@Brian Moore - both guitars made in London c.1765. Mine was sold in Edinburgh later that year. They were made in the same factory, but mine has been well and truly played a lot, while Jelma's seems in near mint condition. Glad you like the sound. I found mine for £50
while Jelma's cost her over 2 grand, poor thing!
James Oswald, the composer, was born in Crail, a fishing village in Fife. His dad was the town drummer, beating the drum at 4am every morning for the lads to go fishing. They were therefore the poorest and most hated family in Fife! Somehow young James learned the fiddle, and became a dancing master, eventually finding his way to Edinburgh, where he first heard the new fashionable Italian music. He started combing traditional music with classical music, then left to seek his fortune in London. Which he did! He became a famous music publisher, then Chamber Composer to King George III, then married Lady Knebworth, who promptly died and left him the huge Knebworth Estate. An incredible story of rags to riches. One academic says there is proof he was a Jacobite spy in George's Court. He was also Robert Burns' favourite composer. About time we had a film about him.
Some 15 years ago I found this guittar (correct period spelling), and researched the music, finding Oswald's publications. I was the first person to devote an entire CD to the instrument, recording Oswald's solo guittar music. The record company were bought out by another company, who eventually went bust, and were bought by - wait for it - Michael Jackson. Then he died. I hope it's not my fault! Anyway, you can hear it all for free on the website I've created for this instrument:
http://scottishguittar.com
Jelma and I hope to record a CD of his guittar duets, but living in different countries, it will not be easy. We shall see.
Honestly two very fine pieces.
Cheers.
