Well, I do make a lute "in D" based on the Venere lute (44cm string
length) and my waiting list is short.
But I have to tell you that this string length is almost impossible to
tune to d'' at modern pitch, even in synthetic strings. The obvious
solution is to tune the whole lute quartet to about a'=392 (about a tone
below modern pitch) - then the 44cm lute is called a lute in D but is
actually in C, the 59cm lute is "in A", the 67cm lute is "in G", and the
bass lute (theoretically c.88 cm) is "in D". Various modern lute
quartets have done this and it makes much more sense than trying to tune
to modern pitch.
I would also add that Dowland's remarks about using bigger strings for
bigger lutes applies - small lutes prefer lower tension than bigger
lutes, and vice-versa.
Best wishes,
Martin
On 07/06/2015 19:20, Geoff Gaherty wrote:
On 2015-06-07 12:51 PM, David van Ooijen wrote:
I have lutes in a', g' and d'. Can almost start my own 'classic
quartet'.
Who makes a decent, reasonably priced "octave" lute in d" these days?
Pat O'Brien used to recommend Larry D. Brown's little lutes, but he
stopped making lutes for a while, though I see he's now back at it:
http://www.cincinnatiearlymusic.com/about_us.html
Grant Tomlinson has a beautiful little Venere on his web site, but his
prices are high and his waiting list is long.:
http://www.tomlinsonlutes.com/six2.html
Anybody in the UK or Europe?
Geoff
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