Small French solo theorbo or théorbe de pièces

 

This was made by Ivo Magherini, and is closely based on the converted small French theorbo in Yale University. It is tuned in D with two re-entrant strings, has 8 stopped strings (an arrangement mentioned by François Campion) and 6 diapasons, with string lengths of 75cm and 130cm. The single rose, broad-ribbed back, offset upper head and pierced lower pegbox are all typical features seen in French iconography, as well as on the Yale instrument. Though designed for playing solo music, I find this instrument is also surprisingly useful for continuo, especially for chamber works and pieces where the bass line is often simply too high for the A-tuned instrument. To the best of my knowledge there is no evidence whatsoever for using a D theorbo for continuo, though I find it hard to believe that if the instrument was around, the professionals at least would not have used it for continuo!

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