Another day, another instrument
 

Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg

d

Another day, another instrument
 

Don Pearce said...

Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

That looks lovely and it must be fun to play. I'm very envious of those
who can play an instrument. I've tried keyboard and guitars many times
but just can't relate the sound produced to the physical action
required if you see what I mean, bloody frustrating.


--
Ken O'Meara
http://www.btinternet.com/~unsteadyken/

Another day, another instrument
 

On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:06:52 -0000, UnsteadyKen
wrote:

Don Pearce said...

Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

That looks lovely and it must be fun to play. I'm very envious of those
who can play an instrument. I've tried keyboard and guitars many times
but just can't relate the sound produced to the physical action
required if you see what I mean, bloody frustrating.

Fun it certainly is, but also a bit frustrating. The curved back means
it won't sit upright on your thigh, but always tries to twist away and
lie flat. I'll need to get a strap for it. Probably a fluorescent
green and yellow one wouldn't be quite the thing.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg


Fascinating. It seems to have the body of a lute,
(which was a generic term) but the unlike the lute
the tuning pegs are not set at 90 degrees.

Hard to be sure from the pic, but does it have
six strings?

If so, the tuning is presumably the same for a six
course lute, in fourths with the exception of the
interval between the third and fporuirth course
being a third.

Is it about the same physical size?
Any indication as to the maker?


Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

"UnsteadyKen" wrote in message
m...
Don Pearce said...

Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

That looks lovely and it must be fun to play. I'm very envious of those
who can play an instrument. I've tried keyboard and guitars many times
but just can't relate the sound produced to the physical action
required if you see what I mean, bloody frustrating.


Ken. My own teacher maintains that anyone and
everyone has the potential to play an instrument,
it's just a matter of finding the right one. If neither
piano nor guitar suit you, try a brass or woodwind
instument (both are easier in the respect that you
only have to produce one note at a time)

It's never too late to start.

Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

"Iain Churches" wrote in message
...

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg


Fascinating. It seems to have the body of a lute,
(which was a generic term) but the unlike the lute
the tuning pegs are not set at 90 degrees.

Hard to be sure from the pic, but does it have
six strings?

If so, the tuning is presumably the same for a six
course lute, in fourths with the exception of the
interval between the third and fporuirth course
being a third.

Is it about the same physical size?
Any indication as to the maker?


Iain

"fporuirth" ??? Difficult to type while
riding in a truck. I meant fourth:-)

Another day, another instrument
 

Iain Churches wrote:
"Iain Churches" wrote in message
...
"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg

Fascinating. It seems to have the body of a lute,
(which was a generic term) but the unlike the lute
the tuning pegs are not set at 90 degrees.

Hard to be sure from the pic, but does it have
six strings?

If so, the tuning is presumably the same for a six
course lute, in fourths with the exception of the
interval between the third and fporuirth course
being a third.

Is it about the same physical size?
Any indication as to the maker?


Iain

"fporuirth" ??? Difficult to type while
riding in a truck. I meant fourth:-)


I assumed it was Finnish. :)


--
Bill Coombes

Another day, another instrument
 

"bcoombes" bcoombes@orangedotnet wrote in message
o.uk...
Iain Churches wrote:
"Iain Churches" wrote in message
...
"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg

Fascinating. It seems to have the body of a lute,
(which was a generic term) but the unlike the lute
the tuning pegs are not set at 90 degrees.

Hard to be sure from the pic, but does it have
six strings?

If so, the tuning is presumably the same for a six
course lute, in fourths with the exception of the
interval between the third and fporuirth course
being a third.

Is it about the same physical size?
Any indication as to the maker?


Iain

"fporuirth" ??? Difficult to type while
riding in a truck. I meant fourth:-)


I assumed it was Finnish. :)


LOL.

It's (a bit) closer to the Swedish "fjärde"
but still not what I intended:-)

Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

In article ,
UnsteadyKen wrote:
Don Pearce said...

Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

That looks lovely and it must be fun to play. I'm very envious of those
who can play an instrument. I've tried keyboard and guitars many times
but just can't relate the sound produced to the physical action
required if you see what I mean, bloody frustrating.

IMHO it's one of these things you need to learn when young, to be
proficient. Although can be fun to try in later life.

--
*Forget the Joneses, I keep us up with the Simpsons.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg

d

Isn't Lauten simply the German for lute?

Another day, another instrument
 

"David" wrote in message
...
"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg

d

Isn't Lauten simply the German for lute?




No, it's the name of a pricey microphone company:

http://www.lautenaudio.com/index.htm

Another day, another instrument
 

"Keith G" wrote


No, it's the name of a pricey microphone company:

http://www.lautenaudio.com/index.htm




See the wacky Castrol GTX guitar at 13 secs. on this promotional video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W5j-...ayer_embedded#

Another day, another instrument
 

On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:15:18 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg


Fascinating. It seems to have the body of a lute,
(which was a generic term) but the unlike the lute
the tuning pegs are not set at 90 degrees.

Hard to be sure from the pic, but does it have
six strings?


Six strings and actual worm drive machine heads, not pegs. I never
knew they went back that far.

If so, the tuning is presumably the same for a six
course lute, in fourths with the exception of the
interval between the third and fporuirth course
being a third.


Yes, the same as a six course lute.

Is it about the same physical size?
Any indication as to the maker?


The size - the scale length is about an inch shorter than the Martin.
Here's an interesting detail. The fingerboard is scalloped between the
frets so you can't actually feel them

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/scallops.jpg

Some music will appear soon.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:01:51 -0000, "David"
wrote:

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg

d

Isn't Lauten simply the German for lute?


Could well be - I haven't started researching it in detail yet.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

"David" wrote in message
...
"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg

d

Isn't Lauten simply the German for lute?

That's "laute"

The books which I have don't list "lauten" but that
is not to say that such a instrument did not exist:-)

As Keith mentioned, Lauten is also an American mic
manufacturer (just added that to placate those who
might otherwise shout "OT" :-))))

There were many lute guitars (hybrids)
made in the 19th C. Don seems to have
found a good example of one of these

Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:15:18 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg


Fascinating. It seems to have the body of a lute,
(which was a generic term) but the unlike the lute
the tuning pegs are not set at 90 degrees.

Hard to be sure from the pic, but does it have
six strings?


Six strings and actual worm drive machine heads, not pegs. I never
knew they went back that far.

That's a sign of quality.
Any info as to the maker?

If so, the tuning is presumably the same for a six
course lute, in fourths with the exception of the
interval between the third and fourth course
being a third.


Yes, the same as a six course lute.

OK. I am starting to get the picture.

Is it about the same physical size?

The size - the scale length is about an inch shorter than the Martin.

That's interesting. Lutes as such are quite a bit smaller, but
this is a clearly a lute guitar.


Here's an interesting detail. The fingerboard is scalloped between the
frets so you can't actually feel them

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/scallops.jpg

Fascinating.

Some music will appear soon.

I look forward to it.
Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...

I'll need to get a strap for it. Probably a fluorescent
green and yellow one wouldn't be quite the thing.

Err.Not quite.
I am sure also that you will be able to resist the
temptation to bore a hole and fit a pick up and vol
control too:) You could add a mini jack though,
if you want to be professional.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/...137d9504cc.jpg

A cloak, plus doublet and hose, are de rigeur
for all good lutists as is the floppy velvet hat.
Looking forward to a picture, Don:-)

Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article ,
UnsteadyKen wrote:
Don Pearce said...

Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

That looks lovely and it must be fun to play. I'm very envious of those
who can play an instrument. I've tried keyboard and guitars many times
but just can't relate the sound produced to the physical action
required if you see what I mean, bloody frustrating.

IMHO it's one of these things you need to learn when young, to be
proficient.

That sounds like a reasonable excuse:-)

I have had a chance to study mixed groups of
young and mature students playing music,
and it seems to me that although the younger students
learn and develope quicker, the mature students are
better motivated, work harder to make up for lost time,
and keep up with the demands of the curriculum.

A friend of mine who has the same teacher confided
that it took him four whole weeks, to learn two difficult
phrases, a total of 16 bars only. The teacher divided
what looked like an impossible part for a non-pro
player, into four sections of four bars each, and encouraged
him to learn a section a week and include it in his 2 hrs
practice every day to - starting with playing
every second note at less than half speed, over and
over and over again. He now plays it, as written in,
the correct tempo. That's what I call motivation:-)

Although can be fun to try in later life.

Many people of our age, who have had demanding
careers, now find themselves working to an easier
schedule, with more spare time available, especially
if the children are no longer at home.

Learning a musical instrument (and what better instrument
than a lute:-) is a very good way to spend that time and
also keep the little grey cells active.

Music has an important social aspect too, and beng
able to play well enough to perform with others, either
privately or in public, is its own reward.

It's never too late:-)

Iain.

Another day, another instrument
 

On Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:52 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...

I'll need to get a strap for it. Probably a fluorescent
green and yellow one wouldn't be quite the thing.

Err.Not quite.
I am sure also that you will be able to resist the
temptation to bore a hole and fit a pick up and vol
control too:) You could add a mini jack though,
if you want to be professional.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/...137d9504cc.jpg

A cloak, plus doublet and hose, are de rigeur
for all good lutists as is the floppy velvet hat.
Looking forward to a picture, Don:-)

Iain




Shame on you - that's a theorbo, not a lute.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:52 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...

I'll need to get a strap for it. Probably a fluorescent
green and yellow one wouldn't be quite the thing.

Err.Not quite.
I am sure also that you will be able to resist the
temptation to bore a hole and fit a pick up and vol
control too:) You could add a mini jack though,
if you want to be professional.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/...137d9504cc.jpg

A cloak, plus doublet and hose, are de rigeur
for all good lutists as is the floppy velvet hat.
Looking forward to a picture, Don:-)

Iain




Shame on you - that's a theorbo, not a lute.

But, nevertheless, don't the togs appeal to you?

I have always understood a theorbo to be a
lute with a longer neck, and an added peg-box

This is a fascinating subject - there are so many
variations on this splendid instrument.

Take a listen, Don to Jakob Lindberg's
fine recordinga on BIS.

http://www.musicamano.com/



Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

On Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:51:40 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:52 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...

I'll need to get a strap for it. Probably a fluorescent
green and yellow one wouldn't be quite the thing.

Err.Not quite.
I am sure also that you will be able to resist the
temptation to bore a hole and fit a pick up and vol
control too:) You could add a mini jack though,
if you want to be professional.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3083/...137d9504cc.jpg

A cloak, plus doublet and hose, are de rigeur
for all good lutists as is the floppy velvet hat.
Looking forward to a picture, Don:-)

Iain




Shame on you - that's a theorbo, not a lute.

But, nevertheless, don't the togs appeal to you?

I think I might pass on those...

I have always understood a theorbo to be a
lute with a longer neck, and an added peg-box


Yes, the playing neck stops just where his hand is, then the "theorbo"
part continues along the extended upper neck. Those strings were often
left just as sympathetics.

This is a fascinating subject - there are so many
variations on this splendid instrument.

Take a listen, Don to Jakob Lindberg's
fine recordinga on BIS.

http://www.musicamano.com/


Couldn't find any samples there, but there's plenty of him on Youtube.
He's very good. You can also find some bits by Maurice Cope, who sold
me my instrument - he isn't quite that good.

Ah well, off to work.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

On 23/02/2010 07:09, Iain Churches wrote:
"Dave Plowman wrote in message
...
In .com,
wrote:
Don Pearce said...

Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

That looks lovely and it must be fun to play. I'm very envious of those
who can play an instrument. I've tried keyboard and guitars many times
but just can't relate the sound produced to the physical action
required if you see what I mean, bloody frustrating.

IMHO it's one of these things you need to learn when young, to be
proficient.

That sounds like a reasonable excuse:-)

I have had a chance to study mixed groups of
young and mature students playing music,
and it seems to me that although the younger students
learn and develope quicker, the mature students are
better motivated, work harder to make up for lost time,
and keep up with the demands of the curriculum.

A friend of mine who has the same teacher confided
that it took him four whole weeks, to learn two difficult
phrases, a total of 16 bars only. The teacher divided
what looked like an impossible part for a non-pro
player, into four sections of four bars each, and encouraged
him to learn a section a week and include it in his 2 hrs
practice every day to - starting with playing
every second note at less than half speed, over and
over and over again. He now plays it, as written in,
the correct tempo. That's what I call motivation:-)

Although can be fun to try in later life.

Many people of our age, who have had demanding
careers, now find themselves working to an easier
schedule, with more spare time available, especially
if the children are no longer at home.

Learning a musical instrument (and what better instrument
than a lute:-) is a very good way to spend that time and
also keep the little grey cells active.

Music has an important social aspect too, and beng
able to play well enough to perform with others, either
privately or in public, is its own reward.

It's never too late:-)


Much better than 'IMHO don't bother'. Thanks.

Rob

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:51:40 +0200, "Iain Churches"
Take a listen, Don to Jakob Lindberg's
fine recordinga on BIS.

http://www.musicamano.com/

Couldn't find any samples there, but there's plenty of him on Youtube.
He's very good. You can also find some bits by Maurice Cope, who sold
me my instrument - he isn't quite that good.

I have a couple of 'DuOud' albums, you can guess what they play. Have a
listen on 'YouTube'. First heard them at Finsbury Park Rise Festival a few
years ago.....Bloody brilliant. :o)

Another day, another instrument
 

On Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:45:14 -0000, "David"
wrote:

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:51:40 +0200, "Iain Churches"
Take a listen, Don to Jakob Lindberg's
fine recordinga on BIS.

http://www.musicamano.com/

Couldn't find any samples there, but there's plenty of him on Youtube.
He's very good. You can also find some bits by Maurice Cope, who sold
me my instrument - he isn't quite that good.

I have a couple of 'DuOud' albums, you can guess what they play. Have a
listen on 'YouTube'. First heard them at Finsbury Park Rise Festival a few
years ago.....Bloody brilliant. :o)


Excellent - a fretless lute. When I was working Afghanistan in 2001
there was a really good band playing Oud, tabla and rebab. A vaguely
similar sound but less hypnotic.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

On Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:24 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:15:18 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg


Fascinating. It seems to have the body of a lute,
(which was a generic term) but the unlike the lute
the tuning pegs are not set at 90 degrees.

Hard to be sure from the pic, but does it have
six strings?


Six strings and actual worm drive machine heads, not pegs. I never
knew they went back that far.

That's a sign of quality.
Any info as to the maker?

If so, the tuning is presumably the same for a six
course lute, in fourths with the exception of the
interval between the third and fourth course
being a third.


Yes, the same as a six course lute.

OK. I am starting to get the picture.

Is it about the same physical size?

The size - the scale length is about an inch shorter than the Martin.

That's interesting. Lutes as such are quite a bit smaller, but
this is a clearly a lute guitar.


Here's an interesting detail. The fingerboard is scalloped between the
frets so you can't actually feel them

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/scallops.jpg

Fascinating.

Some music will appear soon.

I look forward to it.
Iain


And here it is - just a few bars of something by John Dowland. I
haven't grown the finger nails needed to play this thing, so it is
done with the pads of the fingers, so no sparkle, I'm afraid. But the
depth of the instrument is there to hear.

www.soundthoughts.co.uk/listen/dowland.mp3

d

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:51:40 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:52 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...


Iain wrote:
But, nevertheless, don't the togs appeal to you?

I think I might pass on those...

You could be a sensation strolling across
Hampstead Heath rendering saucy Renaissance
ditties:-)

I have always understood a theorbo to be a
lute with a longer neck, and an added peg-box


Yes, the playing neck stops just where his hand is, then the "theorbo"
part continues along the extended upper neck. Those strings were often
left just as sympathetics.

This is a fascinating subject - there are so many
variations on this splendid instrument.

Take a listen, Don to Jakob Lindberg's
fine recordinga on BIS.

http://www.musicamano.com/


Couldn't find any samples there, but there's plenty of him on Youtube.

You can find samples on the Discography page.
His site aso states that he owns the oldest playable
lute in existence, a Sixtus Rauwolf which dates between
1423-1560.


He's very good. You can also find some bits by Maurice Cope, who sold
me my instrument - he isn't quite that good.

Jakob Lindberg's CDs are wonderful.

Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:54:23 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:

But, nevertheless, don't the togs appeal to you?

I think I might pass on those...

You could be a sensation strolling across
Hampstead Heath rendering saucy Renaissance
ditties:-)


Hampstead Heath? Parts of it have a reputation that would make wearing
such things a very unattractive proposition indeed.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:00:24 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:15:18 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:


"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
Went to an antiques fair today and found this, which was clearly
irresistible. Made in 1880, it is a lauten - a cross between a lute
and a guitar, and it sounds brilliant.

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/lauten.jpg


Fascinating. It seems to have the body of a lute,
(which was a generic term) but the unlike the lute
the tuning pegs are not set at 90 degrees.

Hard to be sure from the pic, but does it have
six strings?


Six strings and actual worm drive machine heads, not pegs. I never
knew they went back that far.

That's a sign of quality.
Any info as to the maker?

If so, the tuning is presumably the same for a six
course lute, in fourths with the exception of the
interval between the third and fourth course
being a third.


Yes, the same as a six course lute.

OK. I am starting to get the picture.

Is it about the same physical size?

The size - the scale length is about an inch shorter than the Martin.

That's interesting. Lutes as such are quite a bit smaller, but
this is a clearly a lute guitar.


Here's an interesting detail. The fingerboard is scalloped between the
frets so you can't actually feel them

http://www.soundthoughts.co.uk/look/scallops.jpg

Fascinating.

Some music will appear soon.

I look forward to it.
Iain


And here it is - just a few bars of something by John Dowland. I
haven't grown the finger nails needed to play this thing, so it is
done with the pads of the fingers, so no sparkle, I'm afraid.

Early players used a quill for single notes

Do you know the maker of your instrument?


But the
depth of the instrument is there to hear.

www.soundthoughts.co.uk/listen/dowland.mp3

Dowland. Excellent.

I am sure you know of Anthony Rooley and the
Consort of Musicke. Here is a taster from a
John Dowland recording I made with them.

http://www.kolumbus.fi/iain.churches/Music/CofM.mp3


Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:58:58 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:

And here it is - just a few bars of something by John Dowland. I
haven't grown the finger nails needed to play this thing, so it is
done with the pads of the fingers, so no sparkle, I'm afraid.

Early players used a quill for single notes


I'll go and shoot a pigeon.

Do you know the maker of your instrument?


Yes, it's made by Paul Schniber, but I haven't been able to find out
anything about him yet.


But the
depth of the instrument is there to hear.

www.soundthoughts.co.uk/listen/dowland.mp3

Dowland. Excellent.

I am sure you know of Anthony Rooley and the
Consort of Musicke. Here is a taster from a
John Dowland recording I made with them.

http://www.kolumbus.fi/iain.churches/Music/CofM.mp3

I've seen Anthony many times, usually accompanying Emma Kirkby. The
Wigmore Hall seems to be a favourite venue for them. There used to be
amazing Sunday morning concerts there.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:02:57 GMT, (Don Pearce) wrote:


http://www.kolumbus.fi/iain.churches/Music/CofM.mp3


That won't download right now.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:05:06 GMT, (Don Pearce) wrote:

On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:02:57 GMT, (Don Pearce) wrote:


http://www.kolumbus.fi/iain.churches/Music/CofM.mp3



Ok got it - talking of Emma Kirkby, there she is.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:54:23 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:

Iain wrote:
But, nevertheless, don't the togs appeal to you?

I think I might pass on those...

You could be a sensation strolling across
Hampstead Heath rendering saucy Renaissance
ditties:-)

Go on Tuesday. Or Whipps Cross on Thursday. I think some of the
leather crowd would be interested.

Another day, another instrument
 

On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:41:04 +0000, Laurence Payne
wrote:

On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:54:23 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:

Iain wrote:
But, nevertheless, don't the togs appeal to you?

I think I might pass on those...

You could be a sensation strolling across
Hampstead Heath rendering saucy Renaissance
ditties:-)

Go on Tuesday. Or Whipps Cross on Thursday. I think some of the
leather crowd would be interested.

I will keep the info in mind, but not in a positive way, thank you.

d

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:58:58 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:

And here it is - just a few bars of something by John Dowland. I
haven't grown the finger nails needed to play this thing, so it is
done with the pads of the fingers, so no sparkle, I'm afraid.

Early players used a quill for single notes


I'll go and shoot a pigeon.

A mute swan quill might be more to your liking.


Do you know the maker of your instrument?


Yes, it's made by Paul Schniber, but I haven't been able to find out
anything about him yet.

There are some very knowledgeable people at the
V+A who may be able to shed a little light.




But the
depth of the instrument is there to hear.

www.soundthoughts.co.uk/listen/dowland.mp3

Dowland. Excellent.

I am sure you know of Anthony Rooley and the
Consort of Musicke. Here is a taster from a
John Dowland recording I made with them.

http://www.kolumbus.fi/iain.churches/Music/CofM.mp3

I've seen Anthony many times, usually accompanying Emma Kirkby. The
Wigmore Hall seems to be a favourite venue for them. There used to be
amazing Sunday morning concerts there.

Dame Emma now..
I cam across this pic of her with Jakob Lindberg
http://www.yale.edu/ism/events/MusicatTwilight.html

Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

"Don Pearce" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:54:23 +0200, "Iain Churches"
wrote:

But, nevertheless, don't the togs appeal to you?

I think I might pass on those...

You could be a sensation strolling across
Hampstead Heath rendering saucy Renaissance
ditties:-)


Hampstead Heath? Parts of it have a reputation that would make wearing
such things a very unattractive proposition indeed.


I pictured you, like a strolling minstrel of yore,
entertaining the gentlemen and damsels and the
picnic parties, with their wicker hampers, and
Triumph roadster pulled up on the grass nearby

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/...57fb8e31b0.jpg


...... not trolling in the car park of (what used to be)
Jack Straw's Castle.

:-)

Iain

Another day, another instrument
 

Dave said:

Isn't Lauten simply the German for lute?

If translation were simple, and if lutes were simple, this
might have been a simple rhetorical question. But what is
its intended meaning?

Ian

Another day, another instrument
 

Don Pearce wrote:

Isn't Lauten simply the German for lute?


Could well be - I haven't started researching it in detail
yet.

I can't find any evidence that "lauten" is an established
English word, whether loaned from the German or not.

The definition of a lute isn't clear. It could be that only
the body is the defining feature, in which case yours looks
like a lute to me.

It could also be that your instrument is of a particular
type originated in a German-speaking country, and because it
doesn't fall within the limits of what would be called a
lute in English, its German name was used, but never widely
enough to be considered an English word.

All in all, it seems it is either a lute, or you can call it
whatever you want. However, if you call it a Lauten, someone
will say "Isn't that simply the German word for a lute?".

Isn't "maisonette" simply the French word for a small house?

Ian

Another day, another instrument
 

Isn't Lauten simply the German for lute?

That's "laute"

But nouns have several forms in German:

http://www.canoo.net/services/Contro...es=%28Cat+N%29

Also the plural is Lauten, and maybe that would be the most
likely form to find on a label.

Ian