18th-century "guittar"

[Rob MacKillop]

Yup, that's how they spelled it...you might have seen a video here of me playing it. DP2M.


Guittar Front 1 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


Guittar Back 2 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


Guittar Front 2 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

Watch-key tuning mechanism - the most accurate I've ever used, and dating from 1765...


Guittar Tuners 2a by RobMacKillop, on Flickr

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Sounds and videos on my website: http://robmackillop.net/guitar/18th-century-wire-strung-guittar/

 

[Rense Haveman]

Amazing instrument! And nice shots of it too!!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Rense. Glad you like it.

 

[Tom Dunne]

Beautiful instrument that has obviously provided years of great music and service to it's owners. . Incredible "machine head". Rob, what are the three holes in the back of the neck?

 

[Aldous Lau]

Nice 12 strings Rob. Hows the sound?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

@Tom Dunne - the holes are for screwing in a capo - an early example of capo use. For those who might not know, the capo is a bar which you place across rye strings to raise the pitch of the instrument. Modern ones are just simple clamps, taking only a second or two to put in place. But these 18th-century ones do take about 30 seconds to install.

@Aldous Lau - get your eyes tested only ten strings there. Four doubles and two single basses. And as I said below the first post (you really must get your eyes tested!) you can see videos and hear sound files here: http://robmackillop.net/guitar/18th-century-wire-strung-guittar/

 

[Tom Dunne]

@Tom Dunne - the holes are for screwing in a capo - an early example of capo use. For those who might not know, the capo is a bar which you place across rye strings to raise the pitch of the instrument. Modern ones are just simple clamps, taking only a second or two to put in place. But these 18th-century ones do take about 30 seconds to install.

@Aldous Lau - get your eyes tested only ten strings there. Four doubles and two single basses. And as I said below the first post (you really must get your eyes tested!) you can see videos and hear sound files here: http://robmackillop.net/guitar/18th-century-wire-strung-guittar/

I would never even have thought that a capo of any sort was used in those days Rob. Very interesting.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Yes. They recognised one of the drawbacks of tuning to a chord of C Major - it sounds great until you want to play in any other key. The capo helps a little. Also, the instrument was used a lot for accompanying singers. Female singers prefer the higher keys.

 

[Tom Dunne]

One of the lowest bass strings looks "unravelled". Is this normal Rob?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

It is not as well made as the first, but works OK. The others were all made by a harpsichord maker friend, but he has moved to Italy. The replacement string was made by another harpsichord maker, but not to the same standard. Apart from that replacement string, the others have lasted since 2001.

Yes, I know TWO harpsichord makers!

 

[Tom Dunne]

Yes, I know TWO harpsichord makers!

Now you have me thinking; the sound of the harpsichord, a candle lit room (church candles) and a bottle of Red. Pleasure.

 

[Aldous Lau]

@Tom Dunne - the holes are for screwing in a capo - an early example of capo use. For those who might not know, the capo is a bar which you place across rye strings to raise the pitch of the instrument. Modern ones are just simple clamps, taking only a second or two to put in place. But these 18th-century ones do take about 30 seconds to install.

@Aldous Lau - get your eyes tested only ten strings there. Four doubles and two single basses. And as I said below the first post (you really must get your eyes tested!) you can see videos and hear sound files here: http://robmackillop.net/guitar/18th-century-wire-strung-guittar/

Opps, sorry for my overlooked Rob... I was using my mobile to view this post the beginning. Anyway I am listening to the sound clip now and sounds really clear, it just awesome

 

[Paul Lange]

Yesterday I turned off the Thunder album to have a listen to you play this. Really enjoyed it and think it is a great production on the recording. Did you do it at home or in a studio?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

The James Oswald recording was done in a studio, the rest at home. Glad you like it!

 

[Paul Lange]

And I saw on your website that you play a bit of rock music (well, blues - BB King) every now and again, I never realised.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Mr Versatility I've played Blues for decades, and teach it a lot.

 

[Pete Askew]

A wonder study Rob and the Merrill has handled it well. The dappled light works well.

So, a serial harpsichordmakerbefriendist eh! Has the second one 'moved to Italy' yet?!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Ha. Well, I have news here. The first one has returned, and will be restringing the instrument over the weekend. Looking forward to seeing him again. He is currently restoring a French baroque harpsichord...I'll bring my camera!

 

[Ivar Dahl-Larsen]

As an old man I am kind of slow, therefore I haven't come as far as this till now. Being as I said, I do appreciate your documentation here of this fine instrument. Now I'll go back to your website and listen.