A late Renaissance lute, but using the body style small instrument by Hans
Frei, Bologna mid-16C lute, no. C34 in the Kunsthistorischesmuseum in Vienna. It
has the elongated form so esteemed by French players of the early Baroque
period. It has 11 ribs, generally in maple or yew, but other woods are also
used. The neck has a nearly flat fingerboard, and the chanterelle string has a
treble rider.
Frei
would almost certainly have made it as a 6c lute, but it is entirely suitable
for 10c use as well, and is shown here in its 7c version.
