Etymologically neither term is worth the pixels they display in as far as I can see - diapason would appear to be more correct for the octave in a pair, but it wouldn't matter which one, and bourdon means nothing precise at all - not even when you're talking entymologically - (that one was for French speakers).
Tony ----- Original Message ----- From: "Alain Veylit" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2004 11:51 PM Subject: Bourdons or diapasons? > Hi all, > What is the preferred/correct word for those lute strings below the 6th > one...? I used to call them "bourdons" but it seems that in England the > prefered term is "diapasons". > Anxiously awaiting public wisdom on this point of terminology - > Alain > > >
