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Thread: My latest build: An orpharion

  1. #1
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default My latest build: An orpharion





    Sound sample to follow when the strings (iron and brass) have settled into tune).
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

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    Registered User John Bertotti's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Quote Originally Posted by Dusepo View Post




    Sound sample to follow when the strings (iron and brass) have settled into tune).
    How they heck is that thing tuned! Love the look!
    My avatar is of my OldWave Oval A

    Creativity is just doing something wierd and finding out others like it.

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  5. #3

    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Wonderful details! Especially the two interior cusps - assume there are joints, not bends? The thumb rebate on the neck also fun. Delicate pegbox. Wikipedia claims there are only two original ones extant, so adding a new one is an event.
    Do you suppose the outline represents a leaf?
    Just figuring those frets must have been an adventure, too.

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    Mandolin tragic Graham McDonald's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Usually lute tuning, which is mostly in fourths with a third between the fourth and third courses, rather than a guitar where the third interval is between the third and second courses. Depending on the string length the top course maybe to g.

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  9. #5
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Quote Originally Posted by John Bertotti View Post
    How they heck is that thing tuned! Love the look!
    The same as a renaissance lute in g.

    Quote Originally Posted by Richard500 View Post
    Wonderful details! Especially the two interior cusps - assume there are joints, not bends? The thumb rebate on the neck also fun. Delicate pegbox. Wikipedia claims there are only two original ones extant, so adding a new one is an event.
    Do you suppose the outline represents a leaf?
    Just figuring those frets must have been an adventure, too.
    I'm not sure what the shape is originally based on! For this one I've mainly based it on the Palmer orpharion, but based on the survivors and illustrations from the time, they all seemed to have slightly different but related shapes. Here's the Palmer orpharion (now in a museum in Copenhagen, Denmark):


    Quote Originally Posted by Graham McDonald View Post
    Usually lute tuning, which is mostly in fourths with a third between the fourth and third courses, rather than a guitar where the third interval is between the third and second courses. Depending on the string length the top course maybe to g.
    Beat me to it! Yep that's it. Scale length is 60cm bass, 52cm treble.
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

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  11. #6
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Fascinating. I've never heard of such a thing. Good for you!
    David A. Gordon

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    Registered User bbcee's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Thanks as always for the glimpse into what came before, and how they influenced modern designs - fanned frets aren't a new innovation, obviously. Was this the request of a client, or just you having fun?

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  15. #8
    Registered User TheMandoKit's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Wow! Mind completely blown! I mean, the strings (courses), the body shape, the frets, the back, the tuning! Just a remarkable instrument. Another beautiful piece of your work.
    Kit
    Guitars, Mandos, Violins, Dulcimers, Cats

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  17. #9
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Quote Originally Posted by bbcee View Post
    Thanks as always for the glimpse into what came before, and how they influenced modern designs - fanned frets aren't a new innovation, obviously. Was this the request of a client, or just you having fun?
    Yes, this was a commission for a customer in the USA.
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

  18. #10
    Registered User jim simpson's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    These are cool! I love that the fingerboard width extends over the neck, what a great idea!
    Old Hometown, Cabin Fever String Band

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  20. #11
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Brava! Very beautiful!

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  22. #12
    Registered User Simon DS's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Very nice, thanks.

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    working musician Jim Bevan's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Quote Originally Posted by Dusepo View Post
    Yes, this was a commission for a customer in the USA.
    OAS strikes again!
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    Registered User sebastiaan56's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Very cool build Jo!

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  28. #15
    Jo Dusepo, luthier Dusepo's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Here's a sound sample (Sorry that I'm not much of a player of metal strings or fan frets, but hopefully should give you an idea of the sound):
    I am a luthier specialising in historical and world stringed instruments. You can see more info at my website.

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  30. #16
    Registered User John Kelly's Avatar
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Great sound, Jo, and no worries about your playing prowess. The fan frest must take a bit of repositioning of the fingers adn relaxing of the muscle memory?
    I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order. - Eric Morecambe

    http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOldBores

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  32. #17
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    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Quote Originally Posted by Dusepo View Post
    Here's a sound sample (Sorry that I'm not much of a player of metal strings or fan frets, but hopefully should give you an idea of the sound):
    Oh, my goodness. Stunning.

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  34. #18

    Default Re: My latest build: An orpharion

    Very nice build!

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