Heikki Rousu – 2023 11-string No. 444

Description

This exciting guitar was built by the Swedish luthier Heikki Rousu. Heikki has been building guitars since 1990 and has now crafted more than 300 instruments. This particular instrument is an eleven-string guitar, also known as the alto or Bolin. The Swedish luthier Georg Bolin developed this extended-range classical guitar in the 1960s, and it has been primarily popularized by guitarists Per-Olof Johnson and Göran Söllscher.

This brand-new instrument number 444 transcends the conventional boundaries of classical guitar, offering a harmonically rich and expansive tonal palette that is particularly well-suited for interpreting lute music using guitar techniques. Its design and construction are a testament to the innovative spirit and skillful artisanship that have gone into its making.

The guitar’s 11 strings expand the range far beyond that of a standard 6-string guitar, providing guitarists with an unprecedented breadth of sound. This extended range allows for a fuller, more immersive sonic experience, making it an exceptional choice for performing the intricate and nuanced compositions of Baroque masters like Johann Sebastian Bach and Sylvius Leopold Weiss. The unique tuning of this guitar – g d a f c G F Eb D C B – pitches it a third higher than a traditional 6-string guitar, contributing to its rich, resonant quality. This tuning not only enhances the depth and breadth of the sound but also brings a fresh perspective to well-known pieces, offering listeners a new auditory experience.

This 11-string guitar is a bridge between historical and contemporary musical worlds. It invites guitarists to explore a vast array of sounds and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable on the guitar.