Hi Martin,
Yes I have played his instruments, they are very well built and a pleasure to
play. Doubtless the pierced pegbox was a client's wish.
I know how he makes his fluted-back lutes. I don't think he is very secretive
about his workmethods.
At this moment I have a Venere 1592 by Martin in
The fluting is a natual effect of the wood having no support through
it's curvature for the outer (wider) posrtion of the rib. The inner
portion of the rib is continous for the entire length of the rib. As
the rib tapers inward at the ends, the support is lost for the outer
curvature
We should ask him how he achieves such a fluted effect! Looks like
beautiful work (though aesthetically I am puzzled by his decision to
make an anachronistic pierced pegbox back for the 1592 Venere). Has
anyone here heard/played his instruments?
Martin
On 10/02/2011 08:38, David van Ooijen
Dear Alexander,
Thanks for this painting - I've never seen it before. I agree these
ribs look uniformly scalloped. Interestingly the lute in the background
looks like a modern oud, with the edges rounded off!
Best wishes,
Martin
On 10/02/2011 00:01, Alexander Batov wrote:
Dear Martin & A
Dear Martin & All,
Here is the promised picture:
http://www.vihuelademano.com/current/pages/Bartolomeo-Bettera_fluted-ribs-lute.htm
As always in cases with historical iconography - however accurate and
realistic it appears to us - we would still remain at the mercy of the
artists. Having said
