This represents a broad selection of the models I currently make, covering instruments from the early sixteenth century to the middle of the eighteenth century and the decline of the lute. My aim is to make a well balanced instrument with clarity and projection and with a good range. I pay particular attention to the set up, including the height of the action in the right and left hand and peg function.
54cms. Nine ribs based on iconography
59cms. Eleven ribs based on an early C16th. painting by Marziale
59.5cms. Nine ribs after the “Presbyter” lute
60cms. Eleven ribs own design
60cms. Eleven ribs after Gerle
64cms. Eleven ribs after C34 Frei
67cms. Eleven ribs after Warwick Frei
78cms. Eleven ribs after V&A Frei
44cms. Nineteen rib back after Venere
58.7cms. Twenty seven rib back after 1592 Venere Florence
60cms. Eleven ribs after Gerle
60cms. Thirteen ribs after Venere
60cms. Thirty one ribs after Tieffenbrucker
64cms. Thirteen ribs after Venere
64cms. Fifteen ribs after Rauwolf
67cms. Thirteen ribs after C36 Venere Vienna
72cms. Thirteen ribs after Venere
64cms. Eleven ribs after C34 Frei Vienna
64cms. Thirteen ribs after Venere
65cms. Thirty one ribs after Dieffopruchar
64cms. Fifteen ribs after Rauwolf
67cms. Eleven ribs scaled down from the Warwick Frei
67cms. Nineteen ribs after V&A Venere
64cms. Eleven ribs after C34 Frei
67cms. Eleven ribs after Maler Prague
67cms. Eleven ribs scaled down from the Warwick Frei
69cms. Eleven ribs after Frei Warwirck
67cms. Thirteen ribs after C36 Venere Vienna
67cms. Eleven ribs scaled down from the Warwick Frei
Historically thirteen course lutes were built in a very diverse range of styles, from converted early sixteenth century lutes via converted Paduan lutes with ”renaissance” barring through to the late German lutes of Schelle and Widhalm. Therefore a thirteen course lute can be made on almost any mould.
Bass Rider
64 & 70cms. Eleven ribs after Frei C34
67 & 73cms. Eleven ribs after Frei Warwick
71 & 77 cms. Eleven ribs after Frei Warwick
71 & 77cms. Nineteen ribs after Venere V&A
73 & 79cms. Eleven ribs after Schelle Nürnberg
74 & 80cms Eleven ribs after Widhalm Nürnberg
Swan Neck
69 & 96cms. Nine ribs after Hoffman Nürnberg
71 & 94cms. Eleven ribs after Frei Warwick
71 & 93cms. Eleven ribs after Schelle Nürnberg
74 & 99cms. Eleven ribs after Widhalm Nürnberg
http://www.elizabethkenny.co.uk/
“To live with a lute over a long time it has to have enough possibilities and different colours, and Martin’s instruments have this depth and complexity. They are also things of beauty; no detail of wood varieties, varnish possibilities, decoration and construction is to small to be discussed and realised. Or you can just say “I want one that has a great sound” and know that the workmanship and visual detail will be beautiful. I have several instruments of all shapes and sizes from treble lute to English theorbo; each has its own identity and individuality.”
78 & 164cms. Twenty five ribs after Venere
82 & 170cms. Twenty five ribs after Venere
76 & 160cms. Thirty one ribs after Sellas Brussels
82 & 170cms. Thirty one ribs after Sellas Brussels
82 & 170cms. Thirty one ribs after Buchenberg
85 & 174cms. Thirty one ribs after Buchenberg
89 & 170cms. Forty one ribs after Buchenberg
English theorboes seem to have been made in various forms. Single strung, double strung with one set of diapasons or up to five stepped nuts.
76 & 135cms. After 13 ribs Venere Private collection
French Theorbo
76 & 130cms. Thirteen ribs after Venere Yale in d
85 & 158cms. Thirteen ribs after iconography
“The wonderful thing about Martin’s instruments is that through his impeccable craftsmanship and artistry I find my sound. I felt this the first time I played one of his instruments 30 years ago and still feel it now. For this reason, most of my instruments are by Martin, and although I own instruments by other makers which I very much enjoy, I find myself always drawn back to his. He made me an exquisite copy of a very highly decorated Sellas guitar c1650 and every time I take it out someone remarks on its beauty and rich sound.”