Adrian Heinzelmann, 2025

I’m thrilled to present this brand new 2025 guitar by Berlin-based luthier Adrian Heinzelmann, built specially for GuitarCollection.com. This is a maker whose work I have admired for years, and one whose previous spruce/maple guitar review has become one of the most-watched videos on my channel.

Adrian has quickly become one of the most talked-about young luthiers in the world—not only for his innovations, but also because the 2025 Guitar Foundation of America and Koblenz Competition winner, Virgile Barthe performed and won on a Heinzelmann guitar, propelling his instruments into further international recognition.

Heinzelmann is especially known for his innovative “Groove Top” construction, where he carves grooves directly into the soundboard (here cedar) and overlays a thin cedar lattice. The result is a guitar with remarkable power, clarity, and warmth, yet one that preserves a Spanish character and balance often missing in modern double tops.

This instrument features a gorgeous set of Madagascar rosewood, French-polished cedar top, and meticulous craftsmanship throughout. Adrian’s guitars are as visually elegant as they are sonically intoxicating, and this one is no exception.

• Top: Cedar “Groove Top” with thin cedar lattice, French polished

• Back & Sides: Madagascar rosewood, thin polyurethane finish for durability

• Neck: Slim C-shaped profile, non-raised fingerboard, thinly carved heel for upper fret access

• Bridge: Generous saddle height and break angle for full adjustability

• Rosette & Purfling: Simple yet striking red, black, and white mosaic motif (documented by Adrian on his Instagram during construction)

• Headstock: Distinct Heinzelmann design with textured “stippling” detail

• Tuners: Klaus Scheller, squared baseplates with black buttons

This Heinzelmann captures the best of both worlds: the clarity and projection of modern designs, with the warmth and fullness of traditional Spanish voices.

• Trebles have an unusual roundness and fatness for a guitar this powerful.

• Bass notes drive like a sports car, yet remain balanced across the range.

• Sustain is intoxicating—chords bloom in waves that seem to resonate through the entire body, not just the top.

• It responds beautifully to both delicate touch and aggressive playing, offering headroom that inspires confidence.

As Adrian himself has said, he aims to preserve the essence of the great Spanish masters in his modern design—and this guitar embodies that vision beautifully.

Brand new, built for GuitarCollection.com in 2025. Perfect, pristine, and ready for its first player.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com