Medieval instrument question

Subject: RE: Medieval instrument question
From: Jack Campin
Date: 22 May 08 - 05:55 PM

Lutes were very expensive in the time Queen Elizabeth I of England - no beggar could even afford to keep one in strings. They are also a non-starter as an outdoor instrument (too quiet and too sensitive to the weather).

As Doc John says, you have a chronological problem being a monk. Try Queen/Saint Elizabeth of Hungary instead.

I can't find an image of a mendicant monk with any sort of instrument. Maybe a tambourine to get the punters' attention, but that would be about it.

Subject: RE: Medieval instrument question
From: Melissa
Date: 22 May 08 - 05:12 PM

Would it be time appropriate for a monk to be toting an instrument?
I can't ever remember seeing any of our monk characters carrying anything other than bread/nuts.

If I was going to my first Street Participant event, I think I'd concentrate on clothes, speech patterns and character before picking up an instrument. You'll see and hear a lot of really good musicians while you're there and can learn on site..and give yourself something to look forward to choosing for next year.

Where will your renfest be?
I think I'm envious!

Wear good, sturdy, time appropriate shoes.
People notice..participants and tourista both.

Subject: RE: Medieval instrument question
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 May 08 - 04:52 PM

CLICK ME for medieval instruments. But they are NOT cheap.

Subject: RE: Medieval instrument question
From: Doc John
Date: 22 May 08 - 04:05 PM

I wouldn't go as a monk in the time of Elizabeth I. Her Dad dissoved the monasteries and there's always the danger you'll be hanged as a Spanish spy!
Doc John

Subject: RE: Medieval instrument question
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:51 PM

Either lute or small harp would work well - but I think you're better off with the harp because it's easier to get simple, nice-sounding melodies & chords out of if you're a beginner. Lutes take some technique-learning before you can get anything musical out of them, and I find them harder than guitar, though I speak as a harpist.

Any instrument is going to present a challenge if you want to play more demanding music, but for simple accompaniment the harp is great because it sounds good straightaway. Be warned, though, on the type of harp you're speaking of there will be no chromatics (sharps or flats). You have to tune into the key you want and then stay in it, and won't be able to alter notes while playing.

You can get cheap ones but they're usually crap. Where are you based, and how much were you thinking of spending? Get a decent instrument, even if it costs a bit more (which it will) because then you know it will work, it will last, and it will hold its value enough that you have something you can sell if it doesn't suit you. Best of luck - let us know what you decide -

Subject: RE: Medieval instrument question
From: gnomad
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:51 PM

I'm no musical historian, but I would guess lute ok, guitar not. Of course pure vocal is hard to fault (and sounds right for a monk IMO).

You are right about 1500s, Elizabeth did just survive into the 1600s, but her first 60-odd years were in the 1500s. The current Elizabeth (the second) doesn't qualify for renaissance faire treatment just yet.

Subject: RE: Medieval instrument question
From: Sorcha
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:41 PM

Lute, bowed psaltry, try a google for "medieval instrument" and INCLUDE the quote marks.

Subject: Period-correct instrument question
From: GUEST,RenFaire newbie
Date: 22 May 08 - 03:24 PM

Hi there. I am going to a rennaissance faire for the first time in costume... some friends and I are going as beggar monks. I want to know if a lute, or guitar, or what, is the period-correct instrument if one of us were to serenade the visitors. 'Queen Elizabeth' (I assume the First, since I suck at history) is the reigning monarch there, so I am assuming it's the, what, 1500's?

Anyone with any advice (or a period-correct instrument for sale or a source where they can be located)?