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The Hans Frei Lute

Hans Frei was one of the great instrument makers in Italy in the early 1500s. In his workshop in Bologna he helped to define the form of the lute. A testament to the enduring quality of his instruments is that no extant Frei lute remains in original condition. They have all been updated with the passage of time and the fashions of music with new necks to accommodate more strings and new tunings.

This model is based on an instrument by Hans Frei now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, no. C34. This model has been chosen because it is a very beautiful and comfortable form with a full, bright tone. It is an ideal lute for both beginners and experienced players.

The original instrument, in its present form, is an 11-course instrument for baroque tuning. This is a later adaptation of the instrument, which was probably made as a six-course instrument. To supply the needs of a variety of players this instrument is offered as a six, seven, eight, nine, and ten course renaissance lute.

Basic Lute Features:

String length 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 course models- 63cm or 64cm
Body length - 44cm
Body width - 31cm
Overall length - 74cm
11 rib cherry wood back
Cherry neck
Cherry fingerboard with rosewood edges and points
Choice of pegs
"AAA" Englemann spruce front
"A" pattern rose design
Rosewood end pin
Bone nut
Nylon strings with wound nylon basses
* The 11 course baroque model has an Ebony veneered neck with an ebony fingerboard

In addition to the instrument described above and pictured, enhancement features can be added to the instrument.

Optional features:

The basic model instrument comes with a good quality engelmann "AAA" quality spruce front. Other qualities of front wood are available as an optional feature. Please click on this link to go to the page that explains all of the front woods available.