Lauri Niskanen, Luthier

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Theorbo, Sebastian Schelle

Usually theorbos have triple rosettes, but the original Schelle has a large single inset rosette. I chose to use the same design, but cut in the soundboard, as the large majority of lute rosettes were made. The Schelle is also unlike most theorbos in that the body is made of only 11 wide ribs, while usually there are closer to 30 of them. The original also has a hinge on the extension, allowing the instrument to be folded for transportation if the diapasons are loosened. This theorbo suits tuning in A or D-minor, even G with slightly thicker strings than optimal.

Pitch: d, String length: 86 and 161 cm