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A project for a private client was a very nice lute in quite a
strong state, but rather less complete than the
Rauwolf. This was a pretty, many ribbed
back of yew, by Jakob Langenwalder c. 1590. It had part of its
original, possibly 8c or 9c neck attached, decorated with lines of
bone, with beech edgings to widen the neck, both unfortunately
projecting through the neck block. This made removing the neck to
correct a high action nearly impossible, so it was decided to turn
the lute into a 10c instrument by mounting a slightly wedged up
fingerboard, and raising the ribs with tapering slivers of matching
yew down to the bridge. It had to have a new
soundboard, bridge, and pegbox, which I made of beech with bone
lines to match the old neck decoration. The result of all this work
was again a lute with a very fine tone, much of which I would
certainly attribute to the age and sonority of the back.
Violinists are used to hearing the sound of their many
surviving old instruments, and may find it hard to understand why to
lovers of the lute this is such a wonder. I do not suppose it will
happen for us very often but it is undoubtedly very satisfying to
have at least occasionally a few of these ancient and delicate
instruments brought back to life in the hands of good players.
Cinthius
Rotundus | Anon guitar |
Sellas | Rauwolf
| Langenwalder |
Railich | Minor
restorations
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