{"product_id":"steven-walter-2017-231","title":"Steven Walter 2017 #231","description":"\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1ji0kqt\" data-start=\"126\" data-end=\"140\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"142\" data-end=\"463\"\u003eSteven 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"465\" data-end=\"791\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"793\" data-end=\"1086\"\u003eBuilt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1088\" data-end=\"1091\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1apti79\" data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1104\"\u003eSound\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1106\" data-end=\"1200\"\u003eThis is a highly resonant, overtone-rich instrument with a deep and immersive tonal character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1202\" data-end=\"1548\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1550\" data-end=\"1763\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1765\" data-end=\"1944\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1946\" data-end=\"2112\"\u003eOverall, this is a guitar that beautifully balances clarity with warmth, offering a wide palette of tonal colors while maintaining exceptional projection and sustain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2114\" data-end=\"2117\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"10xaffk\" data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2136\"\u003ePlayability\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2215\"\u003eAs with all of Steven Walter’s instruments, playability is a major highlight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2217\" data-end=\"2450\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2452\" data-end=\"2612\"\u003eThis is one of those guitars that immediately feels easy to play, encouraging relaxation while still offering the responsiveness needed for advanced repertoire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2617\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1khtjle\" data-start=\"2619\" data-end=\"2651\"\u003eAesthetics \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2653\" data-end=\"2717\"\u003eThe aesthetic is classic Steven Walter, refined and understated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2719\" data-end=\"2917\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2919\" data-end=\"3155\"\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3157\" data-end=\"3280\"\u003eTwo Ruck-style soundports provide additional openness for the player and enhance the listening experience for those nearby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3282\" data-end=\"3434\"\u003eInternally, the guitar features Walter’s all-wood lattice bracing system, contributing to its impressive power, responsiveness, and overtone complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3436\" data-end=\"3439\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"q06dx\" data-start=\"3441\" data-end=\"3456\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3458\" data-end=\"3525\"\u003eThis guitar has been actively played and shows honest signs of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3527\" data-end=\"3711\"\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3713\" data-end=\"3897\"\u003eTwo 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3899\" data-end=\"4039\"\u003eOverall, this is a well-maintained, structurally sound instrument with natural cosmetic wear consistent with a mature, concert-level guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4041\" data-end=\"4044\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"yfki9c\" data-start=\"4046\" data-end=\"4057\"\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"4059\" data-end=\"4399\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1x9zxx5\" data-start=\"4059\" data-end=\"4077\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4061\" data-end=\"4070\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2017\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1kvp83o\" data-start=\"4078\" data-end=\"4106\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4080\" data-end=\"4090\"\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steven Walter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"60s6zl\" data-start=\"4107\" data-end=\"4126\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4109\" data-end=\"4120\"\u003eNumber:\u003c\/strong\u003e 231\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"f5j8vc\" data-start=\"4127\" data-end=\"4145\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4129\" data-end=\"4137\"\u003eTop:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1civiyy\" data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4183\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4148\" data-end=\"4165\"\u003eBack \u0026amp; Sides:\u003c\/strong\u003e Indian Rosewood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"q9y8bp\" data-start=\"4184\" data-end=\"4211\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4186\" data-end=\"4203\"\u003eScale Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 650mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17xfy0z\" data-start=\"4212\" data-end=\"4236\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4214\" data-end=\"4228\"\u003eNut Width:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~53mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1a7y8rh\" data-start=\"4237\" data-end=\"4270\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4239\" data-end=\"4251\"\u003eBracing:\u003c\/strong\u003e All-wood lattice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1iuk1gs\" data-start=\"4271\" data-end=\"4315\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4273\" data-end=\"4289\"\u003eFingerboard:\u003c\/strong\u003e Raised (Humphrey-style)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"twqif9\" data-start=\"4316\" data-end=\"4361\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4318\" data-end=\"4329\"\u003eTuners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sloane with snakewood buttons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"63bhyr\" data-start=\"4362\" data-end=\"4399\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"4364\" data-end=\"4379\"\u003eSoundports:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dual (Ruck-style)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4401\" data-end=\"4404\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4406\" data-end=\"4707\"\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4709\" data-end=\"4712\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4714\" data-end=\"4746\"\u003eWorldwide shipping is available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4748\" data-end=\"4833\"\u003eIf you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at \u003ca data-start=\"4806\" data-end=\"4831\" class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eevan@guitarcollection.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Guitar Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52032114688292,"sku":null,"price":9000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/1543\/9652\/files\/Walter2017-3.jpg?v=1775176774","url":"https:\/\/guitarcollection.myshopify.com\/products\/steven-walter-2017-231","provider":"Guitar Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}