How to Buy the Right Lute for You

Your Guide to buying the best Lute

Overview

A lute is a popular stringed instrument with a long history and a unique sound. This buying guide will provide you with all of the information you need to purchase the perfect lute for your playing style and skill level. Our guide will cover different lute types, features to look for, and the best places to buy a lute. We'll also discuss important tuning and maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your lute. Hopefully, with this guide, you'll be able to make an informed decision and enjoy playing your new lute for years to come.

Key features

  1. Type of Lute: The type of lute purchased will depend on the desired sound and the skill level of the musician. Different types of lutes include the archlute, theorbo, lute guitar, alto lute, and mandore.
  2. Materials: The type of materials used to make the lute will also affect the sound quality. Look for lutes that are crafted from wood, such as spruce or walnut, and also include fiberglass, nylon, or metal strings.
  3. Size: All lutes come in different sizes, and the size of the lute affects the sound as well as the ease of playing. Consider the height, width, and length of the lute to find the one that fits the player best.
  4. Price: Lutes range in price from very affordable to quite pricey. Consider the playing level of the musician, the materials of the lute, and the desired sound before deciding on a budget.
  5. Accessories: Most lutes come with a case, shoulder strap, and cleaning supplies. However, additional accessories, such as a tuner and extra strings, may be required to get the most out of the lute.

See the most popular Lute on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Versatile - Lutes can be used to play a wide variety of musical styles, from classical to folk and pop.
  • Portable - Lutes are lightweight and can be easily transported to different locations for performances.
  • Accessible - Lutes are relatively inexpensive compared to other stringed instruments, making them an accessible option for those on a budget.
  • High Quality - Lutes are well-crafted and designed to provide a beautiful sound that is both rich and resonant.
  • Easy to Learn - Lutes have a relatively simple construction and can be quickly picked up by beginners.

Cons

  • Cost - Lutes can range from relatively inexpensive models made of wood and nylon strings, to much more expensive models made of rare woods and metals.
  • Condition - Lutes are delicate instruments and can be easily damaged, so it is important to make sure that any lute purchased is in good condition.
  • Size - Lutes come in all shapes and sizes, so it is important to make sure that the lute being purchased is the right size for the buyer.
  • Maintenance - Lutes require regular maintenance, such as restringing, cleaning, and polishing. This can be time consuming and costly.
  • Skill Level - Lutes require a certain level of skill to play, so potential buyers should make sure they have the knowledge and skill necessary before buying.

Best alternatives

  1. Harpsichord - Keyboard instrument with strings plucked by quills
  2. Mountain Dulcimer - String instrument with a fretless fingerboard
  3. Guitar - String instrument with fretted fingerboard
  4. Mandolin - String instrument similar to a lute, but with 8 strings and a fretboard
  5. Banjo - String instrument with short scale and a drum-like sound

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Strings - Strings are used to tension the lute and produce sound.
  • Frets - Fret are thin metal strips that run along the neck of the lute and are used to modify the pitches of the strings.
  • Tuning Pegs - Tuning pegs are used to adjust the tension of the strings on the lute.
  • Bridge - The bridge holds the strings in the correct positions and passes their vibrations onto the soundboard.
  • Soundboard - The soundboard amplifies the vibration of the strings and produces sound.
  • Nut - The nut is a small piece at the head of the lute that the strings rest on.
  • Rosette - The rosette is a decorative inlay found at the sound hole of the lute.

Common questions

  1. What is a Lute?
    A lute is an ancient musical instrument that is traditionally made from wood and has a long neck and a round, hollow body. It usually has a number of strings that are plucked or strummed to produce sound.
  2. What types of Lutes are available?
    There are many different types of Lutes available, including acoustic lutes, electric lutes, and hybrid lutes. Acoustic lutes are the traditional type of lute, and electric lutes are more modern instruments that use electricity to produce sound. Hybrid lutes are a combination of both acoustic and electric lutes.
  3. What should I consider when buying a Lute?
    When buying a lute, you should consider your budget, intended use of the lute, and any special features you may need. You should also consider the type of lute you want, such as acoustic, electric, or hybrid. Additionally, it's important to consider the size and shape of the lute, the quality of the materials used, and the reputation of the manufacturer.
  4. What is the price range for Lutes?
    The price range for lutes can vary greatly depending on the type of lute, the quality, and the features included. Generally, acoustic lutes are the most affordable, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Electric and hybrid lutes tend to cost more, with prices ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
  5. Are there accessories available for Lutes?
    Yes, there are many accessories available for lutes, including strings, cases, tuners, pickups, amplifiers, and more. These accessories can help to enhance the sound or playability of the lute, and can make it easier to transport or store the lute.

Trivia

One interesting fact about Lute is that it has a rich history with a few connections to celebrities. For example, Lute is mentioned on a track called “Running Away” by hip-hop artist, J Cole. The song is featured on his 2014 album, 2014 Forest Hill Drive, and the lyrics “got a lute in my hand” alludes to a lute as a sign of strength and independence. Furthermore, Lute has been featured in several films including the 1956 epic, The Ten Commandments. In the movie, a group of slaves was shown playing lutes during the parting of the Red Sea scene. This connection to celebrities and movie appearances has made Lute an interesting and timeless instrument, which can be appreciated by many. Source: https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/acatalog/History-of-the-Lute.html

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.