{"product_id":"michael-fontenot-2025-25","title":"Michael Fontenot 2025 #25","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"326\" data-start=\"314\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"326\" data-start=\"314\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"696\" data-start=\"328\"\u003eThis 2025 guitar by Michael Fontenot, his 25th instrument, represents a further deepening of his already impressive modern voice. Built in Fredericksburg, Texas, this cedar and Nomex double top continues the trajectory we observed in earlier guitars such as No. 19 and No. 21, but sinks even further into Fontenot’s refined personal style, both sonically and visually.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1217\" data-start=\"698\"\u003eWhat sets Michael apart is not only his craftsmanship, but his near obsessive curiosity about sound. He has spent years collecting and charting sonic data from some of the finest classical guitars in the world, meticulously analyzing air resonances, response curves, stiffness to weight ratios, and construction variables. Those observations are not academic exercises. They are being translated directly into instruments that perform far above what one would expect from a maker who has built only a few dozen guitars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1540\" data-start=\"1219\"\u003eNo. 25 feels purposeful in every detail. The build is light and resonant, the workmanship increasingly elegant, and the tonal balance remarkably mature. It is the kind of guitar that immediately signals a maker who knows exactly what he is listening for and is rapidly approaching the level of far more established names.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1545\" data-start=\"1542\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1563\" data-start=\"1547\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1563\" data-start=\"1547\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1897\" data-start=\"1565\"\u003eTop: Cedar with Nomex core double top\u003cbr data-end=\"1605\" data-start=\"1602\"\u003eBack and Sides: Indian Rosewood with wheat style purfling\u003cbr data-end=\"1698\" data-start=\"1695\"\u003eFingerboard: Elevated ebony\u003cbr data-end=\"1728\" data-start=\"1725\"\u003eScale Length: 640mm\u003cbr data-end=\"1768\" data-start=\"1765\"\u003eNeck: Slim C shape\u003cbr data-end=\"1789\" data-start=\"1786\"\u003eFinish: French polish\u003cbr data-end=\"1813\" data-start=\"1810\"\u003eArmrest: Sculpted and seamlessly integrated\u003cbr data-end=\"1859\" data-start=\"1856\"\u003eTuners: Sloan with snakewood buttons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"1902\" data-start=\"1899\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1927\" data-start=\"1904\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1927\" data-start=\"1904\"\u003eSound \u0026amp; Playability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2232\" data-start=\"1929\"\u003eThis guitar is extraordinarily quick to respond, with a lively top that activates under the lightest touch yet offers impressive reserve when pushed. As with Fontenot’s earlier instruments, the air resonance sits very low, lending the voice a dark, grounded core that anchors the instrument beautifully.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2533\" data-start=\"2234\"\u003eThe trebles are lyrical and even across all registers, retaining clarity and singing sustain even with nylon strings. The midrange is articulate and colorful, while the basses remain round and focused without becoming diffuse. The result is a sound that feels expansive and refined at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2819\" data-start=\"2535\"\u003eDynamics are a particular strength here. The guitar moves effortlessly from intimate, whisper soft playing to broader textures without losing composure. It rewards nuance, phrasing, and tonal shading, and offers the kind of feedback that encourages long sessions in the practice room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3035\" data-start=\"2821\"\u003eThe slim neck profile and 640mm scale once again make for exceptional comfort. It is a remarkably agile guitar, ideal for players who value ease under the left hand while still wanting a full concert capable voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3040\" data-start=\"3037\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3055\" data-start=\"3042\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3055\" data-start=\"3042\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3439\" data-start=\"3057\"\u003eBrand new, with a handful of minor cosmetic details consistent with a young workshop. There are small refinements still to be made in areas such as portions of the rosette work and the French polish when compared to the most seasoned, decades established makers. None of this affects structural integrity, playability, or sound, and the overall presentation remains very attractive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3444\" data-start=\"3441\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3464\" data-start=\"3446\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3464\" data-start=\"3446\"\u003eFinal Thoughts\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3845\" data-start=\"3466\"\u003eMichael Fontenot’s No. 25 is a compelling statement from a maker who is clearly accelerating. The blend of careful empirical research, attentive listening, and increasingly sophisticated craftsmanship has resulted in an instrument with real authority and personality. It is refined, powerful, beautifully balanced, and unmistakably the work of a luthier finding his mature voice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3975\" data-start=\"3847\"\u003eIt will be fascinating to watch how his aesthetic refinement continues to catch up to his already formidable sonic achievements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4062\" data-start=\"3977\"\u003eIf you're interested in reserving the next to arrive, please write to us at evan@guitarcollection.com\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Guitar Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51953196499236,"sku":null,"price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/1543\/9652\/files\/Fontenot2025-2_1.jpg?v=1769181190","url":"https:\/\/guitarcollection.myshopify.com\/products\/michael-fontenot-2025-25","provider":"Guitar Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}