I wonder if some of you might be interested in seeing these recent oud inspired builds. The first is essentially a fretless 5-course cittern with a scale length of 23". Nylon strung, it is currently tuned, low to high, DADAE. I placed 1/16" dots on the side of the fingerboard at all of the actual fret positions, which helps considerably to find where your fingers go! The strings pass over a free floating bridge and tie at the tail block, in the manner of a Bashir style Iraqi oud. I like that each string is nearly a straight pull from tuning peg to tie block.....more so than most conventional tailpieces provide.
The gold tuners are made by Sperzel for nylon strings and a solid peghead design. The back & sides are figured Big Leaf Maple. The top is sinker Redwood with an Ebony fingerboard, bridge and tie-block. The faceplate is figured Claro Walnut and the neck is Red Maple with 2-way truss rod and carbon fiber stiffeners.
The sound is warm and full with considerable volume......pretty much as I hoped it would be. I'm not sure my abused old ears are up to the challenge of no frets, but it is great fun to try!
Robert
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