----- Original Message ----- From: Vance Wood <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: lute list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Martin Shepherd <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: 04 January 2004 16:26 Subject: Re: new pictures
> Dear Martin: > > Very beautiful Lute. I notice that you have a doubled first course! I > thought I was the only one crazy enough to use a Lute with this > configuration. Personally I love the sound of the doubled first, it also > helps to keep your technique honest. What kind of strings are you using on > this instrument? Some of them appear to be over-spuns. Would it be rude to > ask what the price on this Lute might be? > > Vance Wood. Dear Vance, For lutes of this type I usually try to persuade my customers that it's a good idea to have the option of a double first (I put three holes in the bridge and three grooves in the nut) in aniticipation of the day (if it ever comes) when lutenists decide to take another step towards historical stringing. Most of us, most of the time, conveniently overlook the fact that Thomas Robinson, John Dowland, and even Thomas Mace used a double first. I know what you mean about technique - you can get away with murder on a single first, but the double first really puts you on your mettle. I think the sound is very different from a single first as well, so it is important that we get to grips with this aspect of historical lutes. This lute (which by the way I made for a customer, not alas for myself) was strung with nylgut trebles and Kuerschner copperwound basses. I would rather not comment publicly on the price paid because it was ordered some time ago. My prices are set to increase this year (having not increased at all for several years) and my site will be updated accordingly soon. I charged an extra 10% for the use of shaded yew, since it is virtually unobtainable and I have very little left. This was English yew - so far I have not used Oregon yew but I am interested to find a source of supply - can anyone help? Best wishes, Martin
