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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.
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About the Guitar Maker
Steven Walter is a renowned classical guitar maker and an accomplished musician—a rare combination in the musical world. His journey began in the suburbs of Chicago, where early experiences playing in rock bands and an inspiring Andrés Segovia concert ignited his passion for the classical guitar. Encouraged by his parents, Walter built his first guitar as a teenager and went on to earn music degrees from Augustana College, the Boston Conservatory, and Florida State University, refining both his playing and building skills.
In 1991, Walter won an award at the Guitar Foundation of America International Solo Guitar Competition. By the mid-1990s, after years of performing and teaching, he returned to guitar making, achieving a level of craftsmanship that surpassed even the instruments he had played for decades. After a successful tenure teaching at Furman University, he returned to the Chicago area in 2015 to focus primarily on luthiery. To date, he has built over 300 classical guitars as well as other instruments, balancing his time between private teaching and performing.
Walter is among the few luthiers personally authorized by Thomas Humphrey to use his groundbreaking design approach. His adaptation of the Millennium model goes far beyond the addition of an elevated fingerboard—it integrates a sophisticated geometry that enhances both projection and tonal nuance. The design also eases access to higher frets and incorporates optional sound ports, which many players believe increase tonal volume and richness.
A defining element of Walter’s guitars is his “Defined Resonating Area” concept, which focuses the primary vibrations within an acoustically optimal section of the soundboard. This unique approach produces an exceptionally clear, focused tone imbued with vivid color and clarity. Combining technical innovation with musical artistry, Steven Walter’s guitars represent the perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern acoustic design.