Dear Steve:
The stringing on your Larry Brown lute appears to be normal and typical.
However, the string length is a bit longer than the usual 59 to 60 cm. That
may be a partial explanation for the string breakage.
In my opinion your best course would be to purchase strings from Chris
Henrickson (I think he's in Somerville, MA), Dan Larson (Duluth, MN) or
other string specialist. This will ensure that you get the right strings.
You might also get some spare top strings.
Cheers and good luck,
Jim
"Steve Walters"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: "List - Lute"
<[email protected]>
t.net> cc:
Subject: [LUTE] Question on
Lute stringing
01/16/2006 03:43
PM
Hi Lute Loverz,
I'm new to the lute email list and need some help.
I have an old Larry Brown 8-course Rennaisance lute with 63 cm mensur. The
strings are ancient. I haven't played for a really long time due to an
injury but I'm now trying to get back to playing.
It was strung with nylon for 1st, 2nd and 3rd courses, unison wound strings
for the 4th and 5th courses, and nylon octaves + wound strings for the 7th
and 8th courses. The 1st course is tuned to G.
For my first question, is this the normal stringing arrangement (ie. use
of
wound strings and use of octaves)?
I ask because I ordered some new La Bella Lute strings from "Just Strings".
This set has 1st, 2nd and 3rd as nylon, 4th as unison wound strings, 5th,
6th 7th and 8th as nylon octave + wound fundamental. Besides being a
different setup these strings have far too much tension for a 63 cm mensur,
the wound 4th strings broke as did the 5th and 6th octave nylon string.
Once
I realized what was going on, I released the tension on these to avoid
destroying the lute. I am guessing these strings are for 59 cm or less but
that's what came when I ordered them.
I did try it for a bit and found the 5th and 6th courses sounded very
strange to my ear being in octaves.
Anyway, I am open to any specific suggestions as to what strings to use on
this lute and where I can purchase them.
Lastly, I am curious if anyone else on this list lives in New Jersey, I'd
like to meet some other lutenists and get some tips/help first hand.
Thanks!
Steve...
Retirement: The job I was born for...
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