Runesson cittern/bouzouki

[Anders]

Hi folks,

This is my cittern/bouzouki built by Swedish luthier Tyko Runesson (www.runessonguitars.com) in 2009.

Rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, Swiss spruce top, multi-scale fretboard with a scale length of 23" (585 mm) on the treble side and 23.7" (601 mm) on the bass side. The neck angle is adjustable.

It is currently tuned CGDGD from low to high with octaves on the 4th and 5th courses. I am still experimenting with different strings, now using Newtone Master Class Phosphor Bronze 012-020w-030w-042w-052w.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/tyko/DSCF5690.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/tyko/DSCF5693.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/tyko/DSCF5704.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/tyko/DSCF5705.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y199/tyko/DSCF5696.jpg

The pictures above were taken by Tyko before shipping the instrument to me. I have some pictures from the building process of this instrument in case anyone is interested.

[junglejem]

Beautiful. Cool variation on a slotted headstock. What is the reason for the altered scale length and slanting of the frets?

[Oggy]

Hm... I think I've seen this one before ;)

Beautiful instrument, for sure!

Welcome to the Mandolincafé Anders! Glad to see more Swedes here.

[Anders]

@junglejem: The slanting of the frets is a natural consequence of the different scale lengths on the bass and treble sides. The longer scale length on the bass side should improve string tension a little bit when tuning down to C. I know that the difference in scale length is not that big on this particular instrument but I was curious to see how it would turn out and Tyko did not discourage me from doing it. I'm quite happy with the end result. The following image shows more clearly what is going on with the slanted frets and the saddle. The third fret is perpendicular to the neck's center line.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k288/Anders_H/Cittern/CitternFretBoard.jpg

@Oggy: Thanks for the welcome!

[junglejem]

The longer scale length on the bass side should improve string tension a little bit when tuning down to C.

Interesting. My Beard Cittern is 24 3/4" and apparently Richard is still tweaking the tension and experimenting with string gauges for the lower course (C). So I guess this is a natural consequence. Is the intonation on yours spot-on?

[Marcus CA]

That looks gorgeous! Can you post an audio or video clip to let us enjoy its tone?