1996 Jesús Bellido Laud

[gweetarpicker]

This week’s unusual instrument is 1996 Jesús Bellido Laud, a Spanish folk instrument made in Granada by the son of celebrated guitar maker, Manuel Bellido. The laud has a 20 5/8” scale length and six pairs of strings tuned to straight fourths F#2, B2, E3, A3, D4, G4, low to high. It has fan bracing with cypress back and sides but uses metal strings and is played with a pick. This is a professional quality laud from a noted builder with a loud, responsive tone. It plays easily up and down the neck, and I enjoy experimenting with the unusual tuning. I play a slower strumming thing and a faster flatpicking thing.

www.vintagefrettedinstruments.com


https://youtu.be/T4JjNE5b7Ek

[Jim Garber]

Very nice playing. I think the name of the instrument has an accent: laúd and is pronounced la-ood (2 syllables).

[gweetarpicker]

That makes sense...maybe the name was derived from the middle eastern oud.

[Jim Garber]

Exactly, la ud. I am no expert on Sapnish pronunciation. I just looked it up. I have a bandurria, maybe 20 years old but I don't play it much and am thinking of restringing to octave 12 string guitar tuning. Straight fourths is more confusing, tho I do like the sound you get from your laúd.