Found out the string length (69) and model 354. Martin Shepherd wrote this in an email to me, and I'm sure he won't mind me sharing the info:
>>>I have very little information on the original instrument because it (and its friend) are hidden away in a Bohemian castle instead of in the main museum in Prague. When I went there about three years ago I was informed that the musical instrument collection was in storage, presumably awaiting transfer to the castle. If I remember correctly the meagre information I have been able to glean, in its present state it is a 13c lute with a string length of 67.3cm. (I have a drawing of the body, but no data on the neck and pegbox). When I made your lute I discovered that the string length had to be longer to get the "normal" proportions of an 11c lute, that is where the neck/body join is close to where the tenth fret would be, allowing the ninth fret to be tied without too much difficulty (the angle of the neck/body joint is such that if the fret comes too close to the body it has to be tied on at a crazy angle and anchored by notches in the edge of the fingerboard).<<< Maler originals were often used in the 17th century for 11c instruments. The shape and sound were very much in fashion. Yet there are very few luthiers who use Malers today, preferring instead the beautiful Warwick Frei. We did consider the Frei, but settled on the Maler as a sort of experiment. There will no veneer and only nine ribs. For the French repertoire, volume is of less interest to me than resonance. As ever, one can only wait and see what the result will be. Very much looking forward to it. Rob www.rmguitar.info -----Original Message----- From: Edward Martin [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 21 November 2007 14:02 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'BAROQUE-LUTE' Subject: Re: [BAROQUE-LUTE] Re: new 11c lute - pics Rob, You will absolutely love 11 course music, on an 11 course lute. It is very satisfying. ed To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
