Throughout the summer, I learned how the basics of French-English tablature. I also studied enough Italian tablature to get by and read with almost morbid curiosity about German tablature. I’m not sure if I’ll ever have the fortitude for that, or the need but learning about the different tablature notation was very interesting and it […]
After several months of turmoil and indecision, I purchased a lute from Early Music Shop. It is an 8 course Renaissance Lute modeled after lutes made by the luthier Hieber and I absolutely love it. I’m still trying to decide on a name for it but it’s been wonderful to have an actual lute in […]
I find myself again where I was last summer: dreading the heat and loathe to be out in the garage in my workspace. It’s still early summer, yet temperatures are already reaching 96 ° F / 35 ° C regularly. It’s promising to be a sweaty season. My goal is to contribute something towards my […]
I’ve made some progress on the mold that I’ll use to form the bowl of the lute. As one would expect, having a benchtop disc sander is an incredible time saver! There was a slight delay as the first disc sander did not have a level table, it only affixed to the sander on one […]
Today I made progress on the pieces that I’ll need to create the mold for building the bowl of my lute. A few weeks ago, I cut each individual piece from the main board of MDF, thinking that it would be easier to trim each part separately. This was a big mistake! As it turns […]
These past several months, I’ve continued to study and collect the tools and materials that I’ll need. Mostly, I’ve spent the time gathering the motivation to step into the garage and start working. I’ve felt the pressure and uncertainty of this project, like a painter staring at a blank canvas. My lack of wood working […]
I’ve ordered and received several different instrument plans for a 7 course Renaissance lute, so I could compare them with each other to gain more insight and perspective. It’s definitely been intriguing to note the similarities and differences between them. I don’t want to compromise anyone’s intellectual property or give out the recipe for their […]
I’m currently trying to choose the type of wood that I’ll use for the lute’s soundboard. Based on what I’ve read in Robert Lundberg’s book Historical Lute Construction, I should be using spruce but I’ve also read that Swiss pine is preferable by someone who knows what they’re about. It’s also difficult to decide because […]
Welcome to ilovelutes.com. This website is dedicated to my obsession with lutes. I will track my progress as I attempt to build my own 7 course Renaissance lute. I’ll also gather resources related to art and literature inspired by this lovely instrument.