Hi Doc et al., I have been meaning for some time to write up some of my experiments with quill plectrum of late. I have had some moderate success after finding some information on early mandolin plectra.
I do think that any discussion of plectra should address one's desired sound. I have used modern plastic guitar/mandolin picks, plastic risha, thin horn(?) risha, and a variety of quills. Each imparts its own unique sound, my personal favorites being the quill followed by horn risha. For Renaissance cittern, a "softer" sound may be in order. Peter Leycester (17th c.) mentions that the cittern should have a "whispering sound," so my choice of material has been determined by that. For quill plectra, I have been using the second technique outlined here for early mandolins (photos 3 and following): http://www.mandolincafe.net/cgi-bin/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=6;t=15088 The basic idea is to split the quill into two more or less equal halves using the "seam" between the two halves as guide. (While this could render two decent plectra, I usually end up with only one good one.) This creates a quill with a flatter profile which is fairly easy to hold (unlike guitar picks which constantly fly out of my hand!). I follow up by shaping the tip with emery board or sandpaper into something that resembles a pointed fingernail (a kind of parabolic shape). A few notes follow: - The type of feather matters: fatter and thicker gives a more "rounded" sound while thinner and narrower gives more of a "whispering" sound. The more pointed the end also leans toward the latter. - I shape the tip so that it is nearly flat in profile so that it gives "just enough". If it doesn't, I find that my downstroke (see below) is too pronounced, and there is a marked "click" on the upstroke as the quill gives. I shape it until this click disappears. - I hold my quill between thumb and forefinger with the remainder going between my fore- and middle finger. I also hold it so that the curved part is toward the floor (much like a rainbow) so that my down strokes are slightly louder/more pronounced than my upstrokes (a la thumb under lute technique). Note: this is the opposite(!) of what is shown in picture 9a in the site above. - I find the shaping to be critical. The curve of the quill supplies strength to the entire quill, but the end near the string I often make *almost* flat. Getting the balance between the two is tricky, but worthwhile. If too much of the quill is curved and there is too much strength (not enough give), the quill actually cracks from the flexing on the upstroke. - I have used a number of different feathers, but I am currently using duck feathers purchased at the local craft store. I don't have them to hand, but I can send along measurements later. They are somewhat on the smaller side (full feather probably 6-8 inches long). I also have a variety of ostrich feather, but these are quite a bit larger and create a much "rounder/thicker" sound. - I have made all of my plectra without tempering the quills; however, tempering may lead to longer life? There is one mention on one of the pen-making sites about soaking in water and then tempering with heat to create a more flexible quill. Might be worth trying. Here are a few more links of possible interest: http://oudpage.tripod.com/plectra.htm - oud plectra; overview of various types http://www.flick.com/~liralen/quills/quills.html - how to cut quill pens; includes info on tempering http://www.cittern.theaterofmusic.com/misc/quills.html - one method of processing quills by Kevin McDermott I will try to take some photos of my process to share with others, but it may be a while before I get them posted.... Best, Andrew At 07:31 AM 2/5/2007, Doc Rossi wrote: >Could anyone give me instructions and/or advice on making a quill >plectrum? or perhaps direct me to the archive if this has come up >already. I have a good selection of feathers now and don't want to >waste them experimenting. > >Thank you, > >Doc Rossi > > > >To get on or off this list see list information at >http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
