Stephan Connor, 2022
Cedar / Indian Rosewood
Overview
This 2022 Stephan Connor Floresta is a spectacular and highly individual concert guitar from one of the most respected American luthiers working today. The Floresta model sits among Connor’s most ornate and artistic instruments, combining his modern doubletop construction with a visual language inspired by the forest, Barrios, and the finest decorative traditions of classical guitar making.
This example features a cedar top, Indian rosewood back and sides, Scheller tuners, mother of pearl inlays, and a striking rosette made with mother of pearl and abalone. The guitar also includes Connor’s unusual “Tree of Life” style doubletop construction, using two layers of cedar without Nomex or balsa, with the inner layer oriented at an angle to cross the grain and help even out the sound.
It is a very special Connor with a big, open, immediate voice, modern response, and the kind of visual presence that makes the Floresta model so memorable.
Sound
This guitar has the quickness and power one expects from Connor’s doubletop work, but with a distinctly organic, woody character. Rather than using a Nomex or balsa core, this guitar uses an all-wood cedar doubletop structure, including an inner layer of ancient sinker cedar. Connor described this as a “Tree of Life” type doubletop, with the inner cedar layer set at an angle to cross the grain and help create balance and evenness across the instrument.
The result is a guitar with a strong fundamental, excellent projection, and a very free response. The very loose lattice bracing underneath gives the guitar an especially open feel, with a sound that is powerful but not sterile. The trebles have clarity and presence, while the basses retain warmth and depth.
Construction & Materials
The top is cedar, specifically Bull Run cedar from the Ruck collection, paired with an ancient sinker cedar inner layer. This is not a typical sandwich-style doubletop with Nomex or balsa. Instead, Connor used two wood layers, with the inner layer angled across the grain in a way that recalls the logic of fan bracing, helping to spread energy and even out the response.
The back and sides are Indian rosewood, and the headstock uses walnut. The top and back are French polished, while the rest of the guitar appears to be lacquer finished. The rosette is one of the highlights of the instrument, incorporating mother of pearl and abalone in a highly decorative design that perfectly fits the Floresta concept.
Playability
Connor’s guitars are known for their ease, clarity, and responsiveness, and this guitar has the kind of immediate response that makes modern concert guitars so rewarding to play. The doubletop construction gives the player a great deal back with very little effort, while the all-wood design helps keep the voice natural and connected.
Condition
This guitar is structurally healthy, with no cracks and no repairs.
Cosmetically, it shows substantial playing wear. There are scratches throughout the top, along with visible signs of use from playing. The polish on the back also shows wear and slight hazing here and there. These are cosmetic issues only, and they are part of the history of a guitar that has clearly been played and used seriously.
Specs
Luthier: Stephan Connor
Year: 2022
Model: Floresta
Top: Cedar
Inner Top Layer: Ancient sinker cedar
Back & Sides: Indian rosewood
Construction: Doubletop, all-wood cedar construction, no Nomex or balsa
Bracing: Very loose lattice bracing
Headstock: Walnut
Rosette: Mother of pearl and abalone
Inlays: Mother of pearl
Tuners: Scheller
Finish: French polish on top and back, lacquer on the remaining areas
Condition: Heavy cosmetic wear to top, hazing/wear to back finish, no cracks or repairs
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF, carbon G and B, with the first string replaced by a high tension Pro Arte nylon 1st string
String Link: https://ddar.io/guitar-collection
Closing Notes
This 2022 Stephan Connor Floresta is a rare opportunity to own one of Connor’s most artistic and highly individual models. It combines a powerful modern concert voice with exceptional materials, ornate detailing, and a unique all-wood doubletop construction personally described by the maker.
Worldwide shipping is available.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
Please note: Free UPS 2nd day air shipping is included if paid via a feeless method. Please contact for payment information.