Johnson or Walden?

[oligolli]

Hi,

 

I have a Washburn D10s which I have been learning on for the past few months, but I find myself getting into fingerstyle and the dread size feels uncomfortable while lounging on the couch.

 

So, I am looking to get a smaller body guitar. I was interested in the Godin line - hoping to get a warm sound from their cedar tops - but their prices in the UK are over my budget of $350-400.

 

Heard lots of good things about Greg Rich's guitars and found a Johnson JO-17 within my budget. That has solid spruce top with rosewood lam back and sides. Is the bone nut/saddle a significant plus?

 

The other guitar I am considering is the Walden G570. That has a cedar top with lam mahogany back and sides, I think.

 

Which would you go for? Are there other guitars worth considering (Please don't mention Larrivee, Guild, Blueridge or Morgan Monroe - they are either impossible to find or overpriced in the UK)?

You folks have it good over there.

 

Thanks,

 

Oli

[C70man]

Johnsons are pretty well liked by people I know that have them. But for $350-$400 you might want to find a nice new Yami or something used.

[Scott Fonseca]

Or maybe a Seagull S6? They have a cedar top.

[drnihili]

I haven't played a Johnson, but I've liked all of the Waldens I've played, I much prefer them to Seagull.

 

Have you had a chance to play both the Johnson and Walden?

[T.B.]

Hi, I have a Washburn D10s which I have been learning on for the past few months, but I find myself getting into fingerstyle and the dread size feels uncomfortable while lounging on the couch. So, I am looking to get a smaller body guitar. I was interested in the Godin line - hoping to get a warm sound from their cedar tops - but their prices in the UK are over my budget of $350-400. Heard lots of good things about Greg Rich's guitars and found a Johnson JO-17 within my budget. That has solid spruce top with rosewood lam back and sides. Is the bone nut/saddle a significant plus? The other guitar I am considering is the Walden G570. That has a cedar top with lam mahogany back and sides, I think. Which would you go for? Are there other guitars worth considering (Please don't mention Larrivee, Guild, Blueridge or Morgan Monroe - they are either impossible to find or overpriced in the UK)? You folks have it good over there. Thanks, Oli

 

Here's some links that may be of help.

 

My review of the Walden G570. If you want a couch guitar I would think a 000 model would probably be better. The G570 is 4 5/8 deep so I'm not sure it's a couch guitar.

 

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1643787

 

I have no experience with Johnson guitars, but some of our members do; I'm sure they'll be along shortly. HCAG member Bill asked a similar question a while back, different Johnson model though. Here's the link.

 

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1764487&highlight=Walden+Guitar

 

As DonK mentioned he owns the JO-27model, that's an 000 model with a short scale. It seems to me that guitar would be a nice guitar to play comfortable on the couch. Have you considered the Art&Lutherie Folk and Ami models? Part of the Godin family and very reasonably priced. Fine guitars A&L.

 

http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/guitars.htm

 

Trina

 

Welcome Oli.

[MattSkibaIsGOD]

I have said it before, but I will reitterate that I have never played a guitar that sounded or felt better than either of my steel string Waldens; a G570 and a D550.