Harp lute
1
Photo by Dominic Ibbotson © The University of Edinburgh
Alternative TitleHarp lute. |
InstrumentHarp lute |
Instrument FamilyStrings |
Date MadeProbably early 19th century |
DescriptionTechnical description: The lower section of the body (in plan view) is rounded, with straight sides from bridge level to the neck and column joints. The back is rounded, the straight section having seven ribs, the central rib being wider than the others, and the lower section being bent out of a single piece, butting to the ribs. The lower part is at an angle of approximately 75º to the soundboard. The central rib has a single oblong slots with rounded ends cut into it, measuring 69 × 16. The interior can be seen through this slot. The bridge has an ivory saddle for frets 1-7, three screws attach the bridge to the soundboard. There is no rose in the sound-hole. Sound-hole diameter 84. The interior of the back is covered in paper or similar type material. The soundboard has four lateral bars - one above the rose, three below. The first fingerboard is on the body and has seven frets, the nut of the second fingerboard is approximately 5mm above that fingerboard. Nuts and frets of ivory. The peghead of the first fingerboard is on the treble side of the second fingerboard, the nut level with fret 4 of that fingerboard. The second fingerboard has eight frets. The length of the second fingerboard nut to the body join is 171mm. Square-headed tuning-pins. Column, diameter c 23, on the bass side with a finial of applied carved gesso. Overall size: 841. Body length: 434. Body width: 355 (at widest), 199 (at neck). Body depth: 134 (at deepest), 65 (at neck). String length 1: 267 (fretted strings 1 3), 444 (fretted strings 4 8). String length 2: 550, 570, 605, 632, 651, 658. Number of frets: 7 (treble fingerboard), 8 (second fingerboard). No inscriptions. Decorative features: Black with gold paint. The sound hole is surrounded by a wreath, there are flowers and leaves between the sound hole and the bridge, a trophy of instruments between the bottom and the bridge. The edge decoration features griffins and urns. The finial of the column is gilded. Wooden case with three pieces at one end, two at the other, the ends separated by two long sides. |
NotesD.P. Martin, 25/11/95 |
Measurements841. |
ProvenanceGovernment allocation to the University, 1991. |
CollectionC.H. Brackenbury Memorial Collection; MIMEd |
Accession Number1048 |