On Fri, Apr 27, 2007, Josh Winters <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> said: > I'm new to this mailing list
welcome! > To the best of my knowledge, the music I enjoy the most is from England, > approximately mid 1500s, maybe even most of that century. If I wanted to > start by learning the music of that period, which lute would you > recommend? The 6c lute was in use thruout the 16c, with rare exceptions (scordatura for individual pieces) it is tuned in the intervals of 44344. 7 and 8c lutes are useful for some of the later pieces, but as classical guitarists have demonstrated when doing this repetoire, 6c will handle the music. Dont ignore the music of the rest of europe, it is all worthy of interest. There are some subtle differences between 6c, 7c, and 8c instruments which one should consider. More courses extends the compass of the instrument into its bass register, calling for a larger body. Bass strings sound better when longer. Smaller distance between frets facilitates rapid passage work; fewer courses are easier to play full chords on. Yes, not making things easier for you. Many (including me) have invested in an 8c 'g' instrument initially, with intentions of acquiring a 6c 'a' and a 6c 'D' as funds allow. Looks as if my second instrument will be an orpharion (wire-strung lute), assuming I ever get the head carved. If you plan to play in ensemble you will find an alto instrument more useful for for high-pitched lines than a tenor; a bass instrument for low ones; but a 'g' lute works well enough for most of it as well as the solo repetoire. -- Dana Emery To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
