13 Strings / 7 CoursesDescant RangeSolid RosewoodSpruce TopGig Bag Included
Ideal for: Consort players, ensemble musicians, and players with smaller hands
A higher-pitched lute voice for consort and ensemble playing.
The Descant Lute is pitched higher than a standard Renaissance lute, making it ideal for consort playing, smaller ensembles, and repertoire that calls for a brighter, more intimate voice. With 13 strings in 7 courses, it covers the essential range for descant lute parts while remaining manageable for players of all levels.
Clear, Sweet Tone with Strong Projection
Solid rosewood construction with a spruce soundboard delivers clear, sweet tone with excellent projection for the instrument's size. The higher pitch range of the descant lute gives you a voice that cuts through in a consort setting while staying intimate in solo work.
About descant pitch: Descant lutes sit above standard Renaissance lutes in an ensemble, similar to how a descant recorder sits above an alto. They handle the high voice in consort music.
A Smaller, More Manageable Lute
The smaller body is comfortable to hold, and the shorter scale length makes fretting easier. A benefit for beginners and players with smaller hands who find a full-size lute physically demanding.
Rosewood staves, spruce soundboard, and a rosewood neck keep the tonewoods consistent with the rest of the Roosebeck lute line.
Physically easier to play: Shorter scale length means the frets are closer together. Players with smaller hands or less reach often find descant lutes considerably more comfortable than standard lutes.
A Rare Instrument at an Accessible Price
Descant lutes are hard to find at any price point. The Roosebeck Descant Lute puts early music ensemble playing within reach for players who wouldn't otherwise have access to one.
Playing in a consort? If you're part of a Renaissance consort or early music group, a descant lute fills a specific high-voice role that a standard lute can't cover.
Technical Specifications
Courses
7 (13 strings total)
Body
Rosewood staves
Soundboard
Spruce
Neck
Rosewood
Frets
Nylon + rosewood
What's in the Box
Every Descant Lute ships ready for ensemble or solo work.
