Steven Toon
-
Luthier: Steven Toon
Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars
How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?
Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.
What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?
Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.
Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?
Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.
Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?
Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.
What payment methods and financing options do you offer?
We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.
How do I properly care for my classical guitar?
A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.
You may also be interested Steven Toon
Steve Toon – Guitar Maker
With a passion for detailed wooden model aircraft and playing the guitar, Steve Toon seemed destined for a career that combined these interests. Originally trained as a carpenter, he refined his skills at the London College of Furniture, specializing in the construction of early plucked instruments.
In the late 1970s, after completing his studies, he briefly worked as a live sound technician before moving into the furniture industry, where he advanced to a production consultant. Despite his professional path, Steve’s passion for building classical guitars flourished as a personal hobby.
This hobby eventually developed into a full-time profession in the early 2000s, initially focusing on steel-string and jazz guitars, complemented by meticulously handcrafted classical guitars inspired by a Hauser repair project.
Today, Steve is known for his nearly exclusive focus on classical guitars, in which he blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design. His work includes traditional spruce-top classical guitars influenced by Hauser II, as well as cedar-top instruments inspired by Friedrich.
Recently, Steve has turned to building double-top guitars—a concept developed by Matthias Dammann and Gernot Wagner. Using Nomex, he enhances both volume and sustain while preserving the warm tonal character of traditional guitars.
His creations stand as a testament to his lifelong dedication to merging woodworking expertise with his love for music, characterized by modern, understated elegance.