How to Choose a Lute or Early Stringed Instrument
The first question we hear from people exploring early strings is rarely "what's a good lute?" It's usually "I think I want a lute, but I'm not sure which kind..." That confusion is completely understandable. These beautiful instruments span centuries and traditions, yet many look similar at first glance.
This guide from the Roosebeck luthier team will help you choose the right instrument for the music you love. We'll cover Renaissance lutes, travel lutes, vihuela, Baroque guitar, and oud, all handcrafted with the same care we've brought to folk instruments since 1973.
Start With the Music, Not the Instrument
Every choice comes back to repertoire. Here are quick mappings:
- Renaissance polyphony and John Dowland: Renaissance lute (6- or 8-course)
- Spanish Renaissance court music: Vihuela
- 17th-century strummed/plucked music: Baroque guitar
- Arabic, Turkish, Mediterranean traditions: Oud
The Renaissance Lute: The Classic Starting Point
When most people say "lute," they mean the Renaissance lute, the pear-shaped, bowl-backed favorite of the 1500s to early 1600s.
What it offers: Bright, sweet, articulate tone with focused projection. Hand-shaped ribbed bowl back, delicate rosette, and nylon strings for reliable playability.
7-course vs 8-course:
- 7-course: Ideal for core Renaissance repertoire (da Milano, early Dowland). Easier for beginners.
- 8-course: Adds bass range for late Renaissance/early Baroque music.
Our models (all with rectified nylon strings):
- Travel lutes (7- or 8-course rosewood) - lighter, smaller, perfect for first-time players or travelers.
- Deluxe models in rosewood or walnut with spruce soundboards for advanced players.
Pro tip: New to lute? Start with a travel lute or 7-course model. Our nylon strings stay in tune better than traditional options and require less maintenance.
The Vihuela: Spain's Lute-Like Guitar
A 6-course instrument with a flat-back, figure-8 body. It looks like a guitar but plays lute music. Excellent clarity for Spanish Renaissance polyphony.
Best for: Classical guitar players transitioning to early music or anyone drawn to Iberian repertoire.
The Baroque Guitar: Five Courses of Charm
Smaller, deeper body than a modern guitar, with reentrant tuning and a percussive, strum-friendly voice. Perfect for dance music and accompaniment.
The Oud: The Fretless Ancestor
Pear-shaped bowl back with 11 strings and no frets - essential for microtonal maqam traditions. Deeper, nasal resonance.
Quick Comparison Guide
| Instrument | Best For | Body Style | Strings/Courses | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renaissance Lute | Dowland, polyphony | Bowl-backed | 6 or 8 | Beginner-Advanced |
| Travel Lute | First lute, practice | Smaller bowl | 7 or 8 | Beginners |
| Vihuela | Spanish Renaissance | Flat-back | 6 | Intermediate |
| Baroque Guitar | 17th-c. dance and strum | Flat-back | 5 | Guitar players |
| Oud | Middle Eastern maqam | Bowl-backed | 11 (fretless) | Dedicated |
Practical Realities from Our Workshop
- Strings: We use high-precision rectified nylon strings. They deliver warm tone and excellent stability with far greater reliability than gut - no frequent breaking or stretching issues.
- Frets: Traditional tied gut frets (adjustable for perfect intonation).
- Community: Connect with the Lute Society of America or local early music groups.
Ready to Choose Your Instrument?
Browse our full collection of handcrafted lutes and early strings on Roosebeck.com. Every instrument ships with the accessories and guidance you need to start making music.
Have questions? Contact our luthier team - we're happy to help match you with the perfect model.
About the Author The Roosebeck Luthier Team at EnSoul Music Inc. has designed and hand-crafted thousands of professional-quality mountain dulcimers, Celtic harps, bodhrans, and lutes for decades. We specialize in authentic folk instruments that deliver rich tone, easy playability, and lasting value, trusted by musicians worldwide.