Heikki Rousu - 2025 No. 487 11-string
About the luthier
This 11-string guitar was built by Swedish luthier Heikki Rousu, who has been crafting classical and plucked instruments since 1990. With a portfolio that spans guitars, lutes, mandolins, bouzoukis and more, Heikki has built nearly 400 instruments for musicians in Sweden and abroad. His guitars reflect both a strong traditional foundation and a deep sensitivity to musical ergonomics, developed over decades of personal playing and ongoing refinement. By keeping one of his own instruments always close at hand, he ensures his building approach is continuously informed by real-world musical practice.
About the guitar
Guitar No. 487, completed in 2025, is a traditionally built 11-string model that offers an expansive harmonic palette and extended bass range. The fingerboard extends over the zero fret, allowing for a longer scale on the additional bass strings. This design increases string tension in the lower register, adding definition and clarity to the lowest octave—an essential feature for players exploring extended-range or polyphonic repertoire.
The spruce top is matched with Madagascar rosewood back and sides, chosen for its fine, uniform grain and rich visual depth. The guitar is finished in French polish and fitted with Schaller tuners. Despite its structural complexity, the instrument responds with a sweet and brilliant voice, and its overtone-rich sound benefits from the sympathetic resonance of the added strings. Sustain is remarkably long, not only due to the body’s resonance but also thanks to the continuous ringing of sympathetic tones. The result is a harp-like character that lends the guitar remarkable complexity and presence.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
About the luthier
This 11-string guitar was built by Swedish luthier Heikki Rousu, who has been crafting classical and plucked instruments since 1990. With a portfolio that spans guitars, lutes, mandolins, bouzoukis and more, Heikki has built nearly 400 instruments for musicians in Sweden and abroad. His guitars reflect both a strong traditional foundation and a deep sensitivity to musical ergonomics, developed over decades of personal playing and ongoing refinement. By keeping one of his own instruments always close at hand, he ensures his building approach is continuously informed by real-world musical practice.
About the guitar
Guitar No. 487, completed in 2025, is a traditionally built 11-string model that offers an expansive harmonic palette and extended bass range. The fingerboard extends over the zero fret, allowing for a longer scale on the additional bass strings. This design increases string tension in the lower register, adding definition and clarity to the lowest octave—an essential feature for players exploring extended-range or polyphonic repertoire.
The spruce top is matched with Madagascar rosewood back and sides, chosen for its fine, uniform grain and rich visual depth. The guitar is finished in French polish and fitted with Schaller tuners. Despite its structural complexity, the instrument responds with a sweet and brilliant voice, and its overtone-rich sound benefits from the sympathetic resonance of the added strings. Sustain is remarkably long, not only due to the body’s resonance but also thanks to the continuous ringing of sympathetic tones. The result is a harp-like character that lends the guitar remarkable complexity and presence.
