Owners

I am a middle-aged, short woman with small hands and I decided I wanted to take guitar lessons. I have been using a Washburn 3/4 size guitar (a model Washburn doesn't make anymore) because the neck on a full-sized guitar is just too wide for me. So, even though the Washburn guitar is all right, I decided I wanted a new guitar.

I went to the internet and started studying up on different guitar makers, and I ran accross an article about the new narrow necks on your guitars. I went to your website and checked out the guitars. Listened to the different artists playing different models of your guitars and decided I liked the G2070.

Well, the closest dealer to me is over 2 hours away so that is why I went to e-bay. Anyway, I bought this guitar and got it delivered to me Friday and I have spent a lot of this weekend playing it. It is everything your website said it would be and I love it!

The neck is just right for me. It is the same size (if not a little narrower) as my 3/4 size guitar yet it has this wonderful, resonant sound of a full size guitar because it is one. I love the way it is made and think it is just gorgeous. Just thought I would let you know what I think of it. I am going to tell all the women guitar players I know about your guitars. Thanks for a great guitar!

I was impressed with my new Walden Model D351 Natural Mahogany Acoustic Guitar! I purchased it because I'm learning to play Blues, and wanted a "voice" different from my other acoustics. In addition to my new Walden, I own a C.F. Martin Model GSR - Spruce top /rosewood back/sides , an Epiphone Masterbilt 500MNS, Spruce top /Mahogany back/sides, and a Takamine EG530SSC Acoustic/Electric - Spruce top
/Sapele back/sides.

I am also very pleased with the workmanship, attention to detail, and the "Bluesy" sound/"voice" of the Walden Model D351. All this... plus a really nice padded Gig Bag!
Unbelievable! If this is the overall quality present at the lower-end of the Walden model/price spectrum, the high-end models must be outstanding.

My Walden was clean, shiny, and not a scratch or ding on it anywhere! I looked inside the sound hole, using a flashlight and an extendable Dentist's mirror. Not a sign of glue. Walden workmen obviously paid as much attention to the internal workings as much as they did to the exterior of the guitar.

The sound of the D351 projects nicely, and has great sustain when individual chords are played (try a G Chord in first position). The acoustic sound it emits belies the fact that it is an all-laminate acoustic guitar. The D351 will serve quite nicely for Church Retreats indoors and outdoors, with or without my removable Merkley Sound Hole Amplifier, and during outdoor inclement weather when I won't want any of my other acoustics to brave the elements.

"I picked up my Walden G570CE about a year ago and it was absolutely love at first sight. I personally have always been a dreadnaught fan but the feel of the Grand Auditorium blew me away. Walden’s are becoming extremely popular among my friends and fellow pickers. A close friend of mine that I perform with took one look at my Walden, played for about ten minutes and then went out and purchased one identical to mine. We have since had to have our names stitched into our gig bags to tell our instruments apart. I was asked one Saturday night at an open mic night if I liked my Taylor I was playing and my only response was, 'You must be mistaken, I only play Walden guitars.' Thanks so much for producing a guitar that sounds like a million dollars but doesn’t cost it."

"I love my new Walden 3030CEQ! I’ve been playing guitar for 31 years and owned dozens of guitars during this time. I recently decided it was time for a new acoustic guitar. I spent several weeks trying out all of the high dollar guitars and was about to drop $3K on a Taylor when I discovered the Walden completely by accident. Played side by side against the high dollar guitars, the Walden delivered excellent bass response, wonderful mids and a warm crystalline high end that was every bit the sonic equivalent of the expensive guitars. The playability exceeded that of the more expensive models! I haven’t been able to put this thing down and it has really inspired me to spend more time playing again. Thanks for such a great playing, great sounding and truly inspirational musical instrument!"

"My wife bought me D552 for Christmas. What a fantastic gift! I had played many other 12 string guitars at a local music store, including Fenders, Seagulls, and Taylors. I found the Walden D552 be be a very comfortable 12 string to play. This is a guitar sounds excellent and was my favorite of the lot. An incredible value as well. Everyone that has seen and played my Walden is amazed by how great it sounds and how great they compare to other 12 strings."

"I was chosing an affordable acoustic for my parents to give to my younger brother as a Christmas present. I remember trying a Walden a long time ago and finding it to be marvellous for the price. It was really easy to talk my mom into the D570 since the guitar is ridiculously cheap! Instead of bringing my own acoustic, I played with my brother's new D570 at our extended family get-together. I am flabbergasted. This guitar is darn good. I ended up putting my both acoustics for sale in order to get a Walden for myself also. Each of the acoustics I have cost more than twice as much as the D570. I believe that the G1070 will be the guitar for me, but I must test all available cedar topped Waldens before deciding. I have no idea how you guys do it, but you make excellent guitars with a ridiculous price tag. Thank you very much for that!"

Listen to Aki playing his brother's D570.

Aki is a recording engineer / freelance musician who lives in Espoo / Finland. He began playing drums at the age of 9, but became interested in guitar a few years later. He is now a freelancer playing guitar or bass who is deeply influenced by Robben Ford, Dave Matthews Band and Muse.

" I traded in my Yamaha 12 string for a brand new D350CEB for my 12 year old son. This guitar, even for being on the entry level of Walden, is fantastic! He loves it. Hell, I love it! It's very comfortable/easy to play and sounds great....not to mention it's great looking black gloss finish. Also, I sold my "Little Martin" and picked up the D552 for my son for Christmas. It arrived and I had to take it out and try it before I wrap it and put it away. What a great sounding guitar. Blows that Yamaha away by a long shot! This D552 is also comfortable/easy to play and sounds incredible. Keep up the good work! I don't know how many more Walden's one family can have! It amazes me that with this quality (and price point) that Walden's aren't more common."

Steve wrote us in June about his D555. You can find his other quote below.

"Toco desde os 14 anos e nunca tinha ouvido falar da marca Walden aqui no Brasil. Hoje tenho 29, e a há um ano atrás, ao procurar por um bom violão elétrico que combinasse preço, sonoridade, afinação, qualidade das matérias-primas e um acabamento bem feito, só encontrei no meu Walden D560CE, foi amor ao primeiro acorde. No princípio fiquei desconfiado porque nunca havia ouvido falar de tal marca, nenhum dos meus amigos tinha ou conhecia tais violões. Tive muita sorte quando o atendente me ofereceu para testar um violão que eu sequer tinha percebido na loja. Sou apaixonado pelo meu Walden. Plugadou ou não, é o som que eu sempre esperei de um violão."

[English translation: "I've played since I was 14 years old and had never heard of Walden here in Brazil. Today I'm 29 years old and last year I was looking for a good electric guitar that combined price, sound, refinement, quality materials and a good finish. I found it only in my Walden D560CE and it was love at the first chord. In the beginning I was distrustful because I have never heard of the brand and none of my friends had or knew of these guitars. I was very lucky when the salesman let me test so I could hear what it sounded like in the store. I have gotten passionate about my Walden. Plugged or unplugged, it's the sound that I have always wanted from a guitar."]

"I recently purchased a nice affordable Walden D550 acoustic guitar for a friend that wanted to learn how to play. I looked around a few stores and the guitars in that price range were typically in need of severe adjustments, then I came across the Walden Guitars. This guitar played nicely right off the shelf with a nice rich tone and the factory setup was great. For the money I figured she couldn't go wrong. So I gave a few lessons and the more I played this guitar the more I liked it. So after a few nights on the web and reading up on Walden Guitars I've taken the plunge and just ordered a 12 String D552, a G3000 and a G1070CEQ for my own personal use. The quality of the parts and workmanship is fantastic and make these the best value in acoustic guitars that I have seen in years. Keep up the great work!"

"Ho una Walden G640, il suono é veramente ottimo anche le finiture sono molto curate. Sono soddisfatto, il rapporto qualitá/prezzo é eccellente la consiglio a tutti."

[English translation: "I have a Walden G640, the sound is really excellent and the finish is also a real treat. I am satisfied, the relationship of quality/price is excellent and I recommend it to all."]

"I have played fingerstyle guitar for 25 to 30 years. My last name is Walden (no connection), which led to my initial curiosity about Walden guitars. I recently bought a G2070, and feel blessed. It is difficult for me to imagine that any other guitar at any price could be significantly better in aesthetics, playability, or sound. It’s like a handmade custom instrument. This thing is as clear as a bell, and set up perfectly. I would be embarrassed to tell you what a deal I got on it. I own several other steel string and classical guitars. Over time, I intend to replace them all with Walden models. Thanks a million for making these guitars available at such a great price. Walden Guitars has to be one of the biggest made-in-China success stories."

"I have recently purchased the amazing G3030CEQ. I have owned many guitars, one being a Taylor acoustic that I am very fond of, however I have been in search of a companion guitar to perform with. Obviously I was looking for a guitar with comparable quality and sound. The Walden G3030CEQ with its quality of rich tones, clarity and smooth playabilty is just that! This guitar is incredible, with its all solid wood, superior craftsmanship and Fishman Prefix Pro, it provides professional sound and quality with an affordable price tag."

Visit The Rythmcats at www.rhythmcats.net.

"I bought a D560CE a few days ago having tried offerings from Tanglewood, Takemine and Fender. My gigging guitar is a Takemine 12-string which cost a helluva lot more than the D560CE. However, for tonal quality, body and neck finish and overall playability, the D560CE is absolutely brilliant. I have been playing guitars for over 45 years. In that time I have owned a plethora of brands, including Gibsons, Gretsches, Fenders and Rickenbachers. The D560CE, penny for penny, beats all these hands down. Well done, Walden. I shall be recommending your guitars to my playing friends."

"I am a beginner. I've been teaching myself for about a year now. I've been looking for a second acoustic guitar to go along with my Martin/Sigma DR-41. My goal was to purchase a guitar on a limited budget that sounded decent but one that I could take with me when I travel so that in case it was damaged or lost that my exposure wasn't too great. So, I decided on the Walden D555....very much like my DR-41 with a spruce top and solid wood sides (Sapele Mahogany vs. Rosewood on the DR-41). My decision, as it turned out, was not solely based on price as the feel and sound of the D555 is absolutely incredible. Therefore, my decision was based on a fantastic sounding guitar that was easy to play at a price that seemed like I was stealing! I couldn't say no. Again, I'm a beginner but I like to think that I know what feels good and what sounds good. The D555 not only sounds bright but it has deep bass tones and sustains very nicely. And, too boot, it projects extremely well. I must say, that I play the D555 more than I do the DR-41 now. I may even leave the D555 home when I travel and let the Martin/Sigma have the chance of getting damaged or lost. Nice work!"

"This guitar you made is just what I was looking for. Actually it’s even nicer than what I was hoping for. The right size and shape for me, much nicer looking and more practical then a dread (for me, I’m small), lovely thin neck, a nice nut size (I have small hands so playing it classical is no problem for me) and it plays so sweetly when I play it softly. Plus it sounds good plugged into my stereo if for some reason I do want to play it loud. I’m planning on trying out some recording software and plugging it into my laptop at some stage, just for fun."

"It was love at first sight! When the Walden G570TB became available I bought her at first chance. What a beautiful looking guitar as well as an amazing sounding guitar! Still can't get over the price! I will be forever, a life-long Walden guitar fan. Thanks."

"Bought a G740CE last Fall and like it so well that I just bought a G630CE for open G tuning and slide. After playing dreadnoughts for many years I find the G-body more comfortable and with a better-balanced sound than most larger guitars."

"I am new to guitar, and a girl, and in my search for a playable guitar I almost thought I would end up sacrificing the sound and depth that I wanted to get one I could play with my small hands, until I found the D2040. I really liked the looks, clean and understated with nice inlay and beautiful wood. I knew the minute I played the first chord that I had found my guitar. I found it easy to play the chords that I thought were nearly impossible for me on my cheap guitar, and the sound was amazing. Now that I have played it for a few months it is even better! I was very pleased that such a wonderful guitar was priced within my reach. My teacher who plays a $3000.00 guitar was also very impressed at the playability and wonderful sound. Thank you for building such a wonderful instrument."

"I let my brother and three other friends try my Waldens and none of them believed the quality, and the voice on such affordable guitars. Bottom line, they now all own one."

"I just bought a G570, and I’m astounded by the amount of quality and tone packed into such an inexpensive package. I’ve owned a LOT of nice guitars over 25 years, some as much as 5 times the price of the G570, and this one can hold its own against any of them. Thanks Walden!"

"I've had my D552 for about a month.  I love it.  It plays well and holds tune very nicely.  This is my first (and probably only) 12 string.  I've heard they can be hard to tune and keep tuned, but this one does very well.  I play it and my D550E about equally leading praise and worship in the church I attend.  Thanks for two great instruments."

Visit Seven Springs Church at www.sevenspringschurch.net.

" I just received my new G570L. Man what a sound!!! If it sounds this good new I can’t wait till it gets some age on it and the soundboard really opens up. I have been a D-body fan for years but this G-body has really changed my mind."

"Just bought a D550CE and am delighted with it. Originally I bought it as my 'office' guitar, but its coming home with me."

"My main guitar is (was?) a US made Breedlove, a Grand Concert Model. The G570 is the ONLY guitar I've heard come even close to the sound of a Breedlove. But I like the G570 sound better! ...I've just finished recording my first (solo) CD on which I used the Breedlove. I will be using the G570 on my next CD, guaranteed."

Michael is now an Walden Artist. Find out more about him here.

"I am the proud 2nd place winner of your G570 through the Walden Giveaway with Playguitar! What a beautiful guitar! The tone and action are perfect for me. It's even caused me to venture out of the woodshed and into a small band. Not a bad start for a 52 year old that's been stuck in the same chords and simple riffs for the last 30 years, eh?"

"I've owned Martin guitars in the past and tried many guitars before making my most recent purchase (Martin, Taylor, Alvarz, Breedlove, Atlas, Takamine) and have to say that I'm really impressed by the playability, sound and value of your guitars. Thanks for making such a guitar available for those of us that don't have thousands of dollars to spend, but still want a good sound."

"It took me four years to find my true love (a Gretsch Sierra Jumbo with the Fishman "prefix") but your G630CE beat it out....I've owned Martins, Epiphones, a Gibson, a Guild, a Blueridge, Jay Tursers, Washburns and many others within the $500 to $800 range. I purchased the Walden for less money and it's better than any of these."

"After trying out about 20 different guitars I decided to purchase a D560. I just wanted to let you know after playing it for about a week I am now more pleased than I was when I first brought it home. Thank you for making a quality guitar at an affordable price ."

"The fit and finish are very good, the playability is very very good, and the tone is a cross between Martin and Taylor. Every string plays true with punchy trebles and a very present bass. I am very pleased."