This 4 double course instrument, from the vihuela family, appeared in late XV century. Despite its simple configuration, this small guitar was not only used to accompany dances and fantasies, but sometimes also formed the basis of different music consorts using the new and showy technique of “rasgueado”.
4-course guitar Belchior Dias
I designed this model based on the 5-course guitar / vihuela built by Belchior Dias in Lisbon in 1581 and preserved in the Museum of the Royal College of Music in London, RCM 171.
Pao Ferro back and sides. Spruce top. Spanish Walnut neck. Fingerboard made of pearwood, boxwood or maple framed with Pao Ferro or Ebony. Ebony pegs based on original models. Several level rosette made of pearwood and parchment. Ebony binding on top edge. Finished with shellac but waxed top.
String length: 560 mm.
You can hear this instrument at: Brayssing - Fantasie, Paris 1553.
Rafael Pérez Sulbarán: 4-course guitar
4-course guitar Guillaume Morlaye
Model based on iconography on the "Premier Livre ..." published in Paris by Master Guillaume Morlaye in 1552.
Maple, Cypress or Walnut body and neck. European spruce top. Ebony, Pao Ferro, Pearwood, Olive or Boxwood fingerboard. Rosette made of several layers of Pearwood or Maple with parchment. Ebony or Pao Ferro binding on top edge. Finished with shellac but waxed top.
String length: 560 mm.
Both models can be made in their student version, just using simple woods and reduced decoration.