Category Archives: lute

My Friend Bob Lundberg

2023
AL#150 p.62               
Birck Cox                                                                                           

▪ The late Robert Lundberg is legendary as a lute maker and educator, but Birck Cox knew him before all that, back when Lundberg was working on fiberglass race cars. They met while unloading a moving van and were friends for many years.

In Memoriam: Robert S. Cooper

2017
AL#130 p.59               read this article
R.E. Brune                                                                                           

▪ Cooper was an early member of the GAL as well as a maker of large and detailed airplane models. He wrote what was at the time the only book in English about making a lute, based on the work of the Hauser family. He’s fondly remembered by R.E. Brune, who built lutes from that book in the 1970s.

Lute Neck and Pegbox Inlay Patterns

2011
AL#106 p.35               
Michael Yeats                                                                                           

▪ Yeats developed these intricate inlay patterns for veneered lute necks and peg boxes while assisting Robert Lundberg. From a conversation by Jonathon Peterson.

Travel Lute

2010
AL#101 p.56               read this article
Ben Cohen                                                                                           

▪ An amateur luthier and lutenist designs a travel-friendly lute using a banjo approach.

Constructing the Middle Eastern Oud with Peter Kyvelos, Part Two

2008
AL#95 p.18               read this article
R.M. Mottola   Peter Kyvelos                                                                                       

▪ The oud is the Arabic ancestor of the lute, as well as being a popular contemporary instrument in many parts of the world. Part One of this two-part series was printed in AL#94. This part concerns the construction of the soundboard and neck of the instrument. With 33 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Constructing the Middle Eastern Oud with Peter Kyvelos, Part One

2008
AL#94 p.8               read this article
R.M. Mottola   Peter Kyvelos                                                                                       

▪ The oud, of course, is the Arabic ancestor of the lute, as well as being a popular contemporary instrument in many parts of the world. Kyvelos has been building them since 1970. The story offers a bit of background on the oud, a few of its recent historical builders, and Kyvelos himself, though most emphasis is placed upon the construction of the instrument. This part mostly concerns the construction of the bowl of the instrument. With 33 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Meet the Maker: Charles Beare

2005
AL#82 p.26   BRB7 p.312            
Jonathon Peterson   Charles Beare                                                                                       

▪ Beare is the captain of a violin restoration firm, a competition judge, and a man thoroughly versed in the intricacies of vintage violins. He has known all the experts of his life time, and he has formulated many strong opinions about old fiddles and the various fields that use them to do business. You’ll find him interesting even if you aren’t a violin person. With 9 photos.

Carving the Lute Rose

2004
AL#80 p.4   BRB7 p.228            
Ervin Somogyi                                                                                           

▪ The author not only explains how the traditional lute rose is carved, but demonstrates how the technique might be used other than as a rosette. With 17 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Review: A History of the Lute from Antiquity to the Renaissance by Douglas Alton Smith

2003
AL#73 p.60   BRB7 p.522            read this article
Bryan Johanson                                                                                           

▪ The reviewer pronounces this book to be “a massive achievement to which the reader can return again and again for information, insights, and pleasure.” A pretty good indication that he found it useful and valuable.

Preface

2002
   HLC p.ix            
Jonathon Peterson                                                                                           

▪ Historical Lute Construction was published after the decease of its author Robert Lundberg. Preface also addresses issues of the Venetian inch and the rearrangment of some of the magazine article material when organizing the book.

Ancient Lute Makers

2002
   HLC p.245            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ A list of ancient lute makers giving their dates and locations. Aslo some thoughts on the inconsistant spellings of some names.

Catalog of Ancient European Lutes- September 1988

2002
   HLC p.249            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ A listing of over 300 ancient lutes personally observed and measured by Lundberg. Listed by museum collection. Also mentions their condition.

Bibliography

2002
   HLC p.261            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ A listing of the many information sources used by Lundberg in the preparation of his lute-making course.

The Search for the Lute Maker’s Donkey

2002
AL#69 p.36               
Andrew Atkinson                                                                                           

▪ The author’s focus is on recreating a lute maker’s shop, circa the late 16th century. Old paintings provide some of his most valuable research materials. He is not only interested in old tools, but in the old ways of making those tools. With 2 photos.

In Memoriam: Robert Lundberg

2001
AL#66 p.5   BRB6 p.165            read this article
Jonathon Peterson   Jean Gilman   Lora Lundberg Schultz   Dorothy Bones   Ben Lundberg   Michael Yeats   Gunter Mark   Cyndy Burton   Jeffrey R. Elliott                                                           

▪ Lundberg was perhaps the foremost lute maker in America, a champion of building lutes in an historical manner, a longtime member and supporter of the GAL, and author of the landmark book Historical Lute Construction. Family and friends take a deep look at the significance of his life and work. With 10 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

Meet the Maker: Clive Titmuss

2000
AL#63 p.40   BRB6 p.130            
Gordon Gray   Clive Titmuss                                                                                       

▪ Titmuss is a Canadian who builds and performs upon the lute. He’s also a lute historian and a musicologist. It takes an interesting person to make a mostly-forgotten piece of the past come alive, which is what Titmuss does. With 8 photos.

Practicum Eighteen: Installing the Nut, Frets, and Strings

1994
AL#38 p.8   HLC p.226            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg makes the nut, ties on the frets, and strings up the lute. With a string tension formula and an explanation of the rule of 18 for locating frets. Contains 33 step-by-step photos, and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Seventeen: Finishing the Belly and Neck

1994
AL#37 p.32   HLC p.218            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg cleans, scrapes, waxes, and oils the various parts of the lute that will not receive shellac finishing. With 29 step-by-step photos, detailed captions, and two recipes for lute wax. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Principles of Guitar Dynamics and Design

1993
AL#36 p.16   BRB3 p.396            
Ervin Somogyi                                                                                           

▪ Somogyi delves into many of the technical considerations of guitar design and construction. With a large number of drawings.

Practicum Sixteen: Fitting the Pegs

1993
AL#36 p.32   HLC p.210            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg explains how to fit the many pegs of graduating length and diameter. With 26 step-by-step photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Fourteen: Finishing the Bowl

1993
AL#35 p.34   HLC p.196            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ The bowl is finished with shellac and rubbed out. With 38 step-by-step photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Ivory Lute: Picture This

1992
AL#32 p.6   BRB3 p.240            read this article
Ken Sribnick   Gayle Miller                                                                                       

▪ The lute photographers relate a wonderful anecdote about their pilgrimage to the London shop of Charles Beare to shoot the unicorn, er, no, the great white lute. With 3 more photos.

Ivory Lute: Questions Remain

1992
AL#32 p.7   BRB3 p.241            read this article
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ It seems that there is real doubt about the authenticity of this very same lute. American Lutherie’s lute meister looks at the photos and thinks, “Hmm, maybe it is real.” With one more photo of Moby Lute.

Practicum Fifteen: Installing the Pegbox

1992
AL#31 p.46   HLC p.206            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ The pegbox is attached to the neck. With 16 step-by-step photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Thirteen: Making the Pegs

1992
AL#31 p.50   HLC p.190            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg makes the pegs with a tiny machinist’s lathe. With 25 step-by-step photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Twelve: Making the Pegbox

1992
AL#30 p.28   HLC p.178            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Making and veneering the tapered pegbox. With 50 step-by-step photos and detailed captions.photos. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Ten: Installing the Points and Fingerboard

1992
AL#29 p.10   HLC p.162            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ The points are inlaid into the top, and the fingerboard is attached to the neck. The process is shown for both veneered necks and plain necks. With 40 step-by-step photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction. This article is listed twice due to differences between the magazine series and the final form of the book.

Practicum Eleven: Installing the Half Binding

1992
AL#29 p.15   HLC p.172            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ The half binding is made and let into the soundboard edge. With 24 step-by-step photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Nine: Attaching the Belly

1991
AL#28 p.8   HLC p.156            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ The top is glued to the bowl and trimmed. With 19 step-by-step photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Ten: Installing the Points and Fingerboard

1991
AL#28 p.15   HLC p.162            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ The points are inlaid into the top, and the fingerboard is attached to the neck. The process is shown for both veneered necks and plain necks. With 40 step-by-step photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Meet the Maker: Herb David

1991
AL#26 p.14   BRB3 p.46            
Dan Erlewine   Herb David                                                                                       

▪ It’s tough to be in business and stay successful. It’s really tough to stay in business and keep having fun, too. Herb David tells how he runs his business, builds a few instruments, stays in shape, has fun. Here’s the last line of his personal prayer: “Deliver me from temptation but keep me in touch.” You gotta love the guy. Mentions Sam Varjebedian and Terry Horvath.

Practicum Eight: Shaping, Veneering, and Attaching the Neck

1990
AL#24 p.40   HLC p.142            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ The neck blank has already been fitted to the bowl. Now it is shaped, veneered, and attached. With 49 photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Six: Completing the Bowl and Fitting the Neck

1990
AL#23 p.42   HLC p.130            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ In this segment Lundberg prepares the bowl for removal from the mold, fits the neck and the countercap, reinforces the ribs, and fits the belly to the bowl. Contains 22 step-by-step photos and captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Seven: Fitting the Belly and Planing the Neck

1990
AL#23 p.48   HLC p.136            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Fitting the many brace ends to the sides of the bowl and ensuring that the subtle topography of the soundboard will be right.With 21 photos and detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Lutherie — The Hard Way

1990
AL#22 p.18               
John Larsen                                                                                           

▪ Larsen built his first guitar in 1950. His article describes the difficult road folks had to follow before the Information Age engulfed lutherie.

Practicum Five: Tuning the Belly

1990
AL#22 p.20   HLC p.122            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ In this episode Lundberg tunes the belly, or top, of the lute. The belly is already braced and the bridge is glued to it, but it is not yet attached to the bowl. Contains 21 photos, 3 diagrams, and detailed text. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Four: Making the Bridge

1990
AL#21 p.16   HLC p.110            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg makes the bridge and glues it to the braced top. Contains 49 step-by-step photos and detailed captions, plus 7 diagrams. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Three: Making the Belly

1989
AL#20 p.40   HLC p.94            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg makes a complete lute top including carving the rose and bracing the soundboard. Contains 57 photos and 6 diagrams with detailed captions. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

Practicum Two: Making the Bowl

1989
AL#19 p.6   HLC p.80            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Construction of the lute bowl. Detailed captions to 57 step-by-step, how-to photos. This series ran for 19 installments in American Lutherie and has been collected into our hardback book Historical Lute Construction.

GAL Instrument Plan #23: 14-cs Archlute

1989
AL#17 p.51   HLC p.244            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg recommends that the uninitiated not try to build an instrument from these plans without first reading the entire series of lectures presented in “Historical Lute Construction.” The plans are more diagramatic than exhaustive, but contain the essential information to construct the instrument.

The Witten-Rawlins Collection

1988
AL#15 p.56   BRB2 p.100            
Joseph-R. Johnson                                                                                           

▪ Johnson offers a brief note about the Witten-Rawlins collection that was recently acquired by the Shrine to Music Museum. With photos and a museum checklist.

Practicum One: Making the Form

1988
AL#16 p.24   HLC p.76            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ The lute theory is over and the chips begin to fly. The series begins with the construction of the form on which the bowl will be assembled. 14 photos with detailed captions.

The Erlangen Lectures Day Three: The Belly

1988
AL#14 p.22   HLC p.30            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ This portion of the series deals with the soundboard, or belly, of the lute, including the braces and rosette. Many drawings illustrate the shape and thickness of historical lute tops. Beautiful drawings accompany the photos of astonishing rosettes (the drawings are not patterns of the photos). Where did those old guys find the patience? This is the third of 19 installments.

GAL Instrument Plan #20: 65cm 10-Course Renaissance Lute

1988
AL#14 p.42   HLC p.241            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg recommends that the uninitiated not try to build an instrument from these plans without first reading the entire series of lectures presented in “Historical Lute Construction.” The plans are more diagramatic than exhaustive, but contain the essential information to construct the instrument.

GAL Instrument Plan #21: 7-cs Ren. Alto Lute, Venere 1592

1988
AL#14 p.44   HLC p.242            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg recommends that the uninitiated not try to build an instrument from these plans without first reading the entire series of lectures presented in “Historical Lute Construction.” The plans are more diagramatic than exhaustive, but contain the essential information to construct the instrument.

The Erlangen Lectures Day Four: The Bridge, Neck, and Pegbox

1988
AL#15 p.6   HLC p.48            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ This segment covers the bridge, neck, fingerboard, pegbox, and pegs of the lute. With photos and a number of drawings. This series is comprised of 19 installments.

GAL Instrument Plan #22: 13-cs Baroque Lute, Dieffopruchar ca. 1600

1988
AL#15 p.28   HLC p.243            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg recommends that the uninitiated not try to build an instrument from these plans without first reading the entire series of lectures presented in “Historical Lute Construction.” The plans are more diagramatic than exhaustive, but contain the essential information to construct the instrument.

The Erlangen Lectures Day Two: The Bowl

1988
AL#13 p.24   HLC p.18            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ This portion of the series has to do with the shape of the lute body, or bowl. It includes 21 photos of historical models and numerous drawings and label signatures. This series includes 19 segments.

GAL Instrument Plan #18: 44cm 6-Course Renaissance Descant Lute

1988
AL#13 p.37   HLC p.239            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg recommends that the uninitiated not try to build an instrument from these plans without first reading the entire series of lectures presented in “Historical Lute Construction.” The plans are more diagramatic than exhaustive, but contain the essential information to construct the instrument.

GAL Instrument Plan #19: 76cm 8-Course Renaissance Bass Lute

1988
AL#13 p.38   HLC p.240            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg recommends that the uninitiated not try to build an instrument from these plans without first reading the entire series of lectures presented in “Historical Lute Construction.” The plans are more diagramatic than exhaustive, but contain the essential information to construct the instrument.

Robert Lundberg: In Tune With the Universe

1987
AL#12 p.30   HLC p.xiii            
Tim Olsen   Robert Lundberg                                                                                       

▪ Did people of a given time and place think and respond differently than we do? Lundberg thinks so. He has learned to think like an ancient luthier by studying their work, and has therefore made a connection to a neglected tradition and society. It shows in his work and his speech, and apparently, in his life.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s best articles published before 2010.

GAL Instrument Plan #17 6-cs Renaissance Lute

1987
AL#12 p.48   HLC p.238            
Robert Lundberg                                                                                           

▪ Lundberg recommends that the uninitiated not try to build an instrument from these plans without first reading the entire series of lectures presented in “Historical Lute Construction.” The plans are more diagramatic than exhaustive, but contain the essential information to construct the instrument.

High School Dreams

1987
AL#10 p.56   BRB1 p.414            read this article
Dave Schneider                                                                                           

▪ A dream comes true. Schneider relates his growth toward a successful lutherie career. He begins with a high school shop program, travels through various repair and furniture jobs, apprentices as a lute maker, and ends up self-employed.

Devolution of the Modern Lute

1985
AL#4 p.22   BRB1 p.116            read this article
Robert Cooper                                                                                           

▪ Cooper’s lecture tracks his own development as a lute maker and the instrument’s return to historically accurate models. Mentions Hermann Hauser II, a number of performers, which designs and glues are preferable, how to remove a neck when necessary, and briefly discusses strings.

Review: Geometry, Proportion, and the Art of Lutherie

1985
AL#4 p.53   BRB1 p.492            read this article
R.E. Brune                                                                                           

▪ The reviewer finds that this book about Renaissance and Baroque stringed instruments is “the most intense 178 pages of treatise on the art of lutherie. . . . Lots of math, and “exquisite” drawings of 33 instruments.

Trends: 1985 Lute Society Seminar

1985
AL#3 p.22               read this article
Lawrence-D. Brown                                                                                           

▪ Brown comments on trends in lute making toward Baroque instruments, all-gut stringing, larger body sizes, and lower pitches.

Review: Lutes, Viols and Temperaments by Mark Lindley

1985
AL#2 p.52   BRB1 p.488            read this article
Edward Kottick                                                                                           

▪ The reviewer calls the book a brilliant overview and analysis of all that can be said about the complex issue of temperament on string instruments between 1520 and 1740.

Lute Action

1983
DS#247   BRB2 p.394            
Lawrence-D. Brown                                                                                           

▪ It is perhaps true that a good playing action must be built into the instrument, and that less adjustment can be done to a finished lute than to other instruments. Brown explains lute action adjustment from the perspectives of both the builder and the repairperson. With 9 illustrations.

Finishing Lute Soundboards

1982
DS#229   BRB1 p.265            read this article
Lawrence-D. Brown                                                                                           

▪ Historically, lute soundboards were left unfinished in order to produce the best sound. However, the raw wood collected dirt at a rate that is unacceptable to contemporary musicians. Brown has found a compromise using lacquer that doesn’t affect the sound production of the instrument.

Fitting Lute Pegs

1981
DS#176   BRB2 p.260            
Lawrence-D. Brown                                                                                           

▪ Lute pegs are different than violin pegs and have their own requirements if they are to function properly. Brown gives a thorough explanation.

Lute Making

1980
GALQ Vol.8#1 p.26   BRB2 p.68            
Lawrence-D. Brown                                                                                           

▪ During the ’70s it was common for guitarmakers to build lute-shaped instruments utilizing the technologies of the guitar, even to the point of designing their own shapes. Brown offers a large number of reasons why this was a mistake and a disservice to the instrument and modern lutenists, citing the many factors of historical lutes that should be retained rather than messed with. It’s interesting to note that in the years following this article the emphasis of lute making returned to following historical guidelines. With 2 photos.

Lute Making: Some Practical Reasons for an Historic Approach Part 1

1979
GALQ Vol.7#4 p.10   BRB2 p.68            
Lawrence-D. Brown                                                                                           

▪ Discussion of lute soundboard, bridge, neck, fingerboard, and frets.

Meet the Maker: Robert Lundberg

1978
GALQ Vol.6#1 p.10   BRB2 p.78            
Kent Rayman   Aggie Rayman   Robert Lundberg                                                                                   

▪ Lundberg is a classic example of a man who couldn’t fit into any of the slots society tried to force him into, yet who went on to become an important individual in his field. Lute players of the world couldn’t be happier about it. With 4 photos.

This article has been nominated as one of the Guild’s fifty best articles published before 2010.