6 or 7 course lute after Georg Gerle
Georg Gerle (c.1520-1589) of Innsbruck/Fuessen was
likely the son of luthier Conrad Gerle (d.1521) and the
brother of Hans Gerle (d.1570). Hans also made lutes
and compiled a large quantity of lute music. A lute in
Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum by Georg Gerle was
made around 1580 with ivory ribs and ebony spacers. It
is likely the only 6-course lute that has survived without
being modified. If desired, my version of this lute can be
made with holly ribs to simulate the look of ivory.

The neck profile on a 6-course lute is thicker or more
"chunky" compared to the more slender yet wider profile
of the 7-course neck. The different neck shapes reflect
the slight difference in technique employed by the
fretting hand, where the thumb is usually higher on the
back of the neck when playing the 6-course lute. Thus
the neck is located more in the crook of the hand
between the thumb and the index finger. The 7-course
technique dictates that the thumb be placed lower on the
back of the neck.

There are other subtle cosmetic differences between the
6- and 7-course Gerle versions. The ears of the bridges
differ slightly, in that the 6-course bridge ear is like a
scroll or ribbon seen on edge, or like the front view of a
flower, whereas the 7-course design appears as a
flattened scroll or ribbon as seen from the side. Also, the
6-course fingerboard has no points where it meets the
soundboard.

Historically, early lutes did not have edge binding, but
this feature protects the soundboard from wear and
minor dings. If desired, a binding in holly or hornbeam
can be used to partly disguise this feature. Personally, I
think that a darker, contrasting color helps to frame the
soundboard visually.
Specifications

String length: 59.5 cm
Body depth: 15.8 cm


Price as above:        6 course  $3,700
                             7 course  $3,900.  

Instrument case not included in price.

Additional options: