Kim Walker

Kim Walker has been involved full time in the musical instrument making business since 1973, beginning as a banjo and dulcimer maker. He started making flattop guitars in 1974. In 1979 he went to work for noted collector and dealer George Gruhn. By 1984 he was running Gruhn's six man repair shop. In 1986 he started making prototypes for new models for the Guild Guitar Company. In 1987 he was hired by Guild to be head of their R&D and custom shop. By 1988 he was supervising production as the assistant plant manager. Being involved in all phases of production of some 50 guitars a day is a great way for a maker to get his chops up! In 1994 Kim started Walker guitars, making both flattop and archtop guitars. During all the years at Gruhn's and at Guild he maintained a personal studio to create custom instruments.

Walker's flat top designs are mostly influenced by C. F. Martin’s classic pre-war period with a bit of Gibson from the 30's, 40's and 50's. He then adds a modern neck to the formula and finishes them with a beautiful varnish. Each guitar is tap tuned to meet the requirements of string gauge and playing style. His guitars have great tone, power and dynamics. His archtop designs are a synthesis of influences. He sees John D'Angelico's work as his main inspiration mixed quite heavily with Jimmy D'Aquisto's work; add some Gibson Lloyd Loar period work and the twist of Walker and voila!

Walker brings together new technology available today as well as proven Old World techniques. The use of premium woods and materials combined with 25+ years' experience make Walker guitars truly master grade instruments. George Gruhn commented, "Kim is one of the finest craftsmen I have ever met; his workmanship and sense of aesthetics are truly extraordinary, on par with the highest rated makers of yesterday and today."

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