Knowledge & Craft
The Workshop
Tutorials, buying guides, and stories from the workshop.
Greek vs. Irish Bouzouki: Which One You Actually Want
They share the same four-course, eight-string layout, but the Greek and Irish bouzouki are tuned differently, built differently, and made for different...
The Vaulted Fretboard and the 6½ Fret: A Mountain Dulcimer Guide
Two terms come up constantly in dulcimer shopping and almost nobody explains them properly. A vaulted fretboard lifts the playing surface off...
What Is a Baroq-ulele? The Lute-Bodied Ukulele, Explained
The Baroq-ulele is a ukulele reimagined with a round-back lute body. Here is what it is, how it sounds, and how its...
What Is a Balalaika?
A balalaika is a triangular three-string folk instrument from Russia, a prima tuned E E A. Here is its history, its sound,...
How to Care for a Wooden Folk Instrument
Keep a wooden instrument between 40 and 60 percent humidity, away from heat and sun, and cased when idle. Here is how...
What Is a Celtic Harp? A Beginner's Guide
The Celtic harp - also called a lever harp or folk harp - is the instrument most people picture when they think...
Best Affordable Lutes for Beginners
Looking for an affordable lute that actually plays in tune? The Roosebeck luthier team explains course counts, what to avoid, and how...
Mountain Dulcimer vs. Hammered Dulcimer: What's the Difference?
Mountain vs hammered dulcimer explained by working luthiers. One you fret on your lap, one you strike with hammers. Here is how...
How to Choose a Lute or Early Stringed Instrument
Confused about choosing between a Renaissance lute, travel lute, vihuela, Baroque guitar, or oud? Our luthier team explains the key differences, best...