A fine example of great workmanship, this hand built 10 string Cittern was made in 1998 by English luthiers Martyn Banks & Gordon Hewson from Oakwood Instruments. This is the ‘Classic’ rosewood model which oozes

with quality woods. The back is 3 piece rosewood with centre maple strip and figured maple binding to top and bottom edges. Ebony heel cap and rosewood headstock with trust rod cover. Quality Schaller geared tuners with black buttons.

A note from the makers

We applied the experience and knowledge gained from developing our range of guitar designs to the mandola, cittern and bouzouki. The Classic has a larger body size than the Original, guitar-type bracing for the soundboard and a guitar-type, pinless fixed bridge. The result is a ‘classic’ sound – superb tone, wonderful balance, bright clear trebles and a really rich resonant bass.

Details:

• Soundboard: Spruce
• Back & Sides: Rosewood
• Neck: Rock maple with adjustable truss rod
• Fingerboard: Ebony with mother-of-pearl position markers
• Tuners: Schaller
• Finish: Satin acid catalysed lacquer
• Pickup: Ashworth ( highly recommended by Pierre Bensusan who has one installed in his guitar)
• Case: Custom fitted fibre shaped

Technical Specifications

• Scale length: 640mm
• Overall length: 1020mm
• Body width: 390mm
• Body depth: 95mm
• Body length: 460mm
• Nut width: 45mm
• neck depth at 1st fret: 23mm
• neck depth at 12th fret: 30mm

For Sale: £1350  Priced reduced £1175

oakwood-cittern-16

oakwood-cittern-01

oakwood-cittern-14

oakwood-cittern-15

oakwood-cittern-09

oakwood-cittern-11

oakwood-cittern-12

oakwood-cittern-17

oakwood-cittern-08

oakwood-cittern-07

oakwood-cittern-10

oakwood-cittern-13

New York’s premier makers Rettberg and Lange produced the 17 fret #3 Special back in the early 20’s and was their fanciest models in the catalog although a couple of more ornate models were available by special order. This elaborate model boasts exquisite pearl inlay, heel carvings and wooden marquetry. The neck and shell are made of dark stained maple and the gold friction pegs have solid pearl buttons and fleur-de-lys pearl on the back of the head stock.

This model with beautiful abalone inlays on the fretboard, headstock overlay, back of the headstock and the heel cap.  The heel has a nice carved floral pattern with pearl inlay on the heel cap, and it’s adorned with other detailed marquetry throughout.  Celtic session players will love this 17 fret banjo with a short 21″ scale length, which makes it a great option for any mandolinist looking to get into tenor banjo.  It has a very clear, open and warm response that complements single-note melodies and fiddle tunes beautifully. The multiply maple rim is 12 – 1/4″ and has the brass hoop tone ring mounted which helps deliver the rich, beautiful sound

serial number 15480, with 12.1/4 inch rim.

Fitted with original skin head but will be upgraded with renaissance head and will include original in sale

Comes with a custom made Len Mills (from England) shaped hard shell case with plush padding and red fur lining, the case alone cost over £200

Sold