Stephen Eden – 2025 – No.224 Grand Concert

About the luthier

Stephen Eden is a British luthier based in Bexhill on Sea, UK, whose journey into guitar making began in 2004 with evening classes under Stephen Hill. This early inspiration led to a traditional two-year apprenticeship with Pablo Requena, where Stephen laid the foundations for a lifelong career in lutherie. He set up his first workshop in 2008 and has been refining his own sound and techniques ever since.Stephens work is deeply inspired by varied masters, with notable influences from Torres, Santos Hernndez, Hermann Hauser, and Daniel Friederich. His close collaboration with Miles Roberts of Kent Guitar Classics provided access to important historic instruments, including original Friederich and Hauser guitars, enriching his understanding of tone and construction. Over the years, he has built guitars for a wide range of internationally renowned performers, and his instruments have found homes across nearly every continent.

About the guitar

This 2025 Grand Concert, No. 224, is Stephens personal interpretation of the Friederich concept, blending Granadan and Parisian construction influences. The guitar features a spruce soundboard and Indian rosewood back and sides, all finished with a fine French polish. The sides are doubled, constructed from two full-thickness layers of wood, resulting in a particularly rigid body structure that supports projection and sustain.The top is built lighter and braced more rigidly, allowing greater responsiveness and clarity while maintaining power. These construction choices culminate in an instrument that offers a bold, singing voice with a Spanish character, enhanced by the control and focus on the fundamental note that are hallmarks of Friederichs legacy. This is not a replication, but a reinterpretation made with respect and artistic freedom.The Grand Concert model offers a rich tonal spectrum with excellent projection and long sustain. Players will appreciate the control it provides in both lyrical passages and demanding technical repertoire. The guitar responds easily to subtle dynamics, while its structural design ensures stability and tonal focus even at high volume. The doubled sides contribute to its depth and clarity, making it a versatile and expressive instrument suited for both stage and studio. The feel is refined, the craftsmanship outstanding, and the attention to playability evident in every detail, from its setup to its premium Klaus Scheller tuners.