2023 Kris Barnett CD/EB

Kris Barnett built this classical guitar in Berlin in 2023, with a cedar soundboard and exotic ebony back and sides – with his new Fibonacci-based lattice bracing, an armrest and his own tuning machines.

Lattice Bracing on the Golden Ratio

Kris's new lattice system is based on the golden ratio of the Fibonacci sequence: the lengths and spacing of the braces, and the frequencies of the back and soundboard, are related to it. The result is great power without the boomy basses and tinny trebles of many lattice guitars – just more power, with a balanced, consistent tone throughout. Read more: Kris Barnett builds a guitar on the golden ratio.

Sound, Tuners and Playability

The dynamic range and color palette are astounding for a cedar top, from sparkling ponticello to creamy, luminous tone over the soundhole. Bold decorative touches in the head, purfling and a new rosette; Kris's own precision tuners, also made in Berlin; an armrest, elevated fingerboard and 20th fret complete a fantastic instrument.

Kris Barnett: An American Guitar Maker in Berlin

Kris Barnett began building guitars in 2004 as a hobby while working full-time as a mental health therapist in Atlanta, Georgia. He turned his bedroom into a workshop, and within two years he had enough commissions to become a full-time classical guitar maker. In 2014 he moved with his wife to Berlin, Germany, where he joined the "Berlin Luthiers", a small community of makers who share ideas and experience – remarkable for the diversity of their styles.

"To Continue the History, Not Simply Repeat It"

Kris began with traditional Torres-style guitars and went on to lattice, double tops and designs of his own; today his guitars combine modern and traditional ideas, built by hand without CNC machines or prefabricated parts and finished in French polish. His recent lattice bracing is based on the golden ratio of the Fibonacci sequence, and he makes his own precision tuning machines in Berlin. GSI is his only dealer in the USA.