13 COURSE (SWAN NECK) BAROQUE LUTES

The principle of the Swan neck derives from the 17th century Angelique, but was first applied to the 13 course lute around 1732, probably at the suggestion of Leoplold Sylvius Weiss. The maker Johann Christian Hoffman may have made the first examples of the type.

Hans Frei

  • 71 cm/98 cm
  • 10 ½ frets
  • 11 ribs
  • Model FF

This lute is modelled on the instrument by Hans Frei in Warwick County Museum - arguably one of the finest of all surviving lutes. Built on the classic ‘pearl’ form, for which Bologna lutes were renowned, the body, in particular the cross sections, are of great subtlety and elegance.

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