Steven Walter, 2017
Cedar / Indian Rosewood
Overview
Steven Walter has long been one of the most compelling modern American luthiers, combining a high-level performance background with a deeply refined approach to guitar making. A prizewinner at the GFA and a doctorate holder in guitar performance, Walter brings a player’s perspective into every aspect of his instruments.
This 2017 example, No. 231, is a particularly exciting and somewhat unique offering within his body of work. It features an unusually low main air resonance, sitting between E and E♭, giving the guitar an exceptionally deep, rich, and almost “regal” tonal character that immediately sets it apart from most of his instruments.
Built with a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides, this guitar represents Walter’s mature lattice-braced period, offering a compelling blend of power, color, and refinement. It has been well played over the years and continues to open up beautifully, now nearly a decade into its life.
Sound
This is a highly resonant, overtone-rich instrument with a deep and immersive tonal character.
The low main air resonance gives the guitar a sense of depth and body that is immediately noticeable. The sound feels expansive, almost as if it surrounds the player, rather than projecting in a narrow, directional way. There is a natural “halo” of sympathetic vibration that follows every note, creating a lush and enveloping playing experience.
The trebles are creamy, warm, and highly flexible in color, capable of both sweetness and brilliance depending on right-hand approach. The first string in particular stands out for its clarity and singing quality.
The basses are powerful and muscular, with excellent fundamental presence and headroom. They feel ready to “launch” off the instrument without ever becoming harsh or overwhelming.
Overall, this is a guitar that beautifully balances clarity with warmth, offering a wide palette of tonal colors while maintaining exceptional projection and sustain.
Playability
As with all of Steven Walter’s instruments, playability is a major highlight.
The guitar features a raised fingerboard in the style of Tom Humphrey, making access to the upper registers effortless. Combined with a thin, C-shaped neck profile, the instrument feels extremely comfortable and natural in the hands.
This is one of those guitars that immediately feels easy to play, encouraging relaxation while still offering the responsiveness needed for advanced repertoire.
Aesthetics & Craftsmanship
The aesthetic is classic Steven Walter, refined and understated.
The rosette is elegant and instantly recognizable, subtle yet distinctive. The cedar top shows natural aging and light wear from years of playing, giving the guitar a mature and authentic character.
The back and sides are crafted from Indian rosewood, paired with a matching rosewood bridge and head veneer. The headstock is fitted with Sloane tuners with snakewood buttons, offering both visual elegance and smooth, precise operation.
Two Ruck-style soundports provide additional openness for the player and enhance the listening experience for those nearby.
Internally, the guitar features Walter’s all-wood lattice bracing system, contributing to its impressive power, responsiveness, and overtone complexity.
Condition
This guitar has been actively played and shows honest signs of use.
There is visible finish wear on the top and around the bridge area, though nothing that compromises the wood or structural integrity. The guitar remains in excellent overall condition.
Two near-microscopic cracks on the top, were professionally addressed and touched up by Steven Walter himself. These are stable and not a concern moving forward.
Overall, this is a well-maintained, structurally sound instrument with natural cosmetic wear consistent with a mature, concert-level guitar.
Specs
- Year: 2017
- Maker: Steven Walter
- Number: 231
- Top: Cedar
- Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
- Scale Length: 650mm
- Nut Width: ~53mm
- Bracing: All-wood lattice
- Fingerboard: Raised (Humphrey-style)
- Tuners: Sloane with snakewood buttons
- Soundports: Dual (Ruck-style)
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Steven Walter guitar with a unique tonal profile at a price point below current new builds. The combination of its low main air resonance, mature sound, and proven design makes it a particularly compelling instrument for players seeking depth, power, and color.
Worldwide shipping is available.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com