Sorry, I'm sending this again, without all the =20 symbols....I fixed that in my "options"
Hi, I have an OLD, OLD 10 course built by Larry Brown back in like 1981. The face is split (somewhat). I will get it fixed by Larry, eventually. I will have to send it off to him. I got it second hand for about $1100. This was my first lute and up until the time of the fracture, I practiced a bit. Now I want a new one. I was looking at the MID-EAST Lutes for $600. I know that they had a horrible reputation for being clunky, heavy and unplayable, but I assume that is from players with $8000 lutes? I can't afford a lute that expensive...ever. I CAN afford the Mid-East Lute. Does anyone have a newer built version, and what is your take on the sound? A couple years ago when I first saw them, people said it was like weightlifting. These lutes were heavy and they really didn't play well. I am sure design changes have happened. If you've recently bought one and are having a fine time with it, let me know. If you haven't bought one, and only are going by what others may have said, please don't reply. I am looking for something to just practice on...that's all. I'm not Hopkinson Smith. Don't plan on sounding like Hopkinson Smith. Cool? Also, I live in Saint Louis, Missouri. There was one lute teacher ages ago. Don't know where he went. Haven't seen him or his classical guitar shop. Is there actually a lute teacher here in Saint Louis? Thanks, Michael
