Matteo Sellas, 1638

15 ribs

Paris, Citè de la Musique (E1028)

Inspired by the original instrument preserved in Paris, Sellas probably built many archlutes on this model,attesting to the popularity of this type of lute as demonstrated by the great musical production for it inthe period. The compact size makes it a very sonorous and dynamic, as well as comfortable to hold and play; the timbre is well-defined, clear and balanced in all registers.

String length of fretted strings: 59 cm
String length of diapasons: 84 cm

Pietro Raillich, 1655

9 ribs

Italy, Private collection

Belonging to a private collector in Italy, we have had the opportunity to examine this lute personally. The instrument was altered, in particular in the area of neck extension, and today is shorter than in its original set up. From the analysis and measurement of the parts of the neck still in their original conditions, we have been able to hypothesize the original set up and the string lengths, which we offer for the construction of archlutes and theorbos. The nine-rib body, of the elegant and refined lines, is quite large and on the original instrument was built in a dark wood, possibly a type of rosewood difficult to identify. The shape and size make it suitable for the construction of theorbos and archlutes with longer string lengths.

String length of the strings fretted: 65 cm
String length of diapasons: 122 cm

Magno Dieffopruchar, 1607

11 ribs

Prague, Muzeum ceske hudby (1409E)

A lovely body with few ribs suitable for large archlutes and theorbos, the soundboard has a wide surface that gives it excellent sound, the body’s large volume strengthens and gives great dynamic to the bass strings while its discreet thinness section keep the shape very comfortable for the musician. Particularly suitable for basso continuo instruments.

String length of the fretted strings: 72 cm
String length of diapasons: 140 cm

Vendelio Venere, 1611

27 ribs

Wien, Sammlung alter Musikinstrumente (43/8445/C47)

This multi-rib shell by Vendelio Venere represents a valid model for the construction of large theorbos and archlutes. The soundboard is considerably large but its flattened body makes it comfortable to hold by distributing the volume of the body and avoiding the unwieldiness of excessive depth. The result is a bowl of large power in the low register and with excellent dynamics.

String length of the fretted strings: 76 cm
String length of diapasons: 122 cm