Steven Walter, 2025

This is the latest masterpiece from one of America’s finest and most consistent luthiers, Steven Walter. Built in 2025 and numbered 362, this guitar was first displayed at the Guitar Foundation of America convention, where Walter presented his newest innovations to players and fellow luthiers alike. As someone who spent years performing on Steven Walter guitars throughout my degrees and competition life, I can say without hesitation that this is the most powerful and refined instrument he has built yet.

The guitar features a cedar top with exceptional medullary ray figure and a spectacular set of dark, mysterious Brazilian rosewood back and sides. It embodies everything that has made Walter’s guitars favorites among professionals worldwide: comfort, reliability, tonal color, and power. The 640mm scale feels effortless under the left hand.

• Top: Western Red Cedar

• Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood

• Bracing: Lattice with Defined Resonance Area

• Neck: Spanish Cedar with Raised Fingerboard (Millennium Design)

• Tuners: Scheller with black rollers and buffalo horn buttons

• Condition: Like new

Walter’s lattice bracing with his proprietary Defined Resonance Area gives this instrument remarkable projection and clarity while maintaining warmth and balance across all registers. This model is one of the first to feature side braces instead of laminated sides, a new approach inspired by Dominique Field guitars, adding stability and a unique tonal focus.

The body features Walter’s signature rounded edges, making it one of the most comfortable guitars to hold and play. Although it does not have an armrest, the smoothed contour feels natural, as though one were present. Combined with the raised fingerboard design, playability up the neck is exceptional.

Every detail of setup reflects Steven’s precision as both a maker and a guitarist: perfect fretwork, ideal nut height, and a saddle with plenty of room for future adjustment. Even complex chords in first position feel effortless, and the high frets allow extremely low action without buzz.

This guitar is explosive, open, and endlessly responsive. The basses are deep and growling yet never boomy, while the trebles are brilliant, full, and sustain beautifully, especially the first string which rings like a bell. The dynamic range is vast, and it handles aggressive playing without any breakup, giving the player full control of tone and volume.

Its 640mm scale makes it particularly comfortable without any sacrifice in power. This is among the most powerful 640mm guitars I have recorded, with an open, vibrant sound that projects effortlessly.

A landmark guitar from Steven Walter at the peak of his career, combining a lifetime of refinement, innovation, and player insight. With its cedar top, Brazilian rosewood body, and superb ergonomics, this 2025 No. 362 offers both world-class performance and everyday comfort.

If you are seeking a modern concert instrument that blends warmth, projection, and playability in perfect harmony, this is the one.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com