Dear ones, I am late in jumping in on this topic, about the comparison of the various lutes (11 - rider-swan) is very interesting.
I have never owned a swan type lute, but for my taste, I do not like the sound as well as rider 13 course lutes, because the sound is on the rider lute much more even. On swans, the problem is the jump from 8th to the 9th course, which is somewhat dramatic. As Marcus suggests, I agree that the swans are more suited to concerto work, perhaps continuo, and very late 13 course music. In terms of comparing 11 and 13-course lutes, I have had one of each for a long time, and they are both identically strung in gut. Although they are both very nice instruments, the character of sound is far different. The 11-course is a 67.5 cm Frei, the 13 is a 70.5 cm Burkholtzer. In theory, they should sound close, but they do not. The 13 course lute has much greater depth to the sound, where the Frei is more transparent or bright. ed At 08:23 PM 1/13/2009 +0100, Benjamin Narvey wrote: > Dear Mathias, > It's interesting you say that. I'd be curious to know what you and > other people on this list think about the differences > (advantages/disadvantages) between rider lutes and swan neck lutes. I > think the main difference between these lute types is one of balance > vs. extra resonance. Very tough call. > And transportation issues...I already have some problems with my 11c on > certain flights. Does anyone have anything to add on this count? I > think swan necks win hands down here... > I actually began playing baroque lute on a borrowed 13c rider lute, but > it has been so long since I've had one that I'm not sure I can still > trust those initial impressions. Sadly, I've never had both types > together to make a comparison. I must say that I like 11c lutes better > than 13c lutes so far, but then this might be simply because these are > the lutes that modern makers are getting "right". > All best, > Benjamin > > I'm one of the culprits. Or I was, that is. My first BL just had to > be a > swan-neck, it couldn't be else. It was so impressive to impress > other > people ^_^ Today, I'd love to sell it and get me a normal 13c bass > rider > lute. Swan necks don't offer proper advantages IMHO. > > -- > > >To get on or off this list see list information at >http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html >No virus found in this incoming message. >Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com >Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.6/1891 - Release Date: 1/13/2009 >8:17 AM Edward Martin 2817 East 2nd Street Duluth, Minnesota 55812 e-mail: e...@gamutstrings.com voice: (218) 728-1202
