Kris Barnett, 2025

This 2025 guitar from Kris Barnett represents his latest thinking at the intersection of modern design and refined musical balance. Built in Germany and finished in French polish, this instrument showcases a newly developed lattice bracing system that prioritizes power without sacrificing tonal cohesion or color.

This guitar delivers projection that feels controlled, even, and deeply usable across the entire register. It is a sophisticated and extremely versatile concert instrument, equally compelling for lyrical repertoire and contemporary works that demand clarity, range, and headroom.

This guitar carries added weight right now. Barnett has just announced he is stepping back from guitar making after more than twenty years at the bench, turning his attention to other projects for the time being. That makes this lattice-braced 2025 model, built at the height of his development as a maker, one of the last instruments to leave his shop for the foreseeable future. For anyone who has followed his work, this is a rare opportunity to own a guitar representing the most advanced expression of his craft, from what may be his final body of work for some time to come.

Specifications

Luthier: Kris Barnett
Year: 2025
Top: Cedar
Back & Sides: Exotic Ebony
Construction: Lattice (proprietary system based on Fibonacci ratios)
Finish: French polish
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 52mm
Fingerboard: Elevated, with 20th fret access
Tuners: Barnett
Origin: Germany
Strings: D'Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
https://ddar.io/guitar-collection
Condition: Excellent, with minor finish wear below the bridge (see photos)

Sound

The heart of this guitar is Kris Barnett's newest lattice design, developed around the golden ratio found in the Fibonacci sequence. The spacing and length of the braces, along with the tuned relationship between the top and back, are carefully calibrated to achieve a rare balance of power and tonal consistency. The result is a guitar that avoids the exaggerated bass and glassy treble often associated with lattice instruments. Instead, it offers a focused, even response with exceptional sustain and clarity. Despite the cedar top, the dynamic ceiling is remarkably high, with a wide color palette that responds immediately to right hand position and articulation. Ponticello playing yields a bright, energetic sparkle, while moving toward the soundhole reveals a warm, creamy, and luminous tone.

Playability

The elevated fingerboard improves comfort and access in the upper register, making demanding modern repertoire feel effortless and natural under the hands.

Excellent condition overall. The only wear is some light scratches below the bridge, visible in the final photograph in the album, and a tiny crack in the finish.