POWER SERIES - Mark X (1979-80)

POWER SERIES Mark X (1979-80)

As to not be repetitive, see the POWER SERIES Mark XX-B (1979-80) page to learn more about these “First Generation” models that have their roots in the Washburn Wing Series.

There are some quick visual cues that differentiate a 1979-80 “First Generation” Mark X from a 1979-80 “First Generation” Mark XX. The Mark X has a 3-piece through the body neck construction and the Mark XX has a 5-piece neck through design. The Mark XX has push-pull volume knobs that act as coil splits. The Mark X does not have coil splits, though they would appear later in the 1980-84 generation. The fingerboard is a single piece of rosewood on the Mark X, but the Mark XX has a striped multi-piece fretboard.

The bodies of the Mark X are the same as the Mark XX, with input jacks on the bottom edge, flat backs with a beveled edge, and slightly asymmetrical horns that would become more pronounced in the next generation. Binding is present on the top, but this would also disappear in later generations. Though not very noticible at first glance, the fret position dots on the fretboard are made of the same material as the binding (ivory celluloid), rather than brass as seen in later 1980-84 builds.

Like later Mark X series instruments, this first generation uses chrome tuners, truss rod covers, bridge plates, screws, and strap pins. Knobs are numbered black plastic as seen on the SAVAGE SERIES and on the 1980-84 Mark Xs. Cream colored pickups with the three screw anti-tilt design would carry over to the 1980-84 generation.

Note that the tuners are branded Yamaki. In many countries this model was marked under the Yamaki brand (Yamaki was the manufacturer in Japan), though in the United States they were marketed as Daion.

Unfortunately we do not have any catalogs or price sheets to know all the colors available or period pricing. These early Mark Xs, and many of the early Mark XXs, did have the red POWER case.