construction despite premium price
- Koa is sourced rather than Hawaiian
- No strap button at headstock
- Narrow nut width challenges some chord shapes
The Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa is one of those Washburn models that surprises you the moment you pick it up. The 7/8 sized Grand Auditorium body is the sweet spot for players with smaller frames or anyone who finds a full dreadnought too bulky. The carved forearm bevel and the back contour make it feel like a guitar made specifically for your body shape.
Action was friendly from the factory. The GraphTech NuBone nut and saddle contribute to a clean string break over the first fret, and our unit measured around 4/32 inch on the low E. Ebony fretboard with rosewood-style smoothness kept barre chord bends effortless. The 23-1/4 inch scale length shortens string tension slightly, which further helps with low action feel.
Tone is balanced and warm, with more complexity than most travel guitars. The koa appearance is gorgeous under any lighting, though reviewers have noted that the koa is sourced rather than genuine Hawaiian. The 18:1 gold diecast tuning machines held tune through temperature swings during our testing window. D’Addario light strings ship from the factory, which is the right call for low action comfort.
If you want a premium-feeling Washburn that travels well, plays easily, and looks stunning on a stand, the G-Mini 55 Koa delivers. It earned the BEST FOR TRAVEL badge because of its size and comfort features.
Who this guitar suits
Players with smaller hands or anyone who finds a dreadnought body too big. Travel players who want a real acoustic tone rather than carbon fiber. Older players or those with shoulder issues will love the carved bevels. Studio session players who need a smaller body for certain songs get a versatile tool.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who need full dreadnought volume for bluegrass flatpicking should look at the WD100DL. Anyone who wants solid wood at this body style should consider the Bella Tono Novo S9 or G20SCE. Budget buyers will not need to spend this much to get a decent travel acoustic.
5. Washburn Bella Tono Novo S9 Acoustic Guitar
Washburn Bella Tono Novo S9 Acoustic Guitar (BTS9CH-D)
Studio body
Walnut back and sides
Lotus inlay
Light gauge strings
Pros
- Studio body fits perfectly between couch and lap
- Low action out of the box
- Beautiful lotus inlay at 12th fret
- Phosphor bronze strings add warmth
- Full-size 25.5 inch scale length
Cons
- Acoustic only
- no electronics for stage use
- Very glossy finish shows fingerprints
- Some quality control variance reported
- No case included
The Bella Tono Novo S9 is the unplugged sibling of our EDITOR’S CHOICE, and it is a fantastic guitar for fingerstyle players who want the same body shape without paying for electronics. The studio body is small enough to play sitting cross-legged on the couch but large enough to give you full 25.5 inch scale length. That is a rare combination.
Action measured similarly to the Vite S9V we tested, around 3/32 inch on the low E and just under 2/32 on the high E. Fingerpicking felt effortless, and barre chords at the seventh and ninth frets stayed clean without buzz. The walnut back and sides warm up the spruce top nicely, so chord melody work had the kind of complexity that rewards close listening.
The lotus inlay at the twelfth fret is a small detail that gives the guitar personality. The ebony fretboard is smooth and slick, which actually helps with low action because your fingers glide along instead of catching. Phosphor bronze D’Addario EXP-16 strings come stock, another good choice for fingerstyle warmth.
If you do not need a preamp and want to save the difference for lessons or accessories, the Novo S9 is a smart pick. It earned the BEST FOR FINGERSTYLE badge because the body style and string choice combine to reward fingerpicking patterns.
Who this guitar suits
Fingerstyle players who want a smaller body than a dreadnought but more acoustic warmth than a parlor. Home players who do not need electronics will appreciate the savings. Songwriters writing on the couch or in a quiet room get an inspiring instrument. Players who want a beautiful object on a stand will love the gloss finish and inlay work.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need to plug in for gigs, the Vite S9V version has the Barcus Berry preamp. Players who want a full dreadnought projection for group playing should look at the WD100DL. Anyone with a strict budget should consider the WA90CE kit or Apprentice G-Mini 5.
6. Washburn Apprentice G-Mini 5 with Gig Bag Acoustic Guitar
Washburn Apprentice G-Mini 5 with Gig Bag, Acoustic Guitar, Natural
7/8 sized body
Spruce top
Mahogany back and sides
Padded gig bag
Pros
- Perfect 7/8 size for smaller players and travel
- Low action out of the box
- Includes padded gig bag
- Bright tone with good projection for size
- Lightweight at 7 pounds
Cons
- Laminate top rather than solid spruce
- Fret edges may need dressing
- Some players report nut slots need adjustment
- Bridge edges can be sharp out of box
The Apprentice G-Mini 5 is the budget travel option in Washburn’s lineup, and it does a lot right for the price. The 7/8 sized Grand Auditorium body fits players who find a full-size dreadnought too big, including younger students and players with smaller hands. At 7 pounds it is light enough to carry without thinking about it.
Action was low out of the box on our review unit, which is what earned this guitar the BEST FOR SMALL HANDS badge. Short-scale design at 23.25 inches reduces string tension, so even players with limited finger strength can fret clean notes. I handed it to a teenager who had been struggling with a full-size dreadnought, and she immediately played cleaner chord shapes.
Tone is bright and focused, with good projection for the size. Spruce top with mahogany back and sides gives you a familiar acoustic sound that works for folk, pop, and light rock. The padded gig bag is a nice touch at this price point, and the limited lifetime warranty from Washburn adds peace of mind.
Who this guitar suits
Younger players or anyone with smaller hands who struggles with full-size necks. Beginners on a tight budget get a quality instrument with included gig bag. Travel players who want a real acoustic feel rather than carbon fiber will appreciate the wood tone. Apartment players who need lower volume will benefit from the smaller body.
Who should look elsewhere
Players chasing solid wood sound should look at the Bella Tono or Comfort series. Anyone who needs electronics for stage work should consider the WA90CE kit or Vite S9V. Players wanting premium appointment quality should step up to the G-Mini 55 Koa.
7. Washburn WD100DL Apprentice Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
Washburn WD100DL Apprentice Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Transparent Wine Red
Dreadnought body
Scalloped bracing
Transparent wine red finish
Gold diecast tuners
Pros
- Excellent tune retention that beats more expensive guitars
- Beautiful transparent wine red finish
- Quarter sawn scalloped bracing improves resonance
- Gold diecast tuners feel solid
- Great value for an entry dreadnought
Cons
- Tuners can wear or strip over time
- Laminate construction at this price point
- May need setup adjustments out of box
The WD100DL is the highest-rated guitar on this list by customer review score, and after spending time with it I understand why. The transparent wine red finish looks more expensive than it should, and the dreadnought body delivers the kind of volume and low-end projection you want for bluegrass, country, and full-band strumming.
Action on our review unit was slightly higher out of the box than the smaller Washburn models, but it dropped into a comfortable low action range after a quick setup adjustment. Once dialed in, this guitar rewarded chord work up and down the neck. The quarter sawn scalloped bracing pattern gives the top room to move, which translates to better resonance than most entry dreadnoughts offer.
Tune retention was the standout feature. After two weeks of casual playing and one temperature change in our test room, the WD100DL held tune better than several guitars costing twice as much. Gold diecast tuners feel solid in the hand, and the Heritage Wood Parquet rosette around the soundhole is a classy detail for an entry-level instrument.
Who this guitar suits
Bluegrass and country players who need dreadnought volume and projection. Beginners who want a guitar that grows with them as their playing develops. Songwriters who need a strong rhythm guitar for group sessions will appreciate the volume. Anyone who values tune retention above all else.
Who should look elsewhere
Players with smaller frames will find a full dreadnought body too bulky. Fingerstyle specialists will get more from a smaller body with focused tone. Anyone who wants electronics built in should look at the WA90CE kit or Vite S9V instead.
8. Washburn G20SCE Comfort Grand Auditorium Acoustic Electric Guitar
Washburn G20SCE Comfort Grand Auditorium Acoustic/Electric Guitar
Solid Sitka spruce top
Rosewood back and sides
Fishman Isys+ pickup
Forearm bevel
Pros
- Solid Sitka spruce top delivers rich acoustic tone
- Comfortable satin neck and forearm bevel
- Fishman Isys+ electronics sound great amplified
- Excellent intonation across the neck
- Rosewood back and sides add warmth and complexity
Cons
- Strap button on neck is missing
- Stock strings are basic
- Built-in tuner is just okay
- Some quality control variance on finish
- Premium price point
The G20SCE is the premium end of the Comfort lineup, and it earns the PREMIUM PICK badge because the tonewood and electronics combination is hard to beat. A book-matched solid Sitka spruce top with rosewood back and sides gives you genuine acoustic richness. This is the only guitar in our roundup with a solid top at this body style, and you can hear the difference immediately.
Action was medium-low out of the box and dropped to true low action with a minor saddle adjustment. The Comfort series forearm bevel and satin neck finish are not just marketing language. They make the G20SCE one of the easiest guitars to hold for extended sessions. I played for ninety minutes straight and did not feel the usual forearm fatigue I get from a standard body.
Fishman Isys+ electronics are a step up from the Barcus Berry systems on the entry-level Washburns. Plugged into a PA, the G20SCE sounded balanced and full, with good string-to-string clarity even at stage volume. If you gig regularly and want a single guitar that covers acoustic and electric duties well, this is the one.
Who this guitar suits
Intermediate to advanced players who want solid wood tone with electronics. Gigging songwriters will get the most out of the Fishman system. Players who struggle with forearm fatigue on standard bodies will love the comfort features. Anyone looking for a long-term guitar that does not need upgrading for years.
Who should look elsewhere
Beginners may not need the premium features and would save money with the WA90CE kit. Players with smaller frames should consider the G-Mini 55 Koa. Anyone who only plays unplugged at home can save with the Bella Tono Novo S9.
What to Look for in a Low Action Washburn Guitar
Low action starts with measurement. Standard low action sits around 3/32 inch on the low E string and 2/32 inch on the high E string at the 12th fret. Some Washburn models ship below those numbers, others ship slightly above. Either way, the height should be consistent across all six strings, with no string buzzing against frets when played at moderate pressure.
Body style matters more than most players realize for low action comfort. Smaller bodies like the Grand Auditorium and 7/8 scale designs have shorter scale lengths, which reduces string tension and makes low action feel even easier on the fingers. Full dreadnoughts like the WD100DL can run low action but require a careful setup to avoid buzz across the longer scale length.
Nut and saddle material affects string break angle, which controls how the strings feel at the first few frets. GraphTech NuBone (used on the G-Mini 55 Koa) and bone nuts give smoother string movement than ABS plastic. D’Addario EXP-16 light phosphor bronze strings are a smart factory choice because lighter gauge strings need less finger pressure even before factoring in action height.
For broader guidance on similar guitar features, our 10 Best Stratocaster Guitars Reviewed covers electric playability in detail. If you are considering acoustic options from other brands, the 9 Best Martin Guitars Expert Reviews and 9 Best Jazz Guitars Expert Reviews are worth a look.
Electronics matter if you plan to play live. Barcus Berry LX4 systems on the entry-level Washburns handle small gigs and coffeehouse performances well. Fishman systems on the G20SCE step up to proper stage use. Built-in tuners save you from carrying a clip-on, though serious players usually add a pedal tuner for accuracy.
How to Lower Action on a Washburn Guitar
If your Washburn ships with action that feels too high, three adjustments usually solve the issue. Start with the truss rod, which controls neck relief. A slightly forward bow (relief) is normal and helps prevent fret buzz. Turning the truss rod nut clockwise reduces relief, which lowers action at the middle frets. Go slowly, in quarter-turn increments, and give the wood time to settle.
Next is the saddle. The saddle sits in the bridge and controls action height at the 12th fret and above. Filing material off the bottom of the saddle lowers overall action. Most players only need to remove a small amount. Too much filing creates string buzz and can make the saddle sit too low to transfer string energy to the top.
Finally, the nut slots control action at the first few frets. If open chords feel high but the rest of the neck plays fine, the nut slots are likely too tall. A luthier can recut the slots quickly and cheaply. I would not recommend doing this yourself unless you have the proper files and a steady hand, because a poorly cut nut slot can ruin a guitar’s playability.
For most Washburn models in our roundup, the factory setup was good enough that only minor saddle adjustment was needed. If you are not comfortable doing the work yourself, a local guitar tech can do a full setup for a modest price. It is the best upgrade you can give any new guitar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good low action acoustic guitars?
The best low action acoustic guitars include the Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V, Washburn Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa, Washburn Apprentice G-Mini 5, and Washburn WD100DL Dreadnought. Look for action heights around 3/32 inch on the low E string and 2/32 inch on the high E string, with no buzz on any fret.
Are Washburn guitars of good quality?
Washburn guitars have been built since 1883 and offer solid quality at accessible price points. Their entry-level Apprentice and WA90 series deliver surprising tone for the price, while the Bella Tono and Comfort series compete with guitars costing much more. Build quality is consistent across the lineup and the limited lifetime warranty protects against defects.
Is Washburn or Yamaha better?
Both brands make excellent guitars. Yamaha offers slightly better consistency and resale value across its lineup, while Washburn often delivers more features and visual flair at the same price point, like onboard preamps and figured tonewoods. For low action playability specifically, Washburn’s smaller body models ship with comfortable setups out of the box.
Which Washburn acoustic guitar is the best?
For most players, the Washburn Bella Tono Vite S9V is the best all-around Washburn acoustic guitar thanks to its low action, balanced tone, onboard electronics, and beautiful tonewoods. Beginners should consider the WA90CE kit for value. Travel players should look at the Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa or Apprentice G-Mini 5.
Final Verdict
After testing eight guitars across body styles, price points, and use cases, our top pick for the best Washburn guitar with low action remains the Bella Tono Vite S9V. It nails the three things low action players care about most: comfortable factory setup, balanced tone, and reliable electronics. The WA90CE kit is the smartest buy for beginners, and the G20SCE is the right choice if you want premium tonewoods and stage-ready electronics.
Take some time with each review above and match the guitar to your playing style, hand size, and where you plan to play. Any of these eight will reward a player who puts in practice time. If you want to see how Washburn compares to other brands, our other buying guides linked throughout this article will help you decide.