Dear Thomas, dear all,
first of all, I wouldn't be so strict and
dogmatic about some particular approaches in instrument's making.
In fact, many other so called "historical" makers, are as far from the "
historical truth" as liuto forte's team is. I mean, making instruments that
more or less look like an original one, and have double courses, doesn't
necessary mean a serious study of the main elements of an instrument, and in
consequence doesn't necessary brings a convincing rigorous result.
Re the liuto forte, I personally would prefer a "normal" lute, made by many
of the very talented modern makers.
My personal experience: In Basle, year 1998, I had the chance to hear some
colleague trying out two instruments: a liuto forte (renaissance tunning)
and a lovely 7 course made by Mr. Stephen Gottlieb (I should add that I
don't have any instrument from this particular maker).
Funny enough, Gottlieb's lute wasn't softer than the other one, or at least
it's quality and projection was far more interesting than the other thing.
Only another view.
Ciao,
A
