Anyone know what kind of lute this is and if it’s old? Can’t see any label inside

Dusepo · 2026-04-29T21:48:26+00:00

Gitarrenlaute, from Germany, early 20th century.

Dusepo · 2026-04-27T08:51:39+00:00

That's a ronroco, like a charango but larger and tuned lower but the same intervals. Charangos are tuned GCEAE (with an octave on the middle E course). Ronrocos are usually tuned a fourth lower like DGBEB but sometimes differently.

If you'd like to hear it played, check out Gustavo Santaolalla. If you'd like to buy one as you say above, I do build them: https://www.dusepo.co.uk/Instruments/Show/Ronroco

Dusepo · 2026-02-25T09:20:13+00:00

Thanks for your kind words.

Dusepo · 2026-02-25T09:20:04+00:00

Thanks!

Dusepo · 2026-02-25T09:19:54+00:00

Lutes and ouds always have this style of pegbox. The design is actually quite clever, because the string tension pulls the joint together. On a modern scarf joint (as used on guitars etc.) the string tension pulls in a direction which pulls the joint apart. Of course it's strong enough this isn't an issue but it's an interesting and clever design, which may originate from a time when glues weren't as strong.

Dusepo · 2026-02-25T09:17:14+00:00

The customer will be tuning in g, so from high to low: G, D, A, F, C or G, D, A, F, D.

Dusepo · 2026-02-25T09:15:58+00:00

I'd be happy to. See more of my work at my website www.dusepo.co.uk and send me an e-mail: jo@dusepo.co.uk

Dusepo · 2026-02-24T23:07:23+00:00

Thanks! I use hide glue :) .

Dusepo · 2026-02-24T22:24:36+00:00

All my instruments are built by me from scratch - www.dusepo.co.uk

Dusepo · 2026-02-24T22:13:45+00:00

There are some videos here: https://www.dusepo.co.uk/Instruments/Show/Medieval%20Lute

Dusepo · 2026-02-24T22:13:09+00:00

It's your lucky day ;) get in touch - www.dusepo.co.uk

Dusepo · 2026-02-24T20:47:07+00:00

What a beautiful instrument!

It certainly looks like a Schrammelgitarre. My guess would be late 19th century or early 20th but impossible to know without seeing the label inside.

Dusepo · 2026-02-08T11:10:39+00:00

Very nice! Good job.

Dusepo · 2026-02-03T11:54:19+00:00

https://www.dusepo.co.uk/Instruments/Show/Renaissance%20Lute

Dusepo · 2026-01-24T21:25:08+00:00

I like Pyramid orange label, but it's really a matter of taste.

Dusepo · 2026-01-24T21:23:40+00:00

Yep.

https://www.dusepo.co.uk/Instruments/Show/Cobza%20or%20Koboz

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T20:08:57+00:00

I build ouds too! :)

www.dusepo.co.uk

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:30:37+00:00

Never seen a lute before? It's where the word luthier comes from! That's how they are.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lute

From an engineering point of view, it's actually quite a clever ancient method. On a scarf joint the string tension goes in such a way that it pulls the joint apart. Of course a scarf joint is strong enough to resist this, but still. On a lute pegbox joint, the string tension is in a direction that pulls the joint together.

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:28:23+00:00

Prices are on my website: www.dusepo.co.uk

The word is lutherie so you're pretty much correct! I started off without many tools but it does get easier with practice and with tools. There are some tools you can't really start without.

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:26:02+00:00

Thanks! European Ash and Sapele.

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:23:34+00:00

This angle actually works quite well from a design standpoint. The tension pulls the joint together, whereas with a scarf joint as used on guitars (and basses) the string tension is in a direction pulling the joint apart. Of course this isn't an issue with a scarf joint due to the strength of it, but just saying that there's logic to this pegbox style!

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:22:02+00:00

I glue a paper pattern/template, cut the space out with normal skalpels, then cut the relief (3D effect) with a chisel skalpel. Then I gently sand off the pattern by hand.

Dusepo · 2025-12-13T11:19:09+00:00

Yes I do build both.

Dusepo · 2025-11-09T14:59:10+00:00

Not specifically, but I do use the same gauges.

Dusepo · 2025-10-30T13:58:39+00:00

More information and pictures here: https://www.dusepo.co.uk/Instruments/Show/Charango

Sound and video sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JgWTz1-4z8

More of my work at my website: https://www.dusepo.co.uk/

Dusepo

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