I think we are all confusing string lengths and different sizes of instruments.
Different sizes of lutes can be strung with the same gauges of strings, but they end up tuned to different pitches. Theorbos are simply tuned to G or A, while following a pitch standard (392/415/440). If a theorbo is larger, the strings required to reach its intended pitch are thinner, therefore a brighter sound? Does that mean that those huge theorbos (90s string length) from 1600 have a typically bright sound? It seems to me than as time went on, the sound ideal developed from a bright trebly sound to a dark bassy one. Seems like a conscious effort on the part of historical instrument makers. Shaun On 21/03/2006, at 8:45 PM, Edward Martin wrote: > Yes, quite so. A longer string for a given pitch has a smaller > diameter, > and therefore a clearer sound. > > ed > > > At 09:53 AM 3/21/2006 +0100, you wrote: >> Am 20 Mar 2006 um 23:18 hat LGS-Europe geschrieben: >> >>>> Can I assume longer string length will give a brighter sound? >>> >>> No. Longer is thicker is lower is louder is fuller. Shorter is >>> higher >>> is thinner is sharper is brighter. >> >> With regard to theorbos I always assumed (and experienced a few >> times) >> that a longer >> string length at the same pitch gives a somewhat clearer, silvery >> sound. >> >> Regards, >> >> Stephan >> >> >> >>> >>> David >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> ************************************ >>> David van Ooijen >>> Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> Http://www.davidvanooijen.nl >>> ************************************ >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> To get on or off this list see list information at >>> http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html >>> > > > > Edward Martin > 2817 East 2nd Street > Duluth, Minnesota 55812 > e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > voice: (218) 728-1202 > >
