Dieter Müller 7 String, 2024

This extraordinary 7-string concert guitar by Dieter Müller represents the pinnacle of modern German double-top design and was commissioned and built in 2024 specifically for Bokyung Byun, winner of the GFA International Guitar Competition. Instruments by Müller are held in the highest regard by top international players, and this example reflects his work at the very highest level.

The only reason this guitar is available is practical rather than musical. Its original owner ultimately decided that seven-string repertoire was not central to her current work. In her own words, the guitar rivals her primary instrument in every respect, and she noted that it may even surpass it sonically. The seven-string configuration simply proved too specialized for her current repertoire.

Despite the added string, this guitar is remarkably lightweight and responsive, showcasing Müller’s mastery of modern double-top construction. The voice is defined by exceptional clarity, powerful fundamentals, and an enormous dynamic range. What makes this instrument especially compelling is how seamlessly the seventh string integrates into the sound, retaining focus and definition rather than becoming diffuse or overly dominant.

Specifications

Luthier: Dieter Müller
Year: 2024
Configuration: 7-string (seventh tuned to low B)
Top: Cedar double top with Nomex core
Back & Sides: Wenge
Construction: Doubletop
Scale Length: 640 mm
Neck Profile: Thin C-shape
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Dark hardwood with bone tie-block details
Tuners: Barnett
Condition: Excellent, essentially as new

Sound

This guitar delivers the hallmark characteristics of the modern German double-top school: clarity, separation, and power, balanced by warmth and color. The trebles are focused and singing, the middle register is thick yet transparent, and the basses are deep, articulate, and controlled. The seventh string, tuned here to low B, speaks with impressive authority and definition.

Playability

The neck is a thin, comfortable C-shape, well suited to a seven-string layout, allowing for easy maneuverability despite the wider fingerboard. Combined with the shorter scale length, the instrument feels surprisingly manageable in the left hand, even in complex passages.

Construction & Design

The cedar double top is paired with a Nomex core, resulting in a fast, immediate response with excellent headroom. The back and sides are made from wenge, a dense and visually striking tonewood that Müller has used to great effect here, contributing depth and authority to the bass register while maintaining clarity across the spectrum.

A thoughtful design detail sets this guitar apart: the spacing between the sixth and seventh strings is intentionally slightly wider than the spacing between the inner strings. In practice, this allows the seventh string to feel clearly intentional rather than accidental, making it easy to access when desired without interfering with standard right-hand technique.

The rosette is Müller’s current design and appears on his most recent instruments. The bridge features a clean, understated tie block with bone accents, and the overall aesthetic is elegant, modern, and refined without excess ornamentation.

This guitar is in outstanding condition and has been meticulously cared for. There are no scratches, dings, or signs of wear. It is rare to encounter a concert-level instrument of this caliber in such pristine shape.