Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross: A Closer Look

Hey guitar enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross, a guitar that holds a special place in the hearts of Dimebag Darrell fans and metalheads alike. This axe is more than just a piece of equipment; it's a tribute to a legend and a statement of aggressive tone and distinctive style. So, let's crank up the volume and explore what makes this guitar so iconic.

The Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross isn't just a guitar; it's a symbol. It represents an era of raw, unapologetic metal, a time when Dimebag Darrell was pushing the boundaries of what a guitar could do. The Southern Cross graphic, proudly displayed on the body, isn't just a design choice; it's a nod to Dime's roots and his rebellious spirit. The guitar itself is built for performance, designed to handle the rigors of intense stage shows and the demands of Dime's signature shredding style. It's got a fast neck that allows for lightning-fast runs and comfortable chording, and the pickups are hot enough to melt faces. The hardware is solid and reliable, ensuring that the guitar stays in tune even after the most brutal dive bombs. It's a complete package, a guitar that's ready to rock right out of the box. Owning a Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross is like owning a piece of history, a connection to a legendary guitarist and a reminder of the power of music. It's a guitar that inspires you to push your own boundaries, to explore new sounds, and to play with the same passion and intensity that Dimebag Darrell brought to every performance. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Dime 3 Southern Cross is a guitar that will challenge you, inspire you, and help you unleash your inner Dimebag. So, grab one, plug it in, and get ready to unleash the beast!

Design and Features

When we talk about the design of the Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross, the first thing that grabs your attention is, of course, the Southern Cross graphic. This isn't just some random artwork; it's a bold statement that screams attitude. The body shape, typically a modified Explorer style, adds to the guitar's aggressive look. But it's not just about aesthetics; the body shape also contributes to the guitar's overall balance and playability. The neck is usually a slim profile, designed for speed and comfort, allowing you to shred those Dimebag-esque solos with ease. You'll often find a Floyd Rose tremolo system, essential for those signature dive bombs and squeals that Dime was famous for. This tremolo system allows for extreme pitch bending while maintaining tuning stability.

The hardware is usually black, complementing the overall dark and menacing vibe of the guitar. Pickups are a crucial part of the equation, and the Dime 3 Southern Cross typically comes equipped with high-output humbuckers. These pickups are designed to deliver a thick, crunchy tone with plenty of sustain, perfect for metal riffs and searing solos. The controls are usually simple and straightforward – a volume knob, a tone knob, and a pickup selector switch. This minimalist approach keeps things simple and allows you to focus on your playing. The finish is typically a gloss finish, which not only looks great but also protects the wood from wear and tear. The Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross is a guitar that's designed to stand out, both visually and sonically. It's a tribute to Dimebag Darrell's unique style and a testament to the power of metal. Whether you're a die-hard Dimebag fan or simply a metalhead looking for a killer guitar, the Dime 3 Southern Cross is definitely worth checking out. Its combination of aggressive looks, high-performance hardware, and screaming pickups makes it a force to be reckoned with. So, plug it in, crank it up, and get ready to unleash your inner Dimebag!

Sound and Performance

The Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross isn't just about looks; it's about delivering a face-melting tone that can cut through any mix. The high-output humbucker pickups are the heart of the guitar's sound, providing a thick, aggressive tone with plenty of sustain. These pickups are designed to handle high gain without getting muddy, allowing you to dial in those searing Dimebag Darrell-esque tones with ease. The Floyd Rose tremolo system is another key component of the guitar's performance. It allows for extreme pitch bending and dive bombs while maintaining tuning stability, so you can unleash those signature Dimebag squeals without worrying about your guitar going out of tune. The slim neck profile makes it easy to play fast runs and complex chords, allowing you to keep up with Dimebag's lightning-fast playing style.

The guitar's overall construction also contributes to its sound and performance. The body wood, typically mahogany or basswood, provides a solid foundation for the pickups, enhancing their tone and sustain. The set-neck construction, where the neck is glued to the body, further improves sustain and resonance. The Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross is a guitar that's designed to be played loud and proud. It's a guitar that demands to be heard, and it delivers a tone that's sure to turn heads. Whether you're playing metal, hard rock, or any other genre that requires a high-gain, aggressive tone, the Dime 3 Southern Cross is up to the task. Its combination of high-output pickups, a Floyd Rose tremolo, and a comfortable neck makes it a joy to play, while its bold looks ensure that you'll stand out from the crowd. So, if you're looking for a guitar that can deliver the goods both sonically and visually, the Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to unleash some serious shredding!

Playability and Comfort

When you pick up a Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross, the first thing you'll notice is the neck. It's typically a slim, fast-playing neck that's designed for speed and comfort. This allows you to shred those lightning-fast solos and complex riffs without any discomfort. The fretboard is usually made of rosewood or ebony, providing a smooth and responsive playing surface. The frets are typically jumbo-sized, making it easier to bend notes and execute vibrato. The body shape, while aggressive-looking, is surprisingly comfortable to play. The contours of the body fit snugly against your body, allowing you to play for hours without fatigue. The guitar's balance is also well-thought-out, preventing neck dive and ensuring that the guitar stays in place while you're playing. The controls are also conveniently located, allowing you to adjust your tone on the fly without interrupting your playing.

The Floyd Rose tremolo system is another factor that contributes to the guitar's playability. It allows you to perform extreme pitch bends and dive bombs without worrying about your guitar going out of tune. The tremolo arm is also ergonomically designed, making it easy to grip and manipulate. The Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross is a guitar that's designed to be played, and it shows in every aspect of its design. From the slim neck to the comfortable body shape to the responsive tremolo system, this guitar is a joy to play. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, you'll find that the Dime 3 Southern Cross is a guitar that you can play for hours on end without any discomfort. Its combination of speed, comfort, and responsiveness makes it a true player's guitar. So, if you're looking for a guitar that feels as good as it sounds, the Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to lose yourself in the music!

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross? Well, if you're a Dimebag Darrell fan or a metalhead looking for a guitar with attitude and aggression, this guitar is definitely worth considering. It's got the looks, the tone, and the playability to satisfy even the most demanding players. The Southern Cross graphic is iconic, the high-output pickups deliver a crushing tone, and the slim neck makes it easy to shred those lightning-fast solos. The Floyd Rose tremolo system allows you to unleash those signature Dimebag squeals and dive bombs, while the comfortable body shape ensures that you can play for hours without fatigue. Of course, the Dime 3 Southern Cross isn't for everyone. If you're not a fan of metal or aggressive guitars, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a guitar that can deliver the goods both sonically and visually, the Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross is definitely a top contender.

It's a guitar that pays tribute to a legendary guitarist and a bygone era of metal, while still offering modern features and performance. It's a guitar that demands to be played loud and proud, and it delivers a tone that's sure to turn heads. So, if you're ready to unleash your inner Dimebag, the Washburn Dime 3 Southern Cross is the perfect weapon of choice. Just be prepared to shred!