I've seen some lutes that have ribs that are 'scalloped', i.e. somewhat
cupped in from the lines where the ribs meet. Some lutes appear to have
this to only a minor extent, as though it was the unintended (or at least
un-prevented) result of the building method; others accentuate this in what
can only be an intentional manner.
I've seen moulds that exhibit this scalloping, but I've never seen mention
of any extra steps needed to achieve the look in a finished lute. Once you
have scalloped the mould, will the ribs 'scallop themselves' as the result
of fitting the ribs tight to the mould, or is there additional
pressure/clamping required to force the centerline of the rib down into the
dip to create the scallop?
This look appeals to me, when done subtly... I don't want to mimic one of
those scallop-backed vihuelas or anything, I just want to visually
accentuate the construction of the lute. Opposite-colored spacers get me
part of the way there; I think this scalloping technique could cover the
rest of the distance.
Thanks,
Michael
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