I bought this Chitarrone from James Marriage at JM Instruments in late 2009. It is a student model, ie it has only 17 ribs instead of 51 and generally restrained decoration, though the three roses look pretty ornate to me. It is based on the Magno Tieffenbrucker Venice 1608 (Royal College of Music Donaldson Collection 26). As you can see it is a full-sized theorbo, suitable for continuo work, with a nice clear sound. My reason for selling it is that, much as I love the sound it makes, I'm not very good at it! As a result it has spent much of its time sat in its nice Kingham case in a not-excessively heated music room, so as far as I can see is in near-perfect condition. Price is £2,500.
| Specifications (taken from makers website) | |
|---|---|
| Stringing: | 6 x1 at 93.3 cm and 8 x1 at 170.7 cm. |
| Soundboard: | Alpine Spruce |
| Bridge: | Pear dyed black |
| Pegs: | Pear dyed black |
| Ribs: | Indian Rosewood with Boxwood spacers |
| Neck: | Flamed Maple |
| Extended Neck Options: | Poplar dyed black |
| Fingerboard: | Bogwood and Ebony |
Here are some recent photos of the beast.
Here is a video from the makers site. He may be playing the actual instrument I bought, anyway it is certainly the same model type.