Tag Archives: Brown¸ Lawrence D.

Sharing

1986
AL#6 p.55   BRB1 p.231            
Lawrence-D. Brown                                                                                           

▪ Brown contends that the best luthiers are willing to share their knowledge and that mediocre craftsmen are not, then urges everyone to contribute to American Lutherie.

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.

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.

White, Yellow, and Hide Glues

1981
DS#174   BRB1 p.162            read this article
Lawrence-D. Brown                                                                                           

▪ Brown urges luthiers not to use white glue, to be careful where we use yellow glue, and to explore the possibilities of hide glue. As a maker of instruments that are commonly disassembled during repair, his stilt is natural. His advice is well grounded, though, and you’ll do well to examine his arguments before you build anything.

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.