The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #7392 Message #3004086
Posted By: Little Hawk
10-Oct-10 - 08:16 PM
Thread Name: Guitars..what do you play?
Subject: RE: Guitars..what do you play?
The description of this one is as follows:
Unique design 10 string 'guittern' tuned DADAD, CGCGC or variations; nice balanced sound loud enough for sessions or solo playing, extremely easy action with 2 neck adjustments for all seasonal humidity levels & string action height. Unique , builder designed pivoting heel joint allows for precise string clearance without buzz or hard pressing; simple and user friendly. Bridge saddle is compensated for individual string intonation and bridge is glued for better sound transfer. Soundboard is local Maine red ("Adirondack") spruce; back and sides are figured S. American mahogany with Philippine mahogany neck, ipe fretboard, bridge, and tailpiece bordered in ebony; Claro Walnut head veneer with sailboat inlay of tiger maple. The guitar type bridge provides a stronger , clearer sound than traditional floating unglued mando types, and the tailpiece takes the string tension without either forward or down pressure on the sound board, allowing for lighter ( but equally strong) bracing which is more responsive.
This rather unique cittern can be tuned a number of ways and with the bass string, Irish zouk players will find the depth of sound highly stimulating to their playing. A CD 'Cittern on the Dock of the Bay' is available and goes with the purchase, 2008 recording of 12 tunes and medleys , many original.