The Gold Standard of Playability! Steven Walter 2023 Review | GuitarCollection.com
This guitar is no longer available, but if you’re interested in reserving the next, contact me at evan@guitarcollection.com
See more details here: https://www.guitarcollection.com/products/steven-walter-cedar-indian-2023-classical-guitar
If there’s one word to describe Steven Walter’s guitars, it’s alive. His instruments don’t just respond to your playing—they invite you to keep playing. And this 2023 cedar lattice-top is among the very finest I’ve come across. From its deep, overtone-rich sound to the absolute ease of playability, it’s an instrument that feels like an extension of your hands.
Walter’s design is inspired by Thomas Humphrey’s Millennium model, featuring a raised fingerboard for effortless access to the higher frets, a resonance-focused all-wood lattice bracing that gives the guitar a rich, natural voice, and dual sound ports that enhance projection and player feedback. The lattice braced top retains a woody, organic tone that fills the room, but in a convincing manner. The result? A guitar that’s powerful yet beautifully balanced, with an almost piano-like clarity—especially on the first string, which is among the best I’ve ever heard.
A Few Standout Features
Cedar top with all-wood lattice bracing – Warm, overtone-rich, and deeply resonant.
640mm scale, 52mm nut width – Slightly shorter scale for effortless stretches.
Raised fingerboard – Provides easier upper-fret access and enhances projection.
Dual sound ports – Offers a more immersive playing experience.
Thin, C-shaped neck – Steve Walter’s necks are among the most comfortable in the business.
Scheller tuners with buffalo horn buttons – Smooth tuning with premium materials.
Condition
This guitar has been well played but remains in excellent structural condition. The cedar top has moderate play wear, as expected from a professional-level instrument that’s been enjoyed regularly. The back and sides are in great shape, with no cracks or structural issues. The fretwork, setup, and action are all superb, as expected from Walter’s meticulous craftsmanship.
Simply put, this is an exceptional concert instrument, offering both world-class tone and unparalleled playability. If you’re interested, check out the listing here: GuitarCollection.com. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out—evan@guitarcollection.com.
Video Chapters
???? 0:00 – Playing demo
???? 0:29 – Introduction
???? 1:11 – The specs
???? 8:24 – Comments on the sound, individual string demo
???? 10:15 – Short Lágrima demo
???? 10:30 – Short La Catedral demo
???? 15:09 – Tárrega – Prelude 11
???? 17:24 – Aguado – Etude in A Minor
???? 18:03 – Lauro – Registro
???? 18:35 – A little improv…
???? 18:59 – Llobet – El Testament D’Amèlia
18:03 Lauro – Registro
18:35 a little improv…
18:59 Llobet – El Testament D’Amelia
#Gold #Standard #Playability #Steven #Walter #Review #GuitarCollection.com
Originally posted by UCF6Scbvou7Wyy7PMx9f2XjA at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc-tfDrSSKw
I love this guitar's tone palette. And your channel, this one, is fast becoming one of my favourites. Thanks, Evan.
I wonder if a raised fingerboard alters the position of the thumb and so the left hand fingers. In other words, the thumb is more separated from fingers, and this inevitabIy will have some kind of effect. I have a thicker necked guitar that makes stretches more difficult than on my other guitar. I suppose this also depends upon the anatomy of any given player's hands. p.s. I love my thicker necked guitar! it's jsust a bit of a change.
Such emotive playing! I'm inspired. I think you could play just about any good quality guitar and elicit a great sound.
Great guitar~! Any effect such as reverb applied? I wanna know your recording setup.
Amazing sounding guitar and some great playing from yourself.
Harmonically rich guitars are the best, as they make expressive playing much easier. I enjoyed the playing. What is the Action at the 6th and 1st strings at the 12th fret? Thanks
Amazing gitaar sustainability ????
Thx and Bravo ???? ????