On 27/05/2011 22:41, Edward Mast wrote:
I had a Hauser-model lute with metal frets. Worked fine with heavy gauge
strings. But when I decided to try some lighter gauge lute strings (like what
I'm not using on my more historical instrument), the metal frets wore through
the windings of the wound strings within a week. I suspect they would wear
down gut strings, also. So, I assume metal frets would have been suitable for
wire strung instruments only. But I'm only surmising; I have no historical
evidence!
Ned
Guitars from some time around 1800 (and a bit earlier?) had metal frets
and gut strings until well into the 20th century with the invention of
nylon. From around 1800 just about all plucked instruments have metal
frets regardless of string material.
Stuart
On May 27, 2011, at 5:31 PM, Sean Smith wrote:
Andrew Hartig has set up an all-things-cittern site at:
http://www.cittern.theaterofmusic.com/
have fun,
Sean
On May 27, 2011, at 2:14 PM, David Smith wrote:
I understand that 16th century citterns had metal (wire?) frets built
into the fingerboard rather than the tied-on frets used on lutes until
much later. Is it known when metal frets started being used and what
instruments they were used on?
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