This particular instrument body is made from yew, which was a common historic choice, but many woods are suitable so long as they are relatively hard and hold a bend well. Fruitwoods, maple, ash, mulberry, walnut, and rosewoods are all present in modern and historic examples.
Very interesting, thanks very much for this. I have Lundberg's book and while he does mention the neck nail (or screw), I don't recall him mentioning one in the pegbox. I will have to check that out again. Something else to consider when I get around to working on my descant that I have started.
Yes, this instrument was originally made without a pegbox screw as well. I suspect that was the mode for the early makers in the modern lutemaking Renaissance. I personally prefer having the added safety of the mechanical fastener!
@@benjaminkratchmer8124 I have to admit, I tend to prefer a beefier setup, myself. No point in having to do it twice if once will do. Oddly, though, it seems that sometimes things like this can do more harm than good. I've seen pics of violins, for instance, that were backed up with a screw through the neck block, and that is where they cracked and broke. It seems that even removing enough wood for a screw to pass through can weaken it dramatically. That being said, some x-rays I've seen of Stradivarius violins show that he used multiple nails to hold the necks on. It's quite a sight! But that was apparently before they started putting in the mortise used today to help secure the neck. Back then it was just a butt joint. No wonder he added the nails.
Excellent explanation. I had no idea, now I do. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video. I am curious as to the wood used for the staves of the lute body.
This particular instrument body is made from yew, which was a common historic choice, but many woods are suitable so long as they are relatively hard and hold a bend well. Fruitwoods, maple, ash, mulberry, walnut, and rosewoods are all present in modern and historic examples.
Where did the glue go to ?
Very interesting, thanks very much for this. I have Lundberg's book and while he does mention the neck nail (or screw), I don't recall him mentioning one in the pegbox. I will have to check that out again. Something else to consider when I get around to working on my descant that I have started.
Yes, this instrument was originally made without a pegbox screw as well. I suspect that was the mode for the early makers in the modern lutemaking Renaissance. I personally prefer having the added safety of the mechanical fastener!
@@benjaminkratchmer8124 I have to admit, I tend to prefer a beefier setup, myself. No point in having to do it twice if once will do.
Oddly, though, it seems that sometimes things like this can do more harm than good. I've seen pics of violins, for instance, that were backed up with a screw through the neck block, and that is where they cracked and broke. It seems that even removing enough wood for a screw to pass through can weaken it dramatically.
That being said, some x-rays I've seen of Stradivarius violins show that he used multiple nails to hold the necks on. It's quite a sight! But that was apparently before they started putting in the mortise used today to help secure the neck. Back then it was just a butt joint. No wonder he added the nails.