Lutenist

The_Traveler · Nov 5, 2016

At a concert featuring music of the Baroque period at Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, lutenist playing what looked like a 14 string lute, referred to as a theorbo (sic?) by the leader.

The neck is very extended and from my seat I couldn't get a decent framing that included the last 18 inches or so.

tirediron · Nov 5, 2016

That's gotta be a tough instrument to master!

Advanced Photo · Nov 5, 2016

That is not a lute but a theorbo. It has a deeper tone than a lute does.
While it is a member of the 'lute family' it is like calling a bass a guitar.

FITBMX · Nov 5, 2016

That's a lot of instrument!

Advanced Photo · Nov 5, 2016

It's not as big as it looks. They only have 12 frets compared to 22 on a guitar. They are simpler to play. There is a lot of length that is unused as a fretboard so it's awkward to move around. They are used for accompaniment and not as a solo instrument.