Your music reflects your attitude and how you live your life. It is an expression of the choices you make - choices that matter.
Your instrument is the same. It goes without saying that you want a great instrument. But wouldn't it be wonderful to know that your instrument was also built in a responsible and ethical way?
At Hans Music Spot we realize how that there is more to music than simply meeting a financial bottom line. We're starting to make a fundamental shift in the way we do business, and focusing our support on companies who don't just make instruments, but also make a difference.
On a recent trip to Sydney, Peter had the privilege of meeting Jonathan Lee and the team from Walden who shared their ground breaking approach to instrument manufacturing for the 21st century.
You may think you know all about the manufacturing industry in China... but Walden are here to show us how to do things differently!
Walden care about people:
- Walden produce all of their guitars in one factory, their own, which means they have total control of production from tree to player.
- Their workers are sourced from the local area, not contracted from all over China.
- These workers are paid an above average wage plus overtime.
- They work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
- They work in a safe and well-lit woodworking shop.
- All Walden employees have full health and retirement benefits (surprisingly, still an uncommon benefit in China!)
Walden care about the environment:
- Walden is the first Chinese manufacturer, and one of few world-wide who manufacture a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approved guitar.
- Walden not only build guitars with a lifetime warranty, but guarantee that they are building a sustainable instrument in first world manufacturing facilities.
In this day and age where a Chinese manufacturer can churn out over 1 million guitars a year, there aren't too many players that can claim they know exactly were their guitar came from.
When you play a Walden guitar, you're one of the privileged few!
It's reassuring to know that there is at least one progressive company with the future locked squarely in their sights.
