[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
I bought a Pakistani lute about 7 years ago. Waste of money. Not playable. It was only a month before I went ahead and bought a real lute. Maybe they've gotten better since then On Tue, 31 Jul 2012, A.J. Padilla MD wrote: As I recall, over the years there have been several threads about the Pakistani lutes, all pretty much negative, essentially to the effect that you need all new strings, have to change the action by altering the fingerboard and/or bridge and/or nut, and tolerate a thick, poorly-made soundboard, they're ok. If you can get into the lute archives, the stuff is there. I have no personal experience with those instruments, however. Note that the Lute Society (in the UK) has a list of luthiers both in Europe and N America. I would think that the LSA (Lute Society of America) has a similar list. Do you perchance have a firstborn child, or an extra gonad, or perhaps a kidney you might want to offer for a real lute? Al Padilla -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Bruno Fournier Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 3:06 PM To: William Samson Cc: Jim Ammeson; lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute I would suggest you try and rent one from a local lutenist, or perhaps check with the university music faculty if there would be one available on loan. A regards A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier Montreal Canada A A On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 1:32 PM, William Samson [1]willsam...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: A A A difficult one, Jim. A Most lutes are built to order for a customer - A A unfortunate because the customer doesn't get a chance to try it before A A committing to buy it! A A There are, however, some off-the-peg lutes available. A Closest to your A A price range are the lutes built (in Pakistan??) for the Early Music A A Shop in England A A [1][2]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems -8-cours A A e-renaissance-lute A I have recently seen and tried one of these and A A found it to play very well. A I don't know if similar lutes are A A available in the US but would be surprised if they aren't. A A The other possibility is the second-hand market, but you're in the lap A A of the gods, there. A A Good luck in your quest! A A Bill A A From: Jim Ammeson [3]jimastr...@yahoo.com A A To: [4]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu [5]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu A A Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 17:31 A A Subject: [LUTE] My First Lute A A A So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've A A A had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many A A people A A A I can talk to about them. A (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I A A know.) A A A A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I A A A thought I'd post. A A A So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: A A A I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. A I play lots of A A A baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. A I'd really like to A A try A A A playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the A A investment A A A in buying one. A As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend A A A (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth A A having, A A A unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm A A A *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. A (I'm a college A A A student, nuff said?) A A A I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace A A A in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking A A online, A A A but haven't found anything. A I've asked around at renaissance faires, A A A as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. A A A So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? A Where to A A go A A A to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something A A for A A A him? A I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the A A pieces A A A I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? A Any general advice A A is A A A also appreciated. A A A -Jim A A A -- A A To get on or off this list see list information at A A [2][6]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html A A -- References A A 1. [7]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-co urse-renaissance-lute A A 2. [8]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier A [9]www.estavel.org A -- References 1. mailto:willsam...@yahoo.co.uk 2. http
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
On 07/31/2012 03:25 PM, A.J. Padilla MD wrote: As I recall, over the years there have been several threads about the Pakistani lutes, all pretty much negative, essentially to the effect that you need all new strings, have to change the action by altering the fingerboard and/or bridge and/or nut, and tolerate a thick, poorly-made soundboard, they're ok. That's all quite fair. I bought one from eBay years ago. It was playable, and made sound. It reminded me of one of those cheap ukuleles that you can pick up at a gift shop in Hawaii. It did enough to let me know whether I wanted to pursue playing on a lute. In the end I decided to stick with a retuned classical guitar because I found it difficult to go back and forth between the two, due to the great difference in spacing between the strings. If you can get into the lute archives, the stuff is there. I have no personal experience with those instruments, however. Note that the Lute Society (in the UK) has a list of luthiers both in Europe and N America. I would think that the LSA (Lute Society of America) has a similar list. Do you perchance have a firstborn child, or an extra gonad, or perhaps a kidney you might want to offer for a real lute? Al Padilla -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Bruno Fournier Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 3:06 PM To: William Samson Cc: Jim Ammeson; lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute I would suggest you try and rent one from a local lutenist, or perhaps check with the university music faculty if there would be one available on loan. A regards A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier Montreal Canada A A On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 1:32 PM, William Samson [1]willsam...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: A A A difficult one, Jim. A Most lutes are built to order for a customer - A A unfortunate because the customer doesn't get a chance to try it before A A committing to buy it! A A There are, however, some off-the-peg lutes available. A Closest to your A A price range are the lutes built (in Pakistan??) for the Early Music A A Shop in England A A [1][2]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems -8-cours A A e-renaissance-lute A I have recently seen and tried one of these and A A found it to play very well. A I don't know if similar lutes are A A available in the US but would be surprised if they aren't. A A The other possibility is the second-hand market, but you're in the lap A A of the gods, there. A A Good luck in your quest! A A Bill A A From: Jim Ammeson[3]jimastr...@yahoo.com A A To: [4]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu[5]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu A A Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 17:31 A A Subject: [LUTE] My First Lute A A A So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've A A A had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many A A people A A A I can talk to about them. A (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I A A know.) A A A A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I A A A thought I'd post. A A A So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: A A A I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. A I play lots of A A A baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. A I'd really like to A A try A A A playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the A A investment A A A in buying one. A As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend A A A (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth A A having, A A A unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm A A A *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. A (I'm a college A A A student, nuff said?) A A A I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace A A A in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking A A online, A A A but haven't found anything. A I've asked around at renaissance faires, A A A as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. A A A So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? A Where to A A go A A A to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something A A for A A A him? A I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the A A pieces A A A I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? A Any general advice A A is A A A also appreciated. A A A -Jim A A A -- A A To get on or off this list see list information at A A [2][6]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html A A -- References
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
Hi, all, There seems to be a new generation of lutes and baroque guitars from Mid-East or a similar company. The exterior seems to be more finished and authentic, at least to judge by the photos, and the price is about double. They also credit Zachary Taylor with the designs. Does anyone have experience of these? Best to all, Chris. On Wed, Aug 1, 2012 at 12:36 PM, Toby [1]t...@tobiah.org wrote: On 07/31/2012 03:25 PM, A.J. Padilla MD wrote: As I recall, over the years there have been several threads about the Pakistani lutes, all pretty much negative, essentially to the effect that you need all new strings, have to change the action by altering the fingerboard and/or bridge and/or nut, and tolerate a thick, poorly-made soundboard, they're ok. That's all quite fair. I bought one from eBay years ago. It was playable, and made sound. It reminded me of one of those cheap ukuleles that you can pick up at a gift shop in Hawaii. It did enough to let me know whether I wanted to pursue playing on a lute. In the end I decided to stick with a retuned classical guitar because I found it difficult to go back and forth between the two, due to the great difference in spacing between the strings. If you can get into the lute archives, the stuff is there. I have no personal experience with those instruments, however. Note that the Lute Society (in the UK) has a list of luthiers both in Europe and N America. I would think that the LSA (Lute Society of America) has a similar list. Do you perchance have a firstborn child, or an extra gonad, or perhaps a kidney you might want to offer for a real lute? Al Padilla -Original Message- From: [2]lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:[3]lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Bruno Fournier Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 3:06 PM To: William Samson Cc: Jim Ammeson; [4]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute I would suggest you try and rent one from a local lutenist, or perhaps check with the university music faculty if there would be one available on loan. A regards A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier Montreal Canada A A On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 1:32 PM, William Samson [1][5]willsam...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: A A A difficult one, Jim. A Most lutes are built to order for a customer - A A unfortunate because the customer doesn't get a chance to try it before A A committing to buy it! A A There are, however, some off-the-peg lutes available. A Closest to your A A price range are the lutes built (in Pakistan??) for the Early Music A A Shop in England A A [1][2][6]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-em s -8-cours A A e-renaissance-lute A I have recently seen and tried one of these and A A found it to play very well. A I don't know if similar lutes are A A available in the US but would be surprised if they aren't. A A The other possibility is the second-hand market, but you're in the lap A A of the gods, there. A A Good luck in your quest! A A Bill A A From: Jim Ammeson[3][7]jimastr...@yahoo.com A A To: [4][8]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu[5][9]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu A A Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 17:31 A A Subject: [LUTE] My First Lute A A A So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've A A A had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many A A people A A A I can talk to about them. A (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I A A know.) A A A A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I A A A thought I'd post. A A A So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: A A A I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. A I play lots of A A A baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. A I'd really like to A A try A A A playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the A A investment A A A in buying one. A As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend A A A (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth A A having, A A A unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm A A A *willing
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
The Lute Society in UK has a 'hire fleet' of lutes for this very purpose. Whether they can be hired to Chicago might seem unlikely but would surely be worth asking. Stephen On 07/31/2012 03:25 PM, A.J. Padilla MD wrote: . Note that the Lute Society (in the UK) has a list of luthiers both in Europe and N America. I would think that the LSA (Lute Society of America) has a similar list. Do you perchance have a firstborn child, or an extra gonad, or perhaps a kidney you might want to offer for a real lute? Al Padilla -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Bruno Fournier Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 3:06 PM To: William Samson Cc: Jim Ammeson; lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute I would suggest you try and rent one from a local lutenist, or perhaps check with the university music faculty if there would be one available on loan. A regards A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier Montreal Canada A A On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 1:32 PM, William Samson [1]willsam...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: A A A difficult one, Jim. A Most lutes are built to order for a customer - A A unfortunate because the customer doesn't get a chance to try it before A A committing to buy it! A A There are, however, some off-the-peg lutes available. A Closest to your A A price range are the lutes built (in Pakistan??) for the Early Music A A Shop in England A A [1][2]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems -8-cours A A e-renaissance-lute A I have recently seen and tried one of these and A A found it to play very well. A I don't know if similar lutes are A A available in the US but would be surprised if they aren't. A A The other possibility is the second-hand market, but you're in the lap A A of the gods, there. A A Good luck in your quest! A A Bill A A From: Jim Ammeson[3]jimastr...@yahoo.com A A To: [4]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu[5]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu A A Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 17:31 A A Subject: [LUTE] My First Lute A A A So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've A A A had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many A A people A A A I can talk to about them. A (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I A A know.) A A A A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I A A A thought I'd post. A A A So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: A A A I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. A I play lots of A A A baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. A I'd really like to A A try A A A playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the A A investment A A A in buying one. A As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend A A A (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth A A having, A A A unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm A A A *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. A (I'm a college A A A student, nuff said?) A A A I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace A A A in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking A A online, A A A but haven't found anything. A I've asked around at renaissance faires, A A A as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. A A A So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? A Where to A A go A A A to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something A A for A A A him? A I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the A A pieces A A A I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? A Any general advice A A is A A A also appreciated. A A A -Jim A A A -- A A To get on or off this list see list information at A A [2][6]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html A A -- References A A 1. [7]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-co urse-renaissance-lute A A 2. [8]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier A [9]www.estavel.org A -- References 1. mailto:willsam...@yahoo.co.uk 2. http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-cours 3. mailto:jimastr...@yahoo.com 4. mailto:lute@cs.dartmouth.edu 5. mailto:lute@cs.dartmouth.edu 6. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html 7. http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-course-renais
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
Chris, I took a look on eBay just on spec to see what was out there based on your email on this subject. I know nothing of the quality but at first blush, the Roosebeck 7 course seen here - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roosebeck-7-Course-13-String-Rosewood-Travel-Lute-/170833947206?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item27c67f2a46 seems to look of considerably better quality than what was out a few years ago. This of course doesn't mean it's a good lute or even playable. I recall many on this list who bought one of the early ones made in the Mid East complaining that they needed serious re-working. But the price is not bad at less than $500 dollars. Naturally caveat emptor. On a related search I came across a listing for plans that were allegedly drawn by Giuseppe Tumiati (www.lute.net). Is anyone familiar with these plans and can anyone speak to the quality or authenticity of them? Regards, Craig Allen To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
It did enough to let me know whether I wanted to pursue playing on a lute. Probably yes But a mentor who could have guided you ,and made some adjustments to the instrument's action, might have meant that your lute playing experience was agreable enough that you stayed with it.A better lute would help of course, though it is possible to play beautiful music on a cheap lute, provided that it is tunable and the action and string spacing is ok. I turned my 8-course into a 7-course and could play it with much more ease. Certainly lute music is far nicer (for player and listener)played with on a guitar, than with difficulty on a lute. I think ther must be many, many guitarists who buy a lute and get so frustrated by certain of its characteristics that they give up. I almost did a few times Tony --- On Wed, 1/8/12, Toby t...@tobiah.org wrote: From: Toby t...@tobiah.org Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute To: lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Date: Wednesday, 1 August, 2012, 17:36 On 07/31/2012 03:25 PM, A.J. Padilla MD wrote: As I recall, over the years there have been several threads about the Pakistani lutes, all pretty much negative, essentially to the effect that you need all new strings, have to change the action by altering the fingerboard and/or bridge and/or nut, and tolerate a thick, poorly-made soundboard, they're ok. That's all quite fair. I bought one from eBay years ago. It was playable, and made sound. It reminded me of one of those cheap ukuleles that you can pick up at a gift shop in Hawaii. It did enough to let me know whether I wanted to pursue playing on a lute. In the end I decided to stick with a retuned classical guitar because I found it difficult to go back and forth between the two, due to the great difference in spacing between the strings. A [9]www.estavel.org A -- -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
On Aug 1, 2012, at 10:01 AM, co...@medievalist.org wrote: I took a look on eBay just on spec to see what was out there based on your email on this subject. I know nothing of the quality but at first blush, the Roosebeck 7 course seen here -http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roosebeck-7-Course-13-String-Rosewood-Travel-Lute-/170833947206?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item27c67f2a46 seems to look of considerably better quality than what was out a few years ago. This of course doesn't mean it's a good lute or even playable. I recall many on this list who bought one of the early ones made in the Mid East complaining that they needed serious re-working. But the price is not bad at less than $500 dollars. Naturally caveat emptor. Apart from the obvious caveats: Doesn't travel lute mean flat back? And importing rosewood may be a problem because most varieties are endangered. -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
A while ago Mel Wong, the lute maker, got a lute made in China, which he adjusted and offered for sale at a reasonable price. ($600). He told me that he didn't have to do very much to it. This was two years ago. His email is mel.w...@sbcglobal.net if you want to see if he can still get one. Wayne On Jul 31, 2012, at 12:31 PM, Jim Ammeson jimastr...@yahoo.com wrote: So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many people I can talk to about them. (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I know.) A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I thought I'd post. So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. I play lots of baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. I'd really like to try playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the investment in buying one. As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth having, unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. (I'm a college student, nuff said?) I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking online, but haven't found anything. I've asked around at renaissance faires, as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? Where to go to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something for him? I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the pieces I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? Any general advice is also appreciated. -Jim -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
Howard wrote: Apart from the obvious caveats: Doesn't travel lute mean flat back? Yes, I agree. The nomenclature they use seems a bit ignorant, not meant in the pejorative. I think I saw an 8 course descant lute too by them. And importing rosewood may be a problem because most varieties are endangered. Is there a moratorium or other proscription in the US on importing rosewood? I wasn't aware if there is. Please let me know as I have an opportunity to get some and don't want to break any laws I'm ignorant of. Thank you. Regards, Craig To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
Depends upon the species, Craig. http://www.fws.gov/international/DMA_DSA/CITES/CITES_home.html http://www.fws.gov/international/DMA_DSA/CITES/pdf/Cites_eng.pdf http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php (true rosewoods are of the genus Dalbergia) Only Dalbergia nigra is afforded protection under appendix I (i.e., species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.). Any other Dalbergia spp. listed fall under appendix III (i.e., species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade or, essentially, much easier to trade depending upon the documented place of origin). Best, Eugene -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of co...@medievalist.org Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 1:31 PM To: lutelist Net Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute Howard wrote: Apart from the obvious caveats: Doesn't travel lute mean flat back? Yes, I agree. The nomenclature they use seems a bit ignorant, not meant in the pejorative. I think I saw an 8 course descant lute too by them. And importing rosewood may be a problem because most varieties are endangered. Is there a moratorium or other proscription in the US on importing rosewood? I wasn't aware if there is. Please let me know as I have an opportunity to get some and don't want to break any laws I'm ignorant of. Thank you. Regards, Craig To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
PS: Dalbergia nigra is that commonly referred to as Brazilian rosewood. Eugene -Original Message- From: Braig, Eugene Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 2:09 PM To: lutelist Net Subject: RE: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute Depends upon the species, Craig. http://www.fws.gov/international/DMA_DSA/CITES/CITES_home.html http://www.fws.gov/international/DMA_DSA/CITES/pdf/Cites_eng.pdf http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php (true rosewoods are of the genus Dalbergia) Only Dalbergia nigra is afforded protection under appendix I (i.e., species threatened with extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.). Any other Dalbergia spp. listed fall under appendix III (i.e., species that are protected in at least one country, which has asked other CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the trade or, essentially, much easier to trade depending upon the documented place of origin). Best, Eugene -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of co...@medievalist.org Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2012 1:31 PM To: lutelist Net Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute Howard wrote: Apart from the obvious caveats: Doesn't travel lute mean flat back? Yes, I agree. The nomenclature they use seems a bit ignorant, not meant in the pejorative. I think I saw an 8 course descant lute too by them. And importing rosewood may be a problem because most varieties are endangered. Is there a moratorium or other proscription in the US on importing rosewood? I wasn't aware if there is. Please let me know as I have an opportunity to get some and don't want to break any laws I'm ignorant of. Thank you. Regards, Craig To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
Thanks Eugene. Apparently the Justice Dept. here in the US is including Madagascar rosewood when it enforces the Lacey Act. Craig To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
Anyone interested should check out Mel's web site: www.blackbirdstringarts.com. It's full of enjoyable reading, particularly on the topic of the current generation of middle Eastern lutes and the Chinese lutes he offered a few years ago. Regards to all, Steve __ From: wayne cripps w...@cs.dartmouth.edu To: Jim Ammeson jimastr...@yahoo.com Cc: lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Wednesday, August 1, 2012 1:26 PM Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute A while ago Mel Wong, the lute maker, got a lute made in China, which he adjusted and offered for sale at a reasonable price. ($600). He told me that he didn't have to do very much to it. This was two years ago. His email is [1]mel.w...@sbcglobal.net if you want to see if he can still get one. Wayne On Jul 31, 2012, at 12:31 PM, Jim Ammeson [2]jimastr...@yahoo.com wrote: So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many people I can talk to about them. (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I know.) A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I thought I'd post. So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. I play lots of baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. I'd really like to try playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the investment in buying one. As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth having, unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. (I'm a college student, nuff said?) I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking online, but haven't found anything. I've asked around at renaissance faires, as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? Where to go to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something for him? I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the pieces I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? Any general advice is also appreciated. -Jim -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. mailto:mel.w...@sbcglobal.net 2. mailto:jimastr...@yahoo.com
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
A difficult one, Jim. Most lutes are built to order for a customer - unfortunate because the customer doesn't get a chance to try it before committing to buy it! There are, however, some off-the-peg lutes available. Closest to your price range are the lutes built (in Pakistan??) for the Early Music Shop in England [1]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-cours e-renaissance-lute I have recently seen and tried one of these and found it to play very well. I don't know if similar lutes are available in the US but would be surprised if they aren't. The other possibility is the second-hand market, but you're in the lap of the gods, there. Good luck in your quest! Bill From: Jim Ammeson jimastr...@yahoo.com To: lute@cs.dartmouth.edu lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 17:31 Subject: [LUTE] My First Lute So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many people I can talk to about them. (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I know.) A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I thought I'd post. So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. I play lots of baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. I'd really like to try playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the investment in buying one. As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth having, unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. (I'm a college student, nuff said?) I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking online, but haven't found anything. I've asked around at renaissance faires, as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? Where to go to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something for him? I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the pieces I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? Any general advice is also appreciated. -Jim -- To get on or off this list see list information at [2]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-course-renaissance-lute 2. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
I would suggest you try and rent one from a local lutenist, or perhaps check with the university music faculty if there would be one available on loan. A regards A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier Montreal Canada A A On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 1:32 PM, William Samson [1]willsam...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: A A A difficult one, Jim. A Most lutes are built to order for a customer - A A unfortunate because the customer doesn't get a chance to try it before A A committing to buy it! A A There are, however, some off-the-peg lutes available. A Closest to your A A price range are the lutes built (in Pakistan??) for the Early Music A A Shop in England A A [1][2]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems -8-cours A A e-renaissance-lute A I have recently seen and tried one of these and A A found it to play very well. A I don't know if similar lutes are A A available in the US but would be surprised if they aren't. A A The other possibility is the second-hand market, but you're in the lap A A of the gods, there. A A Good luck in your quest! A A Bill A A From: Jim Ammeson [3]jimastr...@yahoo.com A A To: [4]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu [5]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu A A Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 17:31 A A Subject: [LUTE] My First Lute A A A So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've A A A had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many A A people A A A I can talk to about them. A (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I A A know.) A A A A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I A A A thought I'd post. A A A So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: A A A I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. A I play lots of A A A baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. A I'd really like to A A try A A A playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the A A investment A A A in buying one. A As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend A A A (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth A A having, A A A unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm A A A *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. A (I'm a college A A A student, nuff said?) A A A I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace A A A in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking A A online, A A A but haven't found anything. A I've asked around at renaissance faires, A A A as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. A A A So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? A Where to A A go A A A to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something A A for A A A him? A I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the A A pieces A A A I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? A Any general advice A A is A A A also appreciated. A A A -Jim A A A -- A A To get on or off this list see list information at A A [2][6]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html A A -- References A A 1. [7]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-co urse-renaissance-lute A A 2. [8]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier A [9]www.estavel.org A -- References 1. mailto:willsam...@yahoo.co.uk 2. http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-cours 3. mailto:jimastr...@yahoo.com 4. mailto:lute@cs.dartmouth.edu 5. mailto:lute@cs.dartmouth.edu 6. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html 7. http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-course-renaissance-lute 8. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html 9. http://www.estavel.org/
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
Bruno touches on a good point. Some universities have early-music ensembles and own lutes. Members of those ensembles are sometimes provided with university instruments on loan while they are active with the ensemble. Here in central Ohio, e.g., Otterbein University occasionally assembles an early-music ensemble (including a lutenist). Members of that ensemble are not always affiliated with the university, but are simply interested in learning more about playing early music. Chicago is a populous place, Jim. I wouldn't be surprised if a little effort asking questions among academic music programs turned up similar ensembles there. Once you explore further, you'll discover (if you haven't already) that the lutes associated with the time of Dowland and the lutes associated with the time of Bach were very different instruments, the standard baroque instrument with a very different standard tuning. Good luck out there, and enjoy some Giordano's pie for me! ...but not too much. Eugene -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Bruno Fournier Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 3:06 PM To: William Samson Cc: Jim Ammeson; lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute I would suggest you try and rent one from a local lutenist, or perhaps check with the university music faculty if there would be one available on loan. A regards A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier Montreal Canada A A On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 1:32 PM, William Samson [1]willsam...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: A A A difficult one, Jim. A Most lutes are built to order for a customer - A A unfortunate because the customer doesn't get a chance to try it before A A committing to buy it! A A There are, however, some off-the-peg lutes available. A Closest to your A A price range are the lutes built (in Pakistan??) for the Early Music A A Shop in England A A [1][2]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems -8-cours A A e-renaissance-lute A I have recently seen and tried one of these and A A found it to play very well. A I don't know if similar lutes are A A available in the US but would be surprised if they aren't. A A The other possibility is the second-hand market, but you're in the lap A A of the gods, there. A A Good luck in your quest! A A Bill A A From: Jim Ammeson [3]jimastr...@yahoo.com A A To: [4]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu [5]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu A A Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 17:31 A A Subject: [LUTE] My First Lute A A A So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've A A A had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many A A people A A A I can talk to about them. A (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I A A know.) A A A A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I A A A thought I'd post. A A A So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: A A A I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. A I play lots of A A A baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. A I'd really like to A A try A A A playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the A A investment A A A in buying one. A As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend A A A (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth A A having, A A A unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm A A A *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. A (I'm a college A A A student, nuff said?) A A A I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace A A A in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking A A online, A A A but haven't found anything. A I've asked around at renaissance faires, A A A as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. A A A So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? A Where to A A go A A A to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something A A for A A A him? A I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the A A pieces A A A I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? A Any general advice A A is A A A also appreciated. A A A -Jim A A A -- A A To get on or off this list see list information at A A [2][6]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html A A -- References A A 1. [7]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-co urse-renaissance-lute A A 2. [8]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier A [9]www.estavel.org A -- References 1. mailto:willsam
[LUTE] Re: My First Lute
As I recall, over the years there have been several threads about the Pakistani lutes, all pretty much negative, essentially to the effect that you need all new strings, have to change the action by altering the fingerboard and/or bridge and/or nut, and tolerate a thick, poorly-made soundboard, they're ok. If you can get into the lute archives, the stuff is there. I have no personal experience with those instruments, however. Note that the Lute Society (in the UK) has a list of luthiers both in Europe and N America. I would think that the LSA (Lute Society of America) has a similar list. Do you perchance have a firstborn child, or an extra gonad, or perhaps a kidney you might want to offer for a real lute? Al Padilla -Original Message- From: lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu [mailto:lute-...@cs.dartmouth.edu] On Behalf Of Bruno Fournier Sent: Tuesday, July 31, 2012 3:06 PM To: William Samson Cc: Jim Ammeson; lute@cs.dartmouth.edu Subject: [LUTE] Re: My First Lute I would suggest you try and rent one from a local lutenist, or perhaps check with the university music faculty if there would be one available on loan. A regards A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier Montreal Canada A A On Tue, Jul 31, 2012 at 1:32 PM, William Samson [1]willsam...@yahoo.co.uk wrote: A A A difficult one, Jim. A Most lutes are built to order for a customer - A A unfortunate because the customer doesn't get a chance to try it before A A committing to buy it! A A There are, however, some off-the-peg lutes available. A Closest to your A A price range are the lutes built (in Pakistan??) for the Early Music A A Shop in England A A [1][2]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems -8-cours A A e-renaissance-lute A I have recently seen and tried one of these and A A found it to play very well. A I don't know if similar lutes are A A available in the US but would be surprised if they aren't. A A The other possibility is the second-hand market, but you're in the lap A A of the gods, there. A A Good luck in your quest! A A Bill A A From: Jim Ammeson [3]jimastr...@yahoo.com A A To: [4]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu [5]lute@cs.dartmouth.edu A A Sent: Tuesday, 31 July 2012, 17:31 A A Subject: [LUTE] My First Lute A A A So, I've been considering buying a lute for a few years now, but I've A A A had trouble finding places I can really try playing one or many A A people A A A I can talk to about them. A (Lutes are a bit of a niche thing, I A A know.) A A A A lutenist at the local renaissance faire suggested this list, so I A A A thought I'd post. A A A So, I'll just explain my situation, right now: A A A I've been playing classical guitar for about 5 years. A I play lots of A A A baroque and renaissance music, love the stuff. A I'd really like to A A try A A A playing a lute or two before deciding if I want to make the A A investment A A A in buying one. A As of right now, I don't have much over $500 to spend A A A (I know that's not probably enough for one that's really worth A A having, A A A unless I get a good price on a used one or something), but I'm A A A *willing* to spend more, just don't have it *now*. A (I'm a college A A A student, nuff said?) A A A I live in the Chicago area, and have asked around if there's anyplace A A A in the area whatsoever that makes lutes, and have tried looking A A online, A A A but haven't found anything. A I've asked around at renaissance faires, A A A as well, and, again, just was directed here by one lutenist. A A A So, any advice as to what a beginning lutenist should do? A Where to A A go A A A to try a lute for the first time and see if it is really something A A for A A A him? A I've been thinking an 8 course lute would be good for the A A pieces A A A I play to play...Bach and Dowland and the like? A Any general advice A A is A A A also appreciated. A A A -Jim A A A -- A A To get on or off this list see list information at A A [2][6]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html A A -- References A A 1. [7]http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-co urse-renaissance-lute A A 2. [8]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- A Bruno Cognyl-Fournier A [9]www.estavel.org A -- References 1. mailto:willsam...@yahoo.co.uk 2. http://www.earlymusicshop.com/product.aspx/en-GB/1000655-ems-8-cours 3. mailto:jimastr...@yahoo.com 4. mailto:lute@cs.dartmouth.edu 5. mailto:lute@cs.dartmouth.edu 6. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html 7. http://www.earlymusicshop.com
