I own a 10-course by David Fitzpatrick. I ordered one of David's instruments after hearing an example played at a lute-tasting (LSA 2008) by Paul O'dette.
I am very pleased with the instrument. It is very loud, and projects extremely well in a concert hall. I would say it is moderately easy to play (it is not a lute for a beginner). Scale length is 66cm, tuned in F. Currently I have it strung in nylgut. Build quality is excellent. I believe that David is a long-time member of LSA. He is a very experienced builder, highly professional (I think his main business is custom woodworking). Wait time and prices are very reasonable (or rather were, I am not sure about currently). He was very responsive to my requirements, easy to get in touch with, in short a pleasure to work with. FWIW, I also own a Larson (barqoue guitar) and two lutes by Jason Petty (8-course and 13-course). The Fitzpatrick is definitely on the same level as the Larson or Petty lutes. David builds his own cases. They are serviceable but probably a professional will want to order a Kingham (or something similar). I use David's case as well as a soft case by Colorado Case Company. Bob Margo On Sat, Aug 6, 2011 at 3:15 PM, Edward Mast <[1][email protected]> wrote: A guitarist friend of mine - not yet a member here - wants to get a lute and asked my advice. He would like to get from a maker in this country (U.S.). The only current maker whose instruments I have played and can absolutely recommend is Dan Larson, but I think his wait time is rather long right now. Others listed in the Lute Quarterly are Richard Fletcher, David Fitzpatrick and Ken Brodkey. Has anyone here experience with the instruments of any of these makers? -Edward To get on or off this list see list information at [2]http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html -- References 1. mailto:[email protected] 2. http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
