Graham, I had the same problem, so I switched to Andreas von Holst and Klaus Jacobsen theorbos. The instruments balance so perfectly that I can play without a strap if I wish. Unfortunately, many instruments are simply not designed ergonomically, although many of the originals are. Basically, you want a combination of several things: The veneer of the neck should be thinner all round, and thinner on the non bearing side. The neck should have a trapezoidal cross section The pegbox should be very small The core wood should be very light but resistant to bending and changes in temperature and humidity--redwood is excellent for this.
Reneckingthe lute is an option, and you will play better with a lighter neck. It isn't that hard to do--but building a light replacement requires a bit of forethought. Mine are also curved slightly backwards like a bow on the extended part. If you are ever in California I hope you will feel free to drop by and try out instruments here. Best of luck, dt At 04:43 PM 3/10/2010, you wrote: > All, > I wonder if anyone can offer some helpful suggestions. I have a very > nice theorbo of medium size with which I'm very happy. The only problem > is that the neck extension is quite heavy, so much so that it > interferes with the balance of the instrument. This isn't a big problem > except that it can make it difficult to hold on to. Is this a common > problem? Do different theorbos have different levels of balance? Are > there any solutions, aside from the obvious one of selling it, which I > am loathe to do? It has such a great sound and is such a nice > instrument, but a bit more balance would be nice. > As always, I'm grateful to the community for its advice. > Best, > Graham > -- > Dr. Graham Freeman > Ph. D Musicology > University of Toronto > [1]freeman.gra...@gmail.com > -- > >References > > 1. mailto:freeman.gra...@gmail.com > > >To get on or off this list see list information at >http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
