8-course lute
Maker
Robert Lundberg
DateFall 1978
Place MadePortland, Oregon, United States, North America
ModelHans Frei
SignedWhite paper label, the year written in black ink: In Portland - ROBERT LUNDBERG / 1978MarkingsBranded on top at neck joint, maker's initials overlaying the calipers: [open calipers] R·LDescriptionRenaissance lute, after Hans Frei (fl. 1545-1564), Bologna, ItalyStringing: 8 courses; 7 double courses and 1 single top string
Soundboard: two-piece quarter-cut spruce or fir: medium-to-wide grain
Bowl: 11 yew with knots divided by dark brown hardwood stringing
Clasp: yew
Head: maple; front and back veneered with rosewood
Neck: yellow poplar
Binding: none
Fingerboard: rosewood; 8 tied gut frets; 4 ebony frets inlaid into top
Nut: bone
Bridge: ebony tie bridge with ebony scroll ends
Pegs: 15 boxwood pegs with integral pins
Rose: simple geometric, carved from top
Finish: clear
Bowl lining: light strips of cloth reinforcing stave jointsDimensionsTotal 8-course tenor length: 750 mm
Length of body, to neck: 404 mm
Top length: 504 mm
Maximum body width: 316 mm
Maximum bowl height: 135 mm
Head length: 226 mm
Head width, top: 13 mm
Head width, bottom: 65 mm
Neck length (nut to ribs): 230 mm
Neck width, nut: 69 mm
Neck width, heel: 81 mm
Soundhole diameter: 87 mm
Vibrating string length (nut to bridge edge): 611 mmProvenancePurchased by donor, Perry G. Thompson, Little Rock, Arkansas, from maker, November 1978. Cost in 1978 was $515. At time of purchase, Lundberg no longer built single commission student instruments; however, he had one spare that had not yet sold. Thompson also purchased strings and "Method for the Renaissance Lute," a copy receipt for which is included in object file.
Thompson grew up West River (SD) and attended Yankton College, transferring to USD for his senior year and graduating in spring 1962. His wife, Laura, also attended Yankton College where she worked in the library. She, too, graduated from USD (December 1962).
Credit LineGift of Perry G. Thompson, 2014
Object number14945
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