Johannes Kitselis, 2025
Spruce / Indian Rosewood
Overview
This brand new Johannes Kitselis No. 94 arrives directly from the workshop of Swedish luthier Johannes Kitselis and represents everything that has made his modern double top guitars so compelling. We are proud to be the exclusive USA dealer for Kitselis guitars.
At first glance, the craftsmanship immediately stands out. The rosette is striking and refined, the spruce top shows beautifully aged character, and the Indian rosewood back and sides are straight grained and elegant. Subtle details like the tasteful tie block inlay, ebony headstock veneer, and seamlessly integrated armrest reflect a builder with a confident, mature aesthetic.
In the hands, this guitar feels purposeful and alive, but it is the sheer resonance and sustain that immediately sets it apart. Notes bloom effortlessly and linger in the air far longer than expected, giving the instrument a vocal, singing quality that is instantly addictive. The raised fingerboard, sound port, and balanced neck profile come together in an instrument that feels modern without feeling overbuilt or aggressive.
This is a guitar that clearly wants to move air.
Sound & Playability
This Kitselis is exceptionally powerful, with a level of sustain that is genuinely striking. Notes do not simply peak and decay, but rather open up, sing, and remain present long after the initial attack. Chords feel expansive and orchestral, while single lines carry effortlessly across the room.
Despite the volume on tap, the guitar never feels unruly. The balance is extremely well controlled, allowing the player to dig in without the sound hardening or collapsing. The trebles are clear, colorful, and remarkably sustaining, especially above the 12th fret, while the basses are deep, resonant, and supportive without becoming dominant or muddy.
One of the most impressive aspects of this instrument is how difficult it is to hit the dynamic ceiling. Even when played aggressively, the guitar continues to offer headroom, projection, and clarity rather than compressing or choking. At softer dynamics, it responds instantly to the lightest touch, making it equally compelling for lyrical playing and full concert projection.
The neck profile sits comfortably between slim and substantial, feeling familiar and confidence inspiring right away. Combined with the sustain and power on offer, this is a guitar that rewards both nuance and commitment.
Currently strung with D’Addario XTC45FF, featuring carbon G and B strings paired with a nylon high tension first string, a setup that complements the guitar’s clarity and projection while preserving tonal color.
Double Top Construction Philosophy
Kitselis approaches double top construction with an intuitive, experience driven mindset rather than a rigid formula. His spruce double top uses a Nomex core, with extremely thin inner and outer layers that are vacuum glued in stages. He combines spruce and cedar bracing, selecting each material where stiffness or lightness is most effective.
Rather than chasing sheer volume alone, his goal is projection, note separation, and a warm, wooden sound that still offers the expanded dynamic range and sustain that double tops are known for. The result is a guitar that sings freely, projects effortlessly, and remains balanced even at extreme dynamics.
Condition
Brand new, direct from the luthier. No issues, no wear.
Key Features
-
Luthier: Johannes Kitselis
-
Year: 2025
-
Serial Number: No. 94
-
Top: Spruce double top with Nomex core
-
Back & Sides: Indian rosewood
-
Bracing: Fan braced, mixed spruce and cedar
-
Fingerboard: Raised ebony fingerboard
-
Armrest: Integrated
-
Sound Port: Yes
-
Tuners: Alessi
-
Scale Length: 650mm
-
Nut Width: 52mm
If this guitar is no longer available, please feel free to write to us to discuss reserving the next Johannes Kitselis guitar to arrive.