Vihuelas

     The vihuela is the 16th century Spanish ancestor of the guitar.  They have six doubled courses, a mensur of from 58cm to 62cm (I recommend 61cm), a triple layer rose of walnut veneer and parchment, two diamond inlays of wooden marquetry tiles, an ebony fingerboard, spruce top, birdseye maple sides and back, gut frets, and rosewood pegs.  The sound is midway between the sound of the lute and a modern guitar, and is similar to a Baroque guitar.  Price $2,200.

Lawrence K. Brown, Luthier    13 Sunset Lane    Asheville, NC    28804    USA  828-254-5828    larryandrobin@charter.net