James, I've always been amazed by this! For example, tenor copies pitched at G tend to have a resonant pitch close to C which is nearly the exact center of the fingerboard from open 6th to 5th fret 1st courses. The resonate frequency also sounds w/ the open 5th course which is prominently used in most lute pieces. If it was planned this way, it was very, very clever.
Even my descant lute's resonate frequency is 3rd course, 3rd fret. (Lateley, I've tuned it to C which puts the RF at the open 2nd course and it still works so-so but in a different kind of "flavor".) I suspect this pattern would follow other size lutes if properly designed. If this is really how the lute was designed and if the RF really does sound at the open 5th course at A=440 then it might not be prudent to tune to A=415 putting the RF at the 5th course, 1st fret. Sean At 11:51 AM 1/16/04, you wrote: >Tom, > >If you already tune your guitar to a more resonant pitch, you might want >to try what I think the best method, aesthetically and scientifically, >which is to tune to the resonant pitch of the lute cavity--every >open-ended cavity has a fundamental resonance, and the overtones which >will pick up what the strings are vibrating to. > >Slack the strings so much that you can hold them aside a bit from the >rose (they won't resonate at all, now) and sing as low as you can into >the rose, gliding slowly up. At certain points you'll hear the body of >the lute singing back strongly, and feel it in your fingers holding the >neck. Note the pitch from your tuner and keep going--it will probably >give strong resonance at two points, the fundamental and the fifth. If >the fundamental is too far off to practicably string it for, then use >the fifth. Retune, restringing if necessary, so the strings are in >harmony with the cavity's resonance. > >The difference is amazing. If you're not the sort to be convinced, as I >am, by the physics, the sound will decide it--as it should. The >resonance of the instrument will be greatly magnified, as will the >volume, and even the clarity of the plucked notes and their overtones. >I have done it with two 64cm lutes, one responded at E and the other at >F. They are much the richer for it--totally different instruments. >They stand up very well to a voice they accompany, without being >overwhelmed. The harmonic synergy between the voice and lute (if it's >you singing) is palpable. > >Let us know whatever you try. > >-James di Properzio > >whatever you try. > >-James di Properzio
