Steven Walter, 2023

This exceptional 2023 Steven Walter guitar, No. 318, carries a remarkable performance history and represents a particularly fine example of the maker’s modern work. Originally built for and played by Evan Taucher, the instrument later passed to a student of his who favored its comfortable 6v40mm scale length and played it extensively for several years before commissioning another guitar from Steven with a slightly narrower nut width.

Now returned to GuitarCollection.com, this guitar stands out for its powerful voice, refined projection, and sophisticated modern construction, paired with traditional Spanish tonal ideals.

Currently strung with D’Addario XTC45FF, featuring carbon G and B strings paired with a nylon high tension first string, a setup that complements the guitar’s clarity and projection while preserving tonal color.

• Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood

• Bracing: All wood lattice with Defined Resonance Area

• Nut Width: approx. 52 mm

• Rosette: Steven Walter signature design

Construction & Design

Under the soundboard, this guitar features Steven Walter’s all wood lattice bracing paired with his Defined Resonance Area concept, a design that subtly concentrates vibration toward the center of the top for enhanced projection and focus. While unmistakably modern, the tonal result avoids the overly mid forward character sometimes associated with lattice systems, instead delivering warmth, breadth, and complexity.

The cedar top is paired with an outstanding set of Brazilian rosewood on the back and sides, visually striking and tonally rich. There is visible playing wear to the back and sides where the guitar rests against the player’s body, a testament to its active performance life.

Aesthetically, the instrument is immediately recognizable as a Steven Walter, from the classic rosette with dark red hues and subtle green highlights to the Brazilian rosewood headplate veneer. The raised fingerboard design, adopted from Thomas Humphrey with permission, allows effortless access to the upper register. Two side soundports enhance the player’s perspective, creating an open and immersive experience.

Premium hardware completes the build, including understated German made Scheller tuners fitted with buffalo horn buttons and black rollers. The saddle retains generous height for future adjustment, and the current setup is already notably low and comfortable, with excellent intonation throughout.

Sound & Playability

The tonal character is immediately compelling, with deep, growling basses reminiscent of great Spanish makers such as Santos Hernández and Miguel Rodríguez, paired with luminous, singing trebles.

A rich overtone content permeates the entire register, producing swelling waves of sound and an enveloping resonance that feels both powerful and controlled. The instrument offers remarkable headroom and projection, a hallmark of Steven Walter guitars in concert settings.

Despite its 640 mm scale length, this guitar sacrifices nothing in authority or volume. The shorter scale contributes subtle physical ease in left hand stretches while maintaining full concert level presence in the hall.

About the Luthier

Steven Walter is widely respected for blending innovative construction techniques with a deep reverence for traditional Spanish tonal ideals. His guitars are regularly heard on major concert and competition stages and are prized for their projection, tonal richness, and refined playability.

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

This guitar shows cosmetic wear consistent with frequent professional use. There are multiple light scratches and string marks to the top, areas of wear to french polish on the back and sides, and a small bruise on the top, all of which are visible in the photographs

Structurally, the instrument is in excellent health, with no cracks.