Hi Ned,
I don't know of any iconography or surviving instruments with a single
second in what you might call "renaissance" lutes. I think the single
second originated as a conversion feature in 11c lutes (when converting
from 10c to 11c) and then later became common on "baroque" lutes. There
is actually quite a bit of evidence for a double second on 11 and 12c
lutes, from iconography, surviving instruments, and Mace's book (Mace
used a double first as well). The double first seems to have been quite
rare in 6c lutes but quite common c.1580-1610.
Best wishes,
Martin
On 18/12/2010 14:15, Edward Mast wrote:
A question for Martin or Martyn - or anyone else familiar with historical
instruments. I have a David van Edward 8 course instrument (Frei model 64cm
string length) that is unusual in that not only the first course is single, but
also the second. I've only noticed baroque instruments similarly configured.
Was this also common on Renaissance instruments?
(I've emailed DvE with this question - what he patterned his instrument on -
but think he's too busy to respond right now).
With thanks,
-Ned
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