Sean here is talking about lutes that were too small for him to be
comfortable. But it really depends on what your problem is. My first
lute was big enough that it was difficult for me to get my arms around.
I eventually switched to a 10 C alto with a shallow back (also a Dan
Larson) and this was much easier for me. When I have gone back to play
the other lute, I notice in 10 minutes that my arm and back hurt. So in
my case one of the problems was reaching the right arm around the lute,
causing some sort of hunching. I play(ed) both these lutes with a
strap, fairly high up on the chest in thumb under position.
Suzanne
On 11/19/2010 12:06 PM, Sean Smith wrote:
I had the same problem for years. My problem was primarly how I held it.
It was a 55 cm 8c with a somewhat shallow back that was simply too
small. I had to hunch to hold it. I still pick it up now and then but
within a couple of hours it "lets me know". Oddly enough, my next was a
55 cm 6c with a much rounder (semicircle) body. Much easier tho I still
wasn't out if the woods. Next came the 60 cm: more improvement and the
final step 5 years ago was the strap.
The strap, I found, was extremely liberating. Immediately I could sit or
stand without my spine hunching or twisting. Both feet feel perfectly
natural on the floor which does wonders for breathing, focus and stamina.
There is a caveat. I play thumb under and no 10c lutes.
A lot of people have had to slay this dragon and many are the roads to
Rome. Though it may take a months let us know how you get on.
Good luck,
Sean
On Nov 19, 2010, at 10:07 AM, Mark Mattioli <[email protected]> wrote:
1. My larson 10 course is in need of repair. Any suggestions in the
north east?
2. I not played it in 4 years because holding it causes me back pain
after 15 minutes. Any solution such as a strap or holder? I wrote
daniel larson about this but no reply.
Mark M
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