Our Mantra
Continuous improvement is our objective, customer satisfaction our goal, and to build a fine quality instrument that you love to play, our target. I have developed a couple of models that span a wide array of player's preferences. The links on the far left side of our web page (www.johnwalkerguitars.com) will take you to the details/specifications for each guitar model as well as detai
led photos. Model Names
The guitar models are named after rivers and creeks that I have either fished, swam in or visited over the years. Check out details on the actual waterways under "Miscellany", subtitle "Rivers/Creeks" on our web page (www.johnwalkerguitars.com). The Label
The oval label located inside of my guitars is a picture painted by my grandfather, Stanley H. He was a pastel artist and this particular picture is named "Natures Wonderland", painted by him in the 1920's. Location
We are located in beautiful western Montana, approximately eight (8) miles south of Alberton. We have some photos of the shop located within the Shop Tour page of our website. History
Montana years
It all started at the Flatiron Mandolin and Banjo Company in Bozeman Montana in 1980's. While at Flatiron I worked with Eric Lange in the Banjo Department. After a couple of years, I transitioned to the Gibson Montana Division, which was newly located in Bozeman. At the Gibson Montana Division I learned the art of building flat top acoustic guitars. During my tenure at Gibson Montana, along with Ren Ferguson, I developed the Custom Shop. During this time it was my privilege to build non-production instruments for artists, prototypes, and special orders. I was also involved in developing new models and tooling. Seattle years
At the end of 1995, I left Gibson Montana Division and relocated in Seattle Washington, working for Tacoma Guitar, establishing the production facility operations as well as the processes. While I am proud of my work with Tacoma Guitars, I was most fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Michael Gurian from 1997 through 2000. From him, I learned about a different aspect of the guitar industry as it relates to the manufacture of marquetry, rosettes, bridge and end pins, hand made specialty files and laser work
In 2001, the opportunity to work with Steve Andersen, who is known for his fine Arch Top guitars as well as Mandolins presented itself. The years with Steve were an invaluable experience, learning about innovation as well as working with a meticulous craftsman that can do it all. In 2005, I started my own line of instruments, based on what I know, what I have learned, and what you prefer. My goal is to produce fine quality instruments that you will love playing. I look forward to working with you to achieve this goal.
