Early Guitars and Vihuela
early romantic lyre guitar frets?
Well, I have an early lyre guitar that seems to never had more than 12 frets. It's perfectly playable, with great action, so would of course be nice to have frets running up the body (as on another lyre I have by another maker similar age). But I absolutely don't want to add any if it never had any.
Any guess as to why this has just 12 frets? I've attached a closeup to prove my point that there never seem to have been any...I assume that if some bone or ebony frets had been laid on with glue or shellac to attach, there would be the shadow of them on the (probably just waxed polished) top, and I see nothing. Am I wrong in this, or was this a model meant for "permanent beginners" who would never need those upper frets?
By the way, if you're curious, I've also attached the label (duplicated under each sound hole and with the curious date of 18011 as I've noted in previous posts).
James Westbrook
I just wanted to add: I know many excellent guitarists who have been playing all their lives, who never adventure past the 12th fret, and don't feel the need to for the sort of music they play. I certainly wouldn't call them beginners.
Feb 23, 2020
Jelma van Amersfoort
Well, song accompaniment was the main activity for guitarists in the early 19th century, so that would fit.
Feb 23, 2020
Christopher Davies
I think I've now answered my own question with this painting: no frets on body.
Feb 23, 2020