The French, “âme” and Italian “anima” are used to refer to the instrument’s sound post: a modest-looking component, traditionally made of spruce, which connects the front and back bodies of the instrument, not only providing essential structural support but also giving the instrument its richness and brightness of tone. A difference of less than a millimeter can make a major difference to the character of violin, and deciding exactly where to place it is as much an art as it is a science. A luthier will finish making every other part of a violin (even stringing it) before installing the âme using a special tool.
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