Stephan Connor – 2023 'Moonflower' No. 468 Doubletop
Stephan Connor – 2023 'Moonflower' No. 468 Doubletop
Overview
Overview
Stephan Connor is one of the most sought-after luthiers in the US. His guitars are regularly played in concerts around the world by first class artists such as the Assad brothers, Eliot Fisk, Angel Romero, the Amadeus Guitar Duo, and many more. Stephan has specialized in building high quality concert classical guitars in 1994. He uses the absolute finest materials possible, in order to built instruments with robust projection while maintaining a beautiful, versatile voice. The aesthetic of his guitars is rooted in the Spanish tradition. However, his bracing patterns and other elements that control the sound, have evolved and are distinctly his own.
Constructed in 2023, the guitar bearing the number 468 showcases impeccable craftsmanship synonymous with the name Stephan Connor. Dubbed "Moonflower", this model is intricately designed using select, premium-quality woods that resonate with Connor's unmatched artistry.
The guitar's three-piece top is a fusion of art and nature: the outer sides are carved from “Bullrun” cedar that Stephan acquired from Robert Ruck's collection, showcasing a visually stunning figured grain. Central to this is an ancient cedar, which carries a rich history. Submerged in water for centuries, this wood has absorbed minerals over time, giving it a near-black hue. Notably, its prolonged immersion has endowed it with an exceptional density, approaching petrification, resulting in a sound that rings with bell-like clarity.
The tale of the ancient cedar is equally compelling. Stephan Connor himself stumbled upon logs of this cedar on a British Columbia beach. Taking an active role in its preservation, he split the wood on-site. Given its dimensions, the wood couldn't accommodate a two-piece top. Drawing inspiration from Antonio de Torres, Connor adapted it into a three-piece top, infusing it with his distinctive touch and incorporating a double-top construction.
Beyond its aesthetic allure, "Moonflower" promises an unparalleled playing experience. Its sound is as captivating as its appearance, offering remarkable playability complemented by robust volume. This guitar is versatile, meeting the demands of diverse playing contexts. It also features a discreet wooden cover for its lateral sound port.
Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.
Luthier: | Stephan Connor |
Construction year: | 2023 |
Top: | Cedar |
Back and sides: | Madagascar rosewood |
Scale: | 650 mm |
Nut: | 52.5 mm |
Weight: | 1905 grams |
Air body frequency: | F#/G |
Tuners: | Scheller |
Strings: | Knobloch EDC 34.0 |
Case: | CCCase |
Condition: | New |


































Video overview

