Washburn make very nice guitars...some at unbelievable prices considering what you get for your money. Most, however, do benefit from having the factory strings removed and replaced. If you can handle medium gauge wires, you'll realise a marked improvement in tone and sustain. They're harder to 'bend' than the lightweight factory strings, but definitely SOUND 'way better. D'Addario or Martin phosphor-bronze are excellent. Wise move!