Often, the terms “lute” and “Lute Guitar” are used interchangeably, leading to some confusion. While a lute guitar does share a visual similarity with a traditional lute, particularly in its rounded body shape, they are distinct instruments, especially in construction and sound. Understanding these differences is crucial for musicians and instrument enthusiasts alike.
Frets: Fixed vs. Tied
One of the most fundamental distinctions lies in the frets. Authentic lutes utilize tied-on frets, traditionally crafted from gut or modern substitutes. These frets are movable, allowing for adjustments and subtle intonation nuances that are part of the lute’s unique character. In contrast, a lute guitar adopts the familiar guitar-style fixed metal frets. This design choice significantly impacts playability and the instrument’s overall tonal nature.
Strings and Construction: Gut vs. Metal & Light vs. Robust
The construction and string material further differentiate these instruments. Genuine lutes are designed for gut strings (or contemporary equivalents) and are built with extreme lightness in mind. This delicate construction is essential for the lute’s characteristic resonance and responsiveness. Every gram of weight can affect its tone. Lute guitars, however, are often built more robustly and are sometimes braced to handle the tension of steel strings, much like a standard guitar. Steel strings are never used on a traditional lute due to their excessive tension.
Tuning Pegs and Weight: Modern Gears vs. Friction Pegs & Weight Difference
Another key difference is in the tuning mechanisms. Traditional lutes use friction pegs made of wood. These pegs, while aesthetically period-appropriate, require a different tuning technique compared to modern geared tuners. Lute guitars typically employ modern geared tuning machines, similar to those found on guitars, offering ease of tuning and greater stability. Physically, if you were to hold a lute guitar and a genuine lute side-by-side, the weight difference would be immediately noticeable. The lute guitar can weigh significantly more, often up to three times as much as a lute, due to its more robust build and guitar-like features.
Sound and Playability: Tone Variations
In essence, the lute guitar is designed to mimic the appearance of a lute while retaining the playability and some tonal characteristics of a guitar. While both instruments share a lute-like outer form, their internal construction, materials, and hardware result in distinct tonal qualities. The lute is known for its delicate, complex, and historically rich sound, whereas the lute guitar offers a more guitar-like experience with a nod to the lute’s aesthetic.
In summary, while visually related, the lute and lute guitar are fundamentally different instruments. The lute guitar is essentially a guitar shaped like a lute, offering a more accessible and robust alternative to the delicate and historically specific lute.
