ANIMA
A traditional Spanish guitar which enhanced the tonal possibilities.
Description
- Scale length 65 cm
- traditional headstock design
- Scheller tuning machines
- Traditional ebony fingerboard with slight transverse curvature
- 20th fret at the E string
- Sound hole rosette with engraved central motif
- Solid spruce top with five fan braces and a bridge bar
- FABS bridge system for intonation adjustment
- Back and sides made of Indian rosewood, birdseye maple or cypress
- Slightly arched back
- Overall french polish
Background
This latest model ANIMA (Latin for soul), emerged after a decade of exploring the sonic fascination of Spanish guitars and with the background of my academic research in musical acoustics.
At its core lies the idea of structural simplicity. Its symmetrical five-fan bracing, supported by a single transverse bar under the bridge, is a deliberate reduction compared to the ESSENCE model. The traditional fingerboard results in a more flexible neck-body connection and lower string resistance.
The subtle arching of the top and back was inspired by my replica of a guitar by Louis Panormo, a leading figure in early to mid-19th-century Spanish guitar making. However, this structural feature reaches further still, referencing the design of the Baroque guitar and thus building a bridge between historical and modern sound ideals.
The finely carved rosette motif and slim bridge subtle references to the lute, underscoring ANIMA's connection to Europe's cultural heritage.
Sound
ANIMA features an expressive and relaxed sound, with rich overtones and tonal colours.
Its immediate response enables efficient use of energy, positively influencing the body’s overall muscle tone – a benefit that is also noticeable in the fretting hand.
As is typical for fan-braced guitars, its separation of voices is slightly less precise than that of the KONZERT and ESSENCE models, yet remaining transparent.
Carefully balanced across all registers, with refined sustain and a warm timbre, the ANIMA proves to be a versatile instrument - especially shining in the Spanish repertoire.
With its fresh, elegant and refined sound, the guitar opens up new tonal worlds and inspires you to explore them. This offers intriguing sonic perspectives for composition and improvisation. Thanks to its lightweight neck-to-body connection, it is also well suited to early music.