Any cittern players?

Subject: Overgrown mandolins
From: John of the Hill
Date: 26 Jul 99 - 05:30 PM

I'm thinking of entering the realm of large double course instruments. I was wondering if there are any cittern or bouzouki players hanging out here. I've already subscribed to the Cittern-list, but was hoping to hear from some Mudcatters on this subject. Thanks, John

Subject: RE: Any cittern players?
From: catspaw49
Date: 26 Jul 99 - 05:43 PM

Have you thought about a tiple instead? If you take up the cittern, you could wind up learning tiple at the Center.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Any cittern players?
From:
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 05:33 AM

What about the lute? There are even books on how to build them!

Murray

Subject: RE: Any cittern players?
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 08:11 AM

John, I converted an unwanted six string using the instructions at Home Made Instruments (it's in the Mudcat Links) but haven't had a real chance to get serious about it yet. My inspiration came from a brief encounter with Andy Irvine. He had some kind things to say about my songs and performance, but his wizardry made anyone else playing any other instruments pale into insignificance. He recommended GDAD for everyday tuning, but I must admit that I have so far stuck with mando tuning. I don't have the loot to buy a citern, but I will take my backyard conversion to a luthier I've just met to tidy up some of my 'handy-work'.

A friend down South bought her husband a Greek bouzouki but ended up being very disappointed with the quality.

Regards
John

Subject: RE: Any cittern players?
From: Herge
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 04:12 PM

Hi John

I play bouzouki in DGAD tunning. The instrument is one my father made and I play traditional Irish/Scottish tunes on it. I also play a variety of other instruments, so use the bouzouki for mainly backing to a melody instrument when I don't play the melody myself on fiddle. I started the bouzouki as there were getting too many guitars at my local session, and have been really pleased with the results. Give it a go there is so much scope, from melody playing - fine backing possibilities.

Herge

Subject: RE: Any cittern players?
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 04:22 PM

Although there are quite a few instruments played in the DGAD tuning, some might be better off in the EGAD tuning.

catspaw

Subject: RE: Any cittern players?
From: John of the Hill
Date: 27 Jul 99 - 05:20 PM

I've been playing guitar in EADEAE tuning to back British Isles and Appalachian ballads. I'm leaning toward a 5 course rather than 4 course instrument. No Catspaw, it has nothing to do with meals, and I'm not considering EIEIO tuning. Does anyone have any thoughts on 4 vs 5 course. John

Subject: RE: Any cittern players?
From:
Date: 28 Jul 99 - 05:41 AM

Unless you want to tune your instrument in big intervals (like fifths), it seems that five is better than four.

Murray