2022 Luthiers and Prizes

50th National Flat-Picking Championships Contest Prizes

The Walnut Valley Association wishes to thank the makers of the instruments and accessories that are to be awarded as prizes at the 50th National Flat-Picking Championships for their generosity and their interest in the musicians who enter the Walnut Valley contests.

Walnut Valley Association suggests that you consider these fine luthiers if you are in the market for a new instrument. It is through their cooperation and fine craftsmanship that these prestigious events enjoy such notice around the country and the world.
There will be more than $107,369 in cash, trophies, and instrument prizes awarded to the contestants with the highest scores in each of the eight contests.

Early Registration for the National Flat-Picking Championships will close at 5pm on Friday, September 9, 2022. Registration will re-open on Festival Grounds Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 7am. We will accept contest registrations until one hour before the scheduled contest.

$20 entry fee for all instrument championships.

All contests will be held on Stage IV.  

International Autoharp Championship

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

d’ Aigle Cascade SP G-D Diatonic Autoharp

This autoharp has the special lighter weight design yet possesses the big, beautiful sound customary to d’Aigle Autoharps.  This autoharp includes walnut harvested in southern Oregon more than 30 years ago for the backs and sides, with a spruce top.  Daigle’s patented Flat Line Fine Tuning System and a springless quick change chord bar system.

Pete Daigle

d'Aigle Autoharps
19106 Des Moines Memorial Dr
Sea Tac, WA 98148
800-630-HAPR (4277)
www.autoharp.com

Whippoorwill Acoustics Luthier’s Choice Custom Autoharp

Whippoorwill Acoustics is proud to present an 18-bar Curly Maple Whippoorwill Model autoharp, voiced for sweetness.  In honor of the Walnut Valley Festival’s golden anniversary, the trim on this autoharp is 50,000 year-old Kauri wood from New Zealand that has a shimmery-gold appearance. A certificate of authenticity will be provided. Hand-crafted in Indiana, this autoharp is voiced for a balanced response from bass through treble and sounds good in any key. The setup will be customized to the winner’s satisfaction.  This autoharp features French Polish finish, quarter-sawn solid woods, fine tuners and low, fast action.

Whippoorwill Acoustics

6195 N Old 102 Rd
Columbia City, IN  46725
260-249-5561

www.whippoorwillacoustics.com

Silver Pearl

One silver encased 2022 Festival pick pendant will be given to the First Place winner.

Silver Pearl Designs by Debbie Winton

9125 W 82nd St N
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-841-9576

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

One each music related, custom designed jewelry by Brendan White will be given to the first place winner. 

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

P.O. Box 1344
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-401-3013
www.brendanwhitejewelry.com

BlueChip Picks

Revolutionizing the pick industry!  One pick of choice will be given to the First Place Winner.

BlueChip Pick

1112 New Henderson Rd
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-803-9442
www.bluechippick.net

International Finger Style Guitar Championship

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Huss & Dalton Winfield Competition Model FS Guitar

This Huss & Dalton Winfield Competition Model FS is aimed directly at the modern finger-style player. While utilizing the body shape of the CM, it adds shallower body depth for a more immediate response along with lighter top bracing for greater sustain. Its wider tapered fretboard, combined with a flatter, low-profile neck shape, ultimately creates the perfect finger-style guitar. An Engelmann spruce top will adorn the custom FS paired with Indian Rosewood back and sides, maple body and fretboard bindings, Abalone rosette, and neo-pyramid bridge. A custom Winfield Competition inlay will be featured the on this Model FS, and a classic case will accompany the guitar.

Huss & Dalton Guitar Co., Inc.

420 Bridge Street
Staunton, VA 24401-4508
540-887-2313
www.hussanddalton.com

Bourgeois Finger Style Custom Guitar

Bourgeois Guitars is providing a Dana Bourgeois Signature Deluxe Model guitar with choice Madagascar Rosewood for sides and back and Sinker Redwood for the top.  The body binding is a figured koa and the purfling is Dana Bourgeois’ Signature Herringbone. The headstock includes a Winfield exclusive inlay available only on this and future Winfield prize guitars.  Dana Bourgeois designed this beautiful guitar with the most coveted features to create the finger stylist dream guitar.

Bourgeois Guitars, Inc.

41 Canal St.
Lewiston, ME 04240
207-786-0385
www.bourgeoisguitars.com

Taylor 812ce Grand Concert Guitar

Taylor’s rosewood/spruce Grand Concert is all about articulation and intimacy, and with its newly added radius-style rosewood armrest, the playing experience is more refined than ever. It’s a fingerstyle favorite for its balanced and focused response, now enhanced by the tone-boosting power of V-Class bracing. The revoicing of the 800 Series has brought out extra midrange warmth in this body shape, while the bracing design adds projection and sustain, making this a surprisingly punchy guitar for its compact, player-friendly size. A Venetian cutaway offers easy access to the upper register, while Taylor Expression System 2 electronics serve up exceptional amplified tone. Premium appointments include maple binding and back strip, rosewood top edge trim, smoked nickel tuners, and a rosewood pickguard.

Taylor Guitars, Inc.

1980 Gillespie Way
El Cajon, CA 92020
619-258-1207
www.taylorguitars.com

Fishman Loudbox Artist Amplifier

One Loudbox Artist will be given to the First Place winner.  It features 120 watts of ultra-clean, bi-amplified acoustic power, two versatile input channels with Fishman’s legendary tone and feedback fighting controls, plus a new dual effects section making the new Loudbox Artist the ultimate portable acoustic instrument amplifier for the seriously active musician.

Fishman Transducers, Inc.

6 Riverside Dr
Andover MA 01810
978-988-9199
www.fishman.com

Fishman Matrix Pickup and Preamp System

One pickup and preamp system will be given to the First Place winner.

Fishman Transducers, Inc.

6 Riverside Dr
Andover, MA 01810
978-988-9199
www.fishman.com

Solid Ground Stands

One custom handcrafted stand with carrying case will be given to the first place winner of the International Finger Style Guitar Championship.

Solid Ground Stands

9156 E 37th Court
Tulsa, OK 74145
918-688-6790
www.solidgroundstands.com

Hatman Jack's "Finest" Custom Made Hats

One will be given to the First Place winner.

Wichita Hat Works

601 W Douglas
Wichita, KS 67213
316-264-4881
www.hatmanjacks.com

BlueChip Pick

Revolutionizing the pick industry!  One pick of choice will be given to the First Place winner.

BlueChip Pick

1112 New Henderson Rd
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-803-9442
www.bluechippick.net

Silver Pearl

One silver encased 2022 Festival pick pendant will be given to the First Place winner.

Silver Pearl Designs by Debbie Winton

9125 W 82nd St N
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-841-9576

Elliott Capos

One Capo will be given to the First Place Winner.

Elliott Capos

P.O. Box 362
Brenham, TX 77834
979-421-9393
www.elliottcapo.com

National Mountain Dulcimer Championship

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

4FKOA--E Custom

4 string Custom Koa standard VSL mountain dulcimer, made of Koa wood and a includes a pickup. 

The Dulcimer Shoppe/McSpadden Dulcimers

P.O. Box 1230
Mountain View, AR 72560
870-269-4313
www.mcspaddendulcimers.com

6FTWWB-E Teardrop Baritone

Teardrop 6-String baritone mountain dulcimer with ebony fretboard and black tuners

The Dulcimer Shoppe/McSpadden Dulcimers

P.O. Box 1230
Mountain View, AR 72560
870-269-4313
www.mcspaddendulcimers.com

4SGCC-E Scroll Head Cherry Ginger

A Scroll Head Cherry Ginger model mountain dulcimer with ebony fretboard.

The Dulcimer Shoppe/McSpadden Dulcimers

P.O. Box 1230
Mountain View, AR 72560
870-269-4313
www.mcspaddendulcimers.com

BlueChip Pick

Revolutionizing the pick industry!  One pick of choice will be given to the First Place Winner.

BlueChip Pick

1112 New Henderson Rd
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-803-9442
www.bluechippick.net

Dulcimer Player News

One Two-year subscription will be given to each of the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Winners of the National Mountain Dulcimer Championship.

Dulcimer Player News

P.O. Box 94
Harrisburg, MO 65256
573-445-5621
www.dpnews.com

Silver Pearl

One sliver encased 2022 Festival pick pendant will be given to the First Place winner.

Silver Pearl Designs by Debbie Winton

9125 W 82nd St N
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-841-9576

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

One each music related, custom designed jewelry by Brendan White will be given to the first-place winner.

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

P.O. Box 1344
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-401-3013
www.brendanwhitejewelry.com

National Mandolin Championship

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Collings MT A-style Mandolin

Featuring a premium carved Engelmann spruce top and seasoned figured maple back and sides, the handcrafted MT offers professional level tone and playability in a simple and understated appointment package. An ultra thin all-nitrocellulose lacquer finish and individually graduated tonewoods provide ringing sustain, a wide dynamic range, and impressive responsiveness that can rival instruments at considerably higher price points. 

Collings Guitar, Inc.

11210 W Highway 290
Austin, TX 78737
512-288-7776
www.collingsguitars.com

Solid Ground Stands

One custom handcrafted stand with carrying case will be given to the first place winner of the National Mandolin Championship.

Solid Ground Stands

9156 E 37th Court
Tulsa, OK 74145
918-688-6790
www.solidgroundstands.com

BlueChip Picks

Revolutionizing the pick industry!  One pick of choice will be given to the First Place Winner.

BlueChip Picks

1112 New Henderson Rd
Knoxville, TN  37931
865-803-9442

www.bluechippick.net

Silver Pearl

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

One silver encased 2022 Festival pick pendant will be given to the First Place winner.

Silver Pearl Designs by Debbie Winton

9125 W 82nd St N
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-841-9576

One each music related, custom designed jewelry by Brendan White will be given to the first-place winner.

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

P.O. Box 1344
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-401-3013
www.brendanwhitejewelry.com

Walnut Valley Old Time Fiddle Championship

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Callegari Violin - anno 2022 - 1742 Guarneri

Callegari instruments are expertly hand made in a workshop using methods of the Cremonese violin making tradition. Internally made with willow blocks, the instrument is lighter in weight and has an improved tone. This violin features premium traditional aged tonewoods, tastefully antiqued hybrid/spirit varnish, and a top quality bridge. Instrument includes in-house pro fiddler setup including L.R. Baggs pickup and planetary tuning pegs. 

Beautiful Music Violin Shop

925 Iowa St, Ste I
Lawrence, KS 66004
785-856-8755
www.beautifulmusicviolinshop.com

Luis and Clark Carbon Fiber 5-String Fiddle

A popular alternative to a 4-string violin or viola, this compact lightweight 5-string violin model brings the best of both worlds. This instrument comes with a Realist under-bridge pickup, and geared tuning pegs, and weighs less than a pound. It is perfect for musicians wanting to play in any climate, and in situations that may expose instruments to damage. It is impervious to changes in weather and humidity, almost completely resistant to damage, and requires very little time and effort to maintain.

Beautiful Music Violin Shop

925 Iowa St, Ste I
Lawrence, KS 66004
785-856-8755
www.beautifulmusicviolinshop.com

Jay Haide Special Model a l‘ancienne Eurowood - anno 2021 - Guadagnini Model Fiddle

Jay Haide l’ancienne is made of European tonewoods and carefully hand varnished to emulate the appearance of a fine old Stradivari or Guarneri violin. They are as beautiful tonally as they are visually. Jay Haide à l’ancienne has been designed for the advanced student and professional who needs an instrument that will compliment and enhance their artistic style. Instrument includes in-house pro-fiddler setup including a L.R. Baggs pickup and planetary tuning pegs. 

Beautiful Music Violin Shop

925 Iowa St, Ste I
Lawrence, KS 66004
785-856-8755
www.beautifulmusicviolinshop.com

Fishman Concert Series Violin Pickup

One pickup will be given to the First Place winner.

Fishman Transducers, Inc.

6 Riverside Dr
Andover, MA 01810
978-988-9199
www.fishman.com

BlueChip Pick

Revolutionizing the pick industry!  One pick of choice will be given to the First Place Winner.

BlueChip Picks

1112 New Henderson Rd
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-803-9442
www.bluechippick.com

Silver Pearl

One silver encased 2022 Festival pick pendant will be given to the First Place winner.

Silver Pearl Designs by Debbie Winton

9125 W 82nd St N
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-841-9576

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

One each music related, custom designed jewelry by Brendan White will be given to the first-place winner.

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

P.O. Box 1344
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-401-3013
www.brendanwhitejewelry.com

National Flat Pick Guitar Championship

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Preston Thompson D-SMA Custom Dreadnought Guitar

Crafted to produce the tone and volume that the dreadnought guitar was originally designed to achieve. The D-SMA is based on a 1937 Herringbone Dreadnought originally owned by the late Charles Sawtelle.  Made with Sinker Mahogany sides and back, Adirondack Spruce top, advanced X brace placement, hand graduated top thickness, pre-war hand carved scalloped braces, nitro-cellulose lacquer finishes and time-tested design features such as dovetail neck joints, embellished with a custom inlay and comes with a Harptone® case.

Preston Thompson Guitars

352 East Main Avenue
Sisters, OR 97759
541-588-6211
www.pktguitars.com

Martin D-28 Guitar

The all new D-28 blends the rich history of the guitar with Martin’s newest and most heralded innovations. The 184 year old guitar maker has combined vintage appointments, including an aged toner top, antique white accents, and a faux tortoise pickguard with a new neck profile to give D-28 enthusiasts a modern feel and comfortable playing experience. This D-28 has been customized with gold tuners and endpins to commemorate Walnut Valley Festival’s 50th festival. Martin has also added forward-shifted bracing to allow greater vibration of the top. The legend just got better! 

C.F. Martin & Co., Inc.

510 Sycamore St
Nazareth, PA 18064
800-633-2060
www.martinguitar.com

Collings Winfield Model Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce Guitar

A remake of the famous Collings Clarence White model, this Dreadnought has mahogany back and sides, Adirondack spruce top, custom neck and bridge, tortoise fingerboard binding, ebony headstock overlay with Collings custom “Wheat” inlay, large sound hole and CW (Dalmation) pickguard.

Collins Guitar, Inc.

11210 W Hwy 290
Austin, TX 78737
512-288-7776
www.collingsguitars.com

Solid Ground Stands

Hatman Jack's "Finest" Custom Made Hats

One will be given to the First Place winner.

Wichita Hat Works

601 W Douglas
Wichita, KS 67213
316-264-4881
www.hatmanjacks.com

Solid Ground Stands

One Custom Stand will be given to the First Place Winner.

Solid Ground Stands

9156 E 37th Court
Tulsa, OK 74145
918-688-6790
www.solidgroundstands.com

Fishman Rare Earth Humbucking Soundhole Pickup

One pickup will be given to the First Place winner.

Fishman Transducers, Inc.

6 Riverside Dr
Andover, MA 01810
978-988-9199
www.fishman.com

BlueChip Pick

Revolutionizing the pick industry!  One pick of choice will be given to the First Place Winner.

BlueChip Pick

1112 New Henderson Rd
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-803-9442
www.bluechippick.net

Silver Pearl

One silver encased 2022 Festival pick pendant will be given to the First Place winner.

Silver Pearl Designs by Debbie Winton

9125 W 82nd St N
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-841-9576

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

One each music related, custom designed jewelry by Brendan White will be given to the first-place winner.

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

P.O. Box 1344
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-401-3013
www.brendanwhitejewelry.com

Elliott Capos

One Elliott Elite Capo will be given to the First Place Winner.

Elliott Capos

P.O. Box 362
Brenham, TX  77834
979-421-9393
www.elliottcapo.com

National Hammer Dulcimer Championship

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Master Works 16/15 CBWXR7 Bantam Weight Chromatic Extended Range Hammer Dulcimer

With 4-1/2 octaves range (weighing only 11 1/2 lbs.), this beautifully crafted instrument of mahogany top and back, low-sustain Rosewood bridges, exotic wood endrails plus custom WVA soundhole inlays is a musical trophy for any performer level musician to travel with and make magnificent music all over the world.

Master Works, Ink

P.O. Box 167
36613 US Hwy 70
Bennington, OK 74723
580-847-2273
www.masterworksok.com

Rick Thum 17/17 Professional Chromatic Hammer Dulcimer with Dampers

3 ½  octave chromatic range.  Highly Figured Walnut sides. Ten-ply hard rock maple piano pin blocks.  Tuning pins on both sides for easy and accurate tuning.  Adirondack Spruce Top, Patented Maple Bridges with one of the instruments three Patented designs to control sustain and equal volume across the instrument.  One inch Space between string courses.  The experienced player will discover a fast attack, broad dynamic range and rich balanced voicing.  A beautiful instrument for all musical settings.  Hand Built by Rick Thum especially for this festival.

Rick Thum Dulcimers

6710 Twin River Rd.
Eureka, MO 63025
314-406-0690
www.rthum.com

Songbird Hammer Dulcimers

The Finch Chromatic Pro the flagship of our Multiple Section Soundboard solid top hammered dulcimer models.  The top of the Finch Chromatic Pro is solid Genuine Mahogany creating a sound that is big, rich and open.  The sides of the Finch Chromatic Pro are Maple with Wenge bindings and bridge.  Overall color scheme is a harmonious red.  The top will eventually darken to a rich dark red.  The back is laminated Birch for strength.  Not only is this dulcimer beautiful, it is also durable.  Take it anywhere and it will probably still be in tune when you get there.  It is Fully Chromatic over 3 octaves, and more than a 4 octave range. 

Songbird Hammer Dulcimers

803 Whicher Street
Muscatine, IA 52761
563-571-5296
www.songbirdhd.com

BlueChip Pick

Revolutionizing the pick industry!  One pick of choice will be given to the First Place Winner.

BlueChip Picks

1112 New Henderson Rd
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-803-9442
www.bluechippick.net

Dulcimer Player News

One Two-year subscription will be given to each of the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place Winners of the National Hammer Dulcimer Championship.

Dulcimer Player News

P.O. Box 94
Harrisburg, MO 65256
573-445-5621
www.dpnews.com

Wolf Hill Woodworking

One custom hammer dulcimer stand will be given to each of the First, Second and Third Place Winners.

Special Label Signature Ashbrook pairs of hammers will be given to each of the First, Second and Third Place Winners.

One pair of Custom Signature Ashbrook hammers will be given to the first 15 competitors.

Wolf Hill Woodworking

54 Gulf Hill Rd
Voorheesville, NY 12186
bobbedardhammers@gmail.com
www.wolfhillwoodworking.com

Sliver Pearl

One silver encased 2022 Festival pick pendant will be given to the First Place winner.

Silver Pearl Designs by Debbie Winton

9125 W 82nd St N
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-841-9576

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

One each music related, custom designed jewelry by Brendan White will be given to the First-Place winner.

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

P.O. Box 1344
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-401-3013
www.brendanwhitejewelry.com

National Bluegrass Banjo Championship

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

OME Ikon Professional

The OME IKON is designed for the advanced player who is after Extreme fingerpicking performance.  It features an extra wide 1.34” nut width, a 10” radiused fingerboard, a 0.80” tall bridge, and a pre-war style flange and resonator.  It is available in Mahogany, Walnut and Curly Maple woods with either aged brass or nickel hardware.  The OME Vintage tone ring, tung-oil varnish finish, and a Deluxe hard-shell case are standard.

Ome Banjos

5680 Valmont Rd
Boulder, CO 80301
303-449-0041
www.omebanjos.com

Deering Calico 5-String Banjo

Stained in a rich honey amber with a high gloss finish, the Calico is made of a premium grade of American maple.  Crafted with the ‘06 bell bronze tone ring, nickel finished hardware, ivoroid binding, Mother-of-Pearl inlays, and taper resonator side walls, the Calico is a powerful banjo with a distrinctly bright, sparkling tone.  The glued in frets give stability to the ebony fingerboard and allow the player an unparalleled note distinction.  Whether you are a powerful bluegrass player or want to play in a delicate melodic style, the Calico will rise to the occasion to give you greater musicality for your efforts.  Deering has added an engraved armrest saying “Winfield 2022” to let the world know you have been chosen as one of the best banjo players in the world of banjo.

Deering Banjo Company

3733 Kenora Dr.
Spring Valley, CA 91977
800-845-7791
www.deeringbanjos.com

Deering White Lotus Banjo

Innovation has long been a key ingredient for Deering’s pioneering spirit in the world of banjo manufacturing. This new natural colored white oak banjo is finished in a high gloss with nickel plating and newly created engraved white inlays. The bluegrass inspired White Lotus banjo, named for its lotus flower inspired inlay pattern created by Greg Deering, is centered around the patented white oak rim that creates a magnificently bold tone without the traditionally heavy tone ring found in most bluegrass banjos of this tonal character. The result is an incredibly birth, crisp bluegrass punch with good sustain and note distinction without the weight! This banjo ushers in a new era of playing comfort and sound for all banjo players in the future. This year’s Deering prize banjo will feature the traditional special armrest engraved with  “Winfield 2022”.

Deering Banjo Company

3733 Kenora Dr.
Spring Valley, CA 91977
800-845-7791
www.deeringbanjos.com

Solid Ground Stands

One custom handcrafted stand with carrying case will be given to the first place winner of the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship.

Solid Ground Stands

9156 E 37th Court
Tulsa, OK 74145
918-688-6790
www.solidgroundstands.com

Fishman Rare Earth Banjo Pickup

One pickup will be given to the First Place Winner.

Fishman Transducers, Inc.

6 Riverside Dr
Andover, MA 01810
978-988-9199
www.fishman.com

BlueChip Pick

Revolutionizing the pick industry!  One pick of choice will be given to the First Place winner.

BlueChip Picks

1112 New Henderson Rd
Knoxville, TN 37931
865-803-9442
www.bluechippick.net

Silver Pearl

A silver encased 2022 Festival pick pendant will be given to the First Place winner.

Silver Pearl Designs by Debbie Winton

9125 W 82 St N
Valley Center, KS 67147
316-841-9576

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

One each music related, custom designed jewelry by Brendan White will be given to the first-place winner.

Brendan White Jewelry Designs

P.O. Box 1344
Gypsum, CO 81637
970-401-3013
www.brendanwhitejewelry.com

Elliott Capos

One Elliott Elite Capo will be given to the First Place Winner.

Elliott Capos


PO Box 362
Brenham, TX  77834
979-421-9393
www.elliottcapo.com

Contestants must have a valid wristband for the day of the contest in order to gain admittance to the Festival grounds.

To view the contest rules online:

Or, for a copy of the contest rules, write to:

Picture of Walnut Valley Association

Walnut Valley Association

P.O. Box 245
Winfield, KS 67156

Picture of Walnut Valley Association

Walnut Valley Association

620-221-3250

You may also pick up a contest brochure at the Contest Registration Trailer during the Festival. (Opens Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 7:00am)

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