Product: Walden Guitars Natura D610L
Price Paid: GBP 11
Submitted
04/03/2009
at
01:53pm
by
lizard boy
Features
:
8
This is a left handed (converted to right handed), satin nitro cellulose finish, solid spruce topped dreadnought,rosewood back and sides (laminated), mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, beautiful abalone rosette and dot inlays, decent enclosed tuners that work well, (it was still in tune when it was delivered) made in China (2006 I think) a bit plain looking but I like that. I bought it off ebay as a damaged repairable project for 11GBP! When it arrived the damage was three cracks in the laquer, inspection of the inside with my camera phone confirmed that that was it! I have re-routed the bridge to fit a compensated bone saddle right handed and made a right handed bone nut. I have also fitted an Artec HT Triblend preamp and pickups.
Sound
:
10
I'll only comment on the acoustic sound which is fantastic. Good for bashing out chords, finger picking or even bluesy lead work.
Strong bass, rich mid range and bright top end, very well balanced. How much of that is down to the original build and how much is due to what I've done I'm not sure. The left handed bracing pattern must contribute in some way! One of my friends has a high end ??1800 Taylor and says that he prefers the sound and playability of my Walden. He won't swap though!
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Action was a bit high when I got it but that didn't matter. See above. Fret work is well done with nicely finished ends.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Absolutely. Frequently do. Well made solidly constructed, I've knocked it over twice and it still sounds great. My only other comment is that because I removed the scratch plate the satin finish is now a highly polished gloss where my fingers rub against the top when playing. Adds to the character.
Customer Support
:
5
Never needed it and can't expect much after what I payed then susequently did. I've given it 5 as I had to enter a number. I really can't comment.
Overall Rating
:
10
Been playing off and on for 35 years, seriously for the past 6. I've got a Gibson Les Paul Standard, Fender Strat, Tanglewood Super Jumbo, Giannini 12 string, no name bass (another ebay bargin) and 4 or 5 other guitars that I built. If this guitar were lost or stolen I'd try and find another one. If the standard guitars are half as good as this one they will still be a bargin even at full price (??250-??300 I think)!
