Walter Vogt - 1984 No. 406
Walter Vogt - 1984 No. 406
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
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Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Walter Vogt was born in 1935 in Mühlen am Neckar and worked in Germany until his passing in 1990. He was regarded as a highly skilled craftsman and a visionary luthier who devoted much thought to improving the sound qualities and intonation of the classical guitar. Rather than following established patterns too closely, he designed instruments with distinctive outlines and structural ideas, always in search of a more precise and responsive voice.
His guitars stand out through their unusual visual concepts and carefully considered details. Vogt combined solid traditional construction with personal solutions that were often closer to fine furniture joinery than to standard guitar making. The result is a small body of work that attracts players who appreciate instruments with an individual look and a thoughtful, acoustically driven design.
About the guitar
This guitar, No. 406 from 1984, is a clear example of Vogt’s independent approach. The spruce top carries an oval soundhole that is elongated in the string direction instead of being circular, which gives the instrument an immediately recognisable appearance. The outline of the body is fuller in the central section than on many standard models and creates a generous plantilla. The back and sides are made of Indian rosewood, and both the soundboard and the body are finished in a transparent polyurethane that protects the wood while keeping the natural figure visible. The headstock is richly carved and reveals the amount of careful handwork involved. Landstorfer tuners complete the set up.
One of the most striking construction details is the neck joint. On the rear of the headstock transition a multi tenon interlocking joint is visible, with several vertical tongues fitting into corresponding recesses. This type of stepped joint is more familiar from high level furniture making than from guitar building and is executed here with great precision. It creates an extended area between the headstock and the first fret, so the left thumb finds an unusual amount of space and support in this region and the player experiences a very relaxed hand position.
The sound of this guitar feels effortlessly open. It is a very well breathing instrument and the notes come out easily without the player needing to push. Soft overtones surround the core of the tone and give the timbre a creamy and smooth character, so even firm attacks remain rounded and pleasant. The guitar has an airy voice with a gentle shimmer that invites long legato lines. Despite the slightly thicker neck with a profile that leans towards a D shape, comfort is exceptional. Many players will experience it as one of the most comfortable necks they have tried, with a natural support that encourages relaxed playing and secure shifts. The air body resonance lies around G to G sharp and contributes to the sensation of a freely vibrating yet controlled instrument. Overall this Vogt offers an inviting, lyrical and very personal sound world.
Condition
The guitar is in excellent condition for an instrument from 1984. There are no cracks and no structural repairs. The polyurethane finish on soundboard and body shows light wear, with small dents and scratches consistent with careful regular use. Structurally the instrument is sound and stable, and the Landstorfer tuners function very well.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.