I agree. However LaBella does have someone that works for them that will help you get the strings for your Lute. LaBella are the strings I use, I am cheap and broke most of the time I cannot afford the fancy gimped, gut, or several top end strings popular today. A number of years ago I ordered a set of strings from LaBella and had the same experinece you described. That's how I found out about there string selection service. I purchased twelve sets at that time so it has been a few years. But you might want to check it out on the Internet. I do not have the address right now but if it is still there you should be able to find it.
Vance Wood. ----- Original Message ----- From: "James A Stimson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Steve Walters" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "List - Lute" <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 8:54 PM Subject: [LUTE] Re: Question on Lute stringing > > > > > 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... > > > > > To get on or off this list see list information at > http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html > > > > > >
