Considering a Cittern and have questions

[EvilTwinSkippy]

Hi

I'm considering buying a used Cittern my local store has. I've been looking for something a little different to go with my guitars and have been considering a mando, banjo, uke, etc. I took this cittern off the wall and was intrigued by it. Now, I have some questions...

1. It is a Nottingham Cittern built around 1997 in England. They are asking slightly under 4 figures for it. It appears to be in good shape. Since I don't really know the reputation of the builders of this type of instrument, can anyone speak to the quality of Nottingham's instruments.

2. I've been doing some looking for books on the Cittern. Not finding much. Can I just assume I should look at Octave Mandolin/Bouzouki material and use that?

thanks for your help

Jack

[EvilTwinSkippy]

I've got Robin Hood on the brain...

It is a Sherwood Cittern, not a Nottingham. Doh!

Jack

[Richard Moore]

I believe that was the name of a series of instruments (some at least UK-made) distributed by Hobgoblin Music which may help you. Other than that I have never tried (or seen) a Sherwood instrument so can't comment more about them.

[ptritz]

I believe that at least some of the instruments that Hobgoblin sold under the Sherwood name were built by Freshwater.

[zoukboy]

Is it a 4 or 5 course?

[EvilTwinSkippy]

It is a 5 course cittern.

Jack

[chinatogalway]

I have a very old sherwood and still play it, I really enjoy the bright tone of it.

http://www.china2galway.com/toys%20sherwood%20bouzouki.html

It does sound quite expensive for a sherwood, I have seen them 2nd hand for around 250 350 pounds. well worth having a look around, for that money get an abnett. I believe he lives in Kent.

fun bright instrument, would happily pay 350 pounds for one

all the very best

Kieron

[zoukboy]

I've only seen the 4 course Sherwoods and my impression is that they are OK. In the same league, maybe with the Flatirons, so $1,000 isb probably pushing it value-wise.

[EvilTwinSkippy]

Thanks to all so far.

I've contacted Freshwater and determined it was not built by them. I am thinking the price is at least a little strong. At least the price is such that it is making me consider having one built, even though that would be much more expensive. I need to talk to the store owner and see how he determined the price.

Jack