Heiden Stringed Instruments

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Overview

Heiden Stringed Instruments is a custom acoustic guitar and mandolin manufacturer founded by luthier Michael Heiden. The company specializes in handcrafted stringed instruments, particularly known for F-style mandolins and acoustic guitars built with attention to setup, playability, and responsiveness. Operating from a small shop in the Creston Valley, Heiden represents a traditional approach to lutherie focused on quality over volume.

History

Michael Heiden began making instruments in Vancouver, British Columbia in the 1970s, initially working as a skilled repairman specializing in restoration and setup of quality instruments. Since the mid-1970s, he has been building custom instruments from his shop in the Creston Valley. Over the years, Heiden has produced approximately 200 mandolins, establishing a reputation for distinctive instrument setup and player-friendly design. The company remains independently operated and continues production today.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Custom Acoustic Guitars	Handcrafted, player-focused instruments	$2,000 - $5,000
F-Style Mandolins	Premium custom mandolins with refined setup	$2,500 - $6,000
F-5 Mandolins	High-end artist-grade mandolins	$3,000 - $7,000

Manufacturing

All instruments are handcrafted in-house at the Creston Valley workshop by Michael Heiden and his team. Production emphasizes custom setup and individual attention to each instrument's playability and responsiveness. The small-scale operation prioritizes quality and player satisfaction over mass production.

Notable Products

F-Style Artist Mandolin - Custom mandolin featuring refined setup and responsive design
F-5 Mandolin - High-end mandolin model built to exacting specifications
Custom Acoustic Guitars - Handcrafted guitars designed for discerning players with emphasis on tone and playability

Reputation

Heiden Stringed Instruments is respected among folk, bluegrass, and acoustic music communities for meticulous craftsmanship and instrument setup. The brand is known for creating responsive, player-friendly instruments that appeal to discerning musicians. Heiden's reputation stems from decades of lutherie experience combined with background as a skilled repairman, though the limited production volume and custom-order nature means the brand remains relatively niche within the broader instrument market.

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