Walden D550 = pretty good guitar

[jandrew]

Just a point of reference for those who might be interested:

 

I had been playing some inexpensive guitars at the shops for a few months

looking for something for my son (24th birthday; he took some lessons about

6 years ago with a rental guitar, but now wants to take it more seriously).

 

I had settled on a Yamaha FG700MS (solid top, matt finish) I played at the

local Long and McQuade, but when I went back it was gone. Then I checked

out some Waldens at Quest Musique -- in particular, the D550, also solid

top, satin finish.

 

Easy to play (well, the 1 11/16 nut is a bit narrow for myself as I'm so

used to my Larrivee), sounds great, and good price for a solid top guitar.

Long story short, they had three in stock and I tried all three and chose

the best sounding one -- my son now has a good quality, nice sounding

first guitar. (with a lifetime warranty as well).

 

I would recommend anyone looking for a decent guitar around the the 200

dollar price range to check out the Walden 500 series guitars. Fit and

finish on this example is very good, action very playable, intonation is

great up the neck, and the tuners are very smooth and hold tune just fine.

 

cheers,

andrew

[spokenward]

Thanks for the impression. You noted that you picked the best sounding one, which always seems like good practice. Can I ask your impression of how much variation there was in sound, setup, finish or cosmetics between the three?

 

Pat

[jandrew]

Thanks for the impression. You noted that you picked the best sounding one, which always seems like good practice. Can I ask your impression of how much variation there was in sound, setup, finish or cosmetics between the three? Pat

 

Honestly, not too much variation, and what variation there was could have easily been

due to just differences in string age. The first one sounded just fine, the second was a

little livelier sounding with a bit more bass clarity, and the third was a bit duller than the

first. I chose sample two, which will probably sound like sample one in a week or so, and

more like sample three in a month.

 

All felt and looked pretty much the same, all had good intonation, no buzzing or other

issues (either sonic or cosmetic) on any of the three samples.

 

cheers,

andrew

[T.B.]

Walden makes a quality guitar; I too like the Walden Natura Line Series models.

[kimona]

Unlike Yamahas, my experience with Waldens indicates inconsistent quality. So... IMHO, it's important to check-out a Walden very closely before you decide on one.

[MattSkibaIsGOD]

I just bought another D550 and it is a keeper. I agree with Trina that Walden makes a quality guitar.