I don't use a strap for theorbos or archlutes, the necks are made very light (a good idea anyway) so that the instruments balance. Historically, you do see straps, but the neck angle is usually different from modern practice. At an angle slightly less than 45 degrees, you may see improvement in the left hand, but it depends on the intrument, the player, etc. At an angle greater than 45, which is more modern practice, more of the weight sits on your leg, but it is not necessary with lighter construction. It is quite possible that the angle will affect the projection of the sound, depending on the orchestra or ensemble seating, a greater angle puts more of the instrument higher. However, a small platform will do this even better and make you feel quite regal :) Some modern players use a cantilever technique which is quite clever for the strap, although it may affect the left hand slightly.
Very nice lute straps are made by Gottlieb for renaissance lutes, I don't use them but I have seen them and they are very nice. dt At 02:06 PM 2/22/2008, you wrote: >Am I mistaken, or does Edin Karamazov play theorbo sans strap? I see no >visible means of support to the instrument, and he is often in motion. How >can he do this?? > > >Leonard Williams > > /[ ] > / \ > | * | > \_=_/ > > > >On 2/22/08 2:15 PM, "Tuomas Rauramaa" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > Dear lutenists, > > I have a problem. I am looking for a strap which is suitable for my > > instruments (theorbo, baroque lute, 8-c, vihuela and baroque > guitar). I have > > used several straps in the past but somehow they haven't been suitable for > > lutes; either too slippery, difficult to adjust when moving from one > > instrument to another etc... > > > > > > Nigel North's strap was excellent. Very convenient and stable. From where > > can I get something similar? > > > > Are these good ? -> http://www.slider-straps.com/ > > > > Thanks in advance, > > Tuomas Rauramaa > > Kuopio Finland > > > > -- > > > > To get on or off this list see list information at > > http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
