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16th century
Unknown
late 16th century

Classification: Chordophone

Credit Line: Belle Skinner Collection

Accession Number: 4873.1960

Department: Yale Collection of Musical Instruments

Description

The compass is C/E to c’’’ with a short octave in the bass. Boxwood natural touchplates and dark wood accidentals. There is a single set of strings at nominal 4’ (octave) pitch. The case is pentagonal in shape with an inset keyboard. Probably made in south Germany. The instrument sits on a stand which has been made for it, though is probably (almost certainly the legs) not original. Toolbox compartments either side of the keyboard. The lid has been cut so that the instrument can be played with the lid closed by folding back the portion directly over the keyboard. The case exterior is painted with brown bands outside of panels, the central part having an imitation marble effect.

Dimensions

Overall length: 94.5 cm, Overall width: 37.9 cm

Spinetta

Spinetta, By Unknown, late 16th century, Chordophone, Photo credit: Alex Contreras

Photo credit: Alex Contreras

Description

The compass is C/E to c’’’ with a short octave in the bass. Boxwood natural touchplates and dark wood accidentals. There is a single set of strings at nominal 4’ (octave) pitch. The case is pentagonal in shape with an inset keyboard. Probably made in south Germany. The instrument sits on a stand which has been made for it, though is probably (almost certainly the legs) not original. Toolbox compartments either side of the keyboard. The lid has been cut so that the instrument can be played with the lid closed by folding back the portion directly over the keyboard. The case exterior is painted with brown bands outside of panels, the central part having an imitation marble effect.

Dimensions

Overall length: 94.5 cm, Overall width: 37.9 cm

16th century
Unknown
late 16th century

Classification: Chordophone

Credit Line: Belle Skinner Collection

Accession Number: 4873.1960

Department: Yale Collection of Musical Instruments

Description

The compass is C/E to c’’’ with a short octave in the bass. Boxwood natural touchplates and dark wood accidentals. There is a single set of strings at nominal 4’ (octave) pitch. The case is pentagonal in shape with an inset keyboard. Probably made in south Germany. The instrument sits on a stand which has been made for it, though is probably (almost certainly the legs) not original. Toolbox compartments either side of the keyboard. The lid has been cut so that the instrument can be played with the lid closed by folding back the portion directly over the keyboard. The case exterior is painted with brown bands outside of panels, the central part having an imitation marble effect.

Dimensions

Overall length: 94.5 cm, Overall width: 37.9 cm