You can purchase the music of the folks that own Lark In The Morning. Click the image below.

Designed to play like a guitar with a fretted neck. Color of neck can vary.

The Cumbus is a relatively young instrument. It was developed in Istanbul in the early 1900's. The inventor, Zeynel became known as Zeynel Abidin Bey. The famous Ataturk Mustafa Kemal, Turkey's first president, dubbed it Cumbus, pronounced joom-bush. Cumbus is Turkish for revelry, just the mood this instrument inspires. Our Cumbus are imported from the Family shop of Zeynel Abidin on Ataturk Bulvar in Istanbul.

SPECIAL NOTE; No Warranty on Strings: Manufacturers recommend that you change the strings on your instrument as soon as you receive it. Your instrument has completed a long journey before it ever begins the final leg to your home. During this time the elements affect the strings and may shorten their lifespan. It occasionally happens that a string will fail during that final leg of the journey. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase a replacement set of strings and consider changing your strings soon after it arrives. If you are a student you may want to change your strings every 3-4 months. If you are a rock star you may need to change your strings every week. If you store your instrument, you should consider changing the strings when you pick it up again.

The Zachary Taylor designed, Panormo Guitar is a superbly crafted 'Romantic' guitar based on the innovative works of 19th century master luthier Louis Panormo.

Panormo was of Italian parentage, born in Paris in 1784 and became a British citizen in 1851 having settled in London to make guitars. He was a confident maker and even called himself 'The only Maker of Guitars in the Spanish Style'. Perhaps he forgot to add 'outside Spain'?

Although similar in appearance to the Spanish guitars, Panormo's soundboard technology followed the current thinking at that time. Thin strips of wood called struts were arranged in a fan shape beneath the lower part of the soundboard. The great Torres advanced the development of this system, more of which is noted in the information on the Torres-Taylor Guitar.

Those new to the Romantic, or 'Parlour' guitar, as it is sometimes called, may regard it as smaller than their later model offspring – the modern Classical guitar. The comparatively short scale of 600mm (about 23½ inches) makes the Romantic guitar accessible for players with smaller hands without restricting those with bigger spans.

Modern, master luthier Zachary Taylor based this model's design on several guitars by Panormo. Taylor owned an original and examined many others, including one at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He succeeded in creating a beautiful instrument that reproduces the 'feel' and sound of what players recognize as the 'Romantic' guitar. Composers such as Sor, Aguado and their contemporaries would have probably felt very comfortable with this Panormo-based model.

Specifications:
The Panormo Guitar comes strung with the Roosebeck™ 6-String Romantic Guitar Set (Item Code RBSRG6S), with the recommended tuning being E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 (E A d g b e'). We carefully set up each instrument up for optimum action (string height): between 0.5-0.7mm at the 1st fret for all strings; 3.0-3.5mm at the 10th fret for the 1st string; and 3.5-4.0mm at the 10th fret for the 6th string. A bi-directional truss rod is installed to compensate for any changes in neck curvature. Each guitar comes with a Roosebeck™ Panormo Hard Case which provides exceptional protection for your instrument. This case features a rugged, faux leather exterior, plush cushioned interior, and a locking fastener. The Roosebeck™ Panormo Hard Case (Item Code RHCPN) can also be purchased separately.

Materials:
Neck, Sides and Back: Maple
Head Stock Plate, Fretboard and Bridge: Ebony
Soundboard: Cedar
Soundboard Bracing: Spruce
Back Inlay: Green Abalone
Nut and Saddle: Buffalo Bone
Bridge Inlay and Fret Markers:White Mother of Pearl

Dimensions:
Scale Length: 600mm
Overall dimensions: 925mm length, 290mm width, and 86mm depth
Fretboard Width: 52mm at the 1st fret and 55mm at the 10th fret
Weight: Approximately 1.54 kg or 3.4 pounds.

Recommend Care:
It is very important that the instrument is stored in a humidity controlled environment, especially where the relative humidity is less than 50%. A Case Humidifier (Item Code OH-6) is a great way to protect your investment. It may be necessary to re-oil the fretboard every few months with Lemon Oil (Item Code PW-LMN). A Pick Guard (Item Codes SS-1P-C and SS-2P-C) is not included, but, can be added for protection.

It may be called guitarra, guiterne, machete, braguinha, guitarino (this is the designer's Anglicisation of 'chittarino'), or any other of several possible names by which this family of instruments was known in the past. In fact, it is one of the smallest and also one of the earliest of the guitar family. It made its appearance mid-16th century when several respected composers wrote for it.

Few examples survive and one made by Giovanni Smit in 1646 may be seen in the Kunsthistorisches Museum of Vienna. This delightful guitarino was chosen by Zachary Taylor as the basis of his design for the Mid-East version.  Some features of the original instrument were changed for various practical reasons. For example, the Smit has an arched back made of separate strips, similar to the lute, but this was replaced with a flat back to reduce production time. Separate strips were retained for the sake of decoration. Some of the cosmetic ornaments were also excluded as contributing nothing to the sound or its playability and adding unnecessary cost.

Other considerations included the frets, originally of gut, which were tied around the neck. Tied frets, whilst representing a strong reference to the original instrument, are sometimes troublesome and they wear out. Replacement may present problems to an inexperienced player and changes in humidity, temperature and clumsy handling can cause changes in the fret location. For these reasons it was felt desirable by the designer, the maker and the dealers to fit metal frets as a standard feature. Customers who prefer the more traditional tied frets may request them to be fitted when an order is placed.

The word 'course', when used in the guitaristic sense, refers usually to more than one single string. A course is usually two strings, but may be three on certain instruments. A common modern example may be seen in the mandolin and bouzouki. On the guitarino, two strings in a course may be tuned in unison or in octaves. Where octaves are used for the lower strings, it is most usual to have one of the strings tuned an octave higher than the normal, fundamental, string.

There is a lot of information available about the tuning of the Renaissance guitar but it was decided to offer this instrument with its pairs tuned in unison.

Interestingly, near the end of the 19th century, the Portuguese took with them to Hawaii, the braguinha, where it was swiftly absorbed into the folkloric culture. The local musicians called it ukulele, or 'jumping flea' in Hawaiian. It is perfectly feasible to play ukulele music on the four-course Renaissance guitar and vice-versa!

The Zachary Taylor designed 5-course and 6-stringed guitars are based on the instruments made by René Voboam. Voboam represented the height of French instrument building in the 17th century. Taylor's major influence was a marvelous 1641 model, located in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England.

The word 'course', when used in the guitaristic sense, refers to more than one string. Most often, it is two, but on some instruments you will find three strings. A common, modern example is the mandolin and bouzouki, both with double strings. On the Baroque guitar, two strings in a course can be tuned in unison or in octaves. When octaves are used for the lower strings, one of the strings is usually tuned an octave higher than the standard string, producing a bright and lively sound.

To satisfy players of conventional classical and acoustic guitars, Mid-East and Zachary Taylor agreed to produce a 6-stringed model. This version of the Voboam has become a successful fusion of styles with great appeal for those who enjoy playing an instrument with a rich history. The 5-course version can be used to play more modern pieces, being that it is tuned similarly to a 6-stringed version without the lowest course.

For reliability and security of intonation, both the 5-course and 6-stringed guitars are fitted with eight, fixed, solid nickel silver frets.  For the more traditional players, these instruments are available with tied nylon frets which are adjustable to the player's preference.  The tied nylon fret models are available on a special order basis with production time being approximately 9-12 months.

 Modifications were made to the original design, including the reduction of inlaid decoration, which contributed little to the guitar's sound or functionality. Close attention was paid to the basic construction and materials to bring about a faithful representation of this beautiful guitar.

A Zachary Taylor designed Baroque guitar based on one by Giorgio Sellas is also available from Mid-East Mfg.

Specifications:
The 5-course Voboam Guitar comes strung with the Roosebeck™ 5-Course Baroque Guitar String Set (Item Code RBSBG5C), with the recommended tuning being A2 A2 D3 D3 G3 G3 B3 B3 E4 E4 (AA dd gg bb e'e'). The 6-stringed Voboam Guitar comes strung with the Roosebeck™ 6-String Baroque Guitar String Set (Item Code RBSBG6S), with the recommended tuning being E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 (E A d g b e').  We carefully set up each instrument for optimum action (string height): between 0.5-0.7mm at the 1st fret for all strings; 3.0-3.5mm at the 10th fret for the 1st string (or 1st course); and 3.5-4.0mm at the 10th fret for the 6th string (or 5th course).  Each guitar comes with a Roosebeck™ Voboam Hard Case which provides exceptional protection for your instrument. This case features a rugged, faux leather exterior, plush cushioned interior, and a locking fastener. The Roosebeck™ Voboam Hard Case (Item Code RHCVB) can also be purchased separately.

Materials:
Neck and Sides: Mahogany
Back: Mahogany & Maple
Head Stock Plate, Fretboard and Bridge: Ebony
Soundboard: Spruce
Rosette: Walnut & Spruce
Nut: Buffalo Bone

5-Course Dimensions:
Scale Length: 660mm
Overall dimensions: 902mm length, 228mm width, and 94mm depth
Fretboard Width: 49mm at the 1st fret and 58mm at the 8th fret
Weight: Approximately 1.11 kg or 2.45 pounds.

6-String Dimensions:
Scale Length: 660mm
Overall dimensions: 902mm length, 228mm width, and 94mm depth
Fretboard Width: 52mm at the 1st fret and 58mm at the 8th fret
Weight: Approximately 1.04 kg or 2.3 pounds.

Recommend Care:
It is very important that the instrument is stored in a humidity controlled environment, especially where the relative humidity is less than 50%. A Case Humidifier (Item Code OH-6) is a great way to protect your investment. It may be necessary to re-oil the fretboard every few months with Lemon Oil (Item Code PW-LMN). A Pick Guard (Item Codes SS-1P-C and SS-2P-C) is not included, but, can be added for protection.

The Zachary Taylor designed 5-course and 6-stringed guitars are based on the instruments made by René Voboam. Voboam represented the height of French instrument building in the 17th century. Taylor's major influence was a marvelous 1641 model, located in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England.

The word 'course', when used in the guitaristic sense, refers to more than one string. Most often, it is two, but on some instruments you will find three strings. A common, modern example is the mandolin and bouzouki, both with double strings. On the Baroque guitar, two strings in a course can be tuned in unison or in octaves. When octaves are used for the lower strings, one of the strings is usually tuned an octave higher than the standard string, producing a bright and lively sound.

To satisfy players of conventional classical and acoustic guitars, Mid-East and Zachary Taylor agreed to produce a 6-stringed model. This version of the Voboam has become a successful fusion of styles with great appeal for those who enjoy playing an instrument with a rich history. The 5-course version can be used to play more modern pieces, being that it is tuned similarly to a 6-stringed version without the lowest course.

For reliability and security of intonation, both the 5-course and 6-stringed guitars are fitted with eight, fixed, solid nickel silver frets.  For the more traditional players, these instruments are available with tied nylon frets which are adjustable to the player's preference.  The tied nylon fret models are available on a special order basis with production time being approximately 9-12 months.

 Modifications were made to the original design, including the reduction of inlaid decoration, which contributed little to the guitar's sound or functionality. Close attention was paid to the basic construction and materials to bring about a faithful representation of this beautiful guitar.

A Zachary Taylor designed Baroque guitar based on one by Giorgio Sellas is also available from Mid-East Mfg.

Specifications:
The 5-course Voboam Guitar comes strung with the Roosebeck™ 5-Course Baroque Guitar String Set (Item Code RBSBG5C), with the recommended tuning being A2 A2 D3 D3 G3 G3 B3 B3 E4 E4 (AA dd gg bb e'e'). The 6-stringed Voboam Guitar comes strung with the Roosebeck™ 6-String Baroque Guitar String Set (Item Code RBSBG6S), with the recommended tuning being E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 (E A d g b e').  We carefully set up each instrument for optimum action (string height): between 0.5-0.7mm at the 1st fret for all strings; 3.0-3.5mm at the 10th fret for the 1st string (or 1st course); and 3.5-4.0mm at the 10th fret for the 6th string (or 5th course).  Each guitar comes with a Roosebeck™ Voboam Hard Case which provides exceptional protection for your instrument. This case features a rugged, faux leather exterior, plush cushioned interior, and a locking fastener. The Roosebeck™ Voboam Hard Case (Item Code RHCVB) can also be purchased separately.

Materials:
Neck and Sides: Mahogany
Back: Mahogany & Maple
Head Stock Plate, Fretboard and Bridge: Ebony
Soundboard: Spruce
Rosette: Walnut & Spruce
Nut: Buffalo Bone

5-Course Dimensions:
Scale Length: 660mm
Overall dimensions: 902mm length, 228mm width, and 94mm depth
Fretboard Width: 49mm at the 1st fret and 58mm at the 8th fret
Weight: Approximately 1.11 kg or 2.45 pounds.

6-String Dimensions:
Scale Length: 660mm
Overall dimensions: 902mm length, 228mm width, and 94mm depth
Fretboard Width: 52mm at the 1st fret and 58mm at the 8th fret
Weight: Approximately 1.04 kg or 2.3 pounds.

Recommend Care:
It is very important that the instrument is stored in a humidity controlled environment, especially where the relative humidity is less than 50%. A Case Humidifier (Item Code OH-6) is a great way to protect your investment. It may be necessary to re-oil the fretboard every few months with Lemon Oil (Item Code PW-LMN). A Pick Guard (Item Codes SS-1P-C and SS-2P-C) is not included, but, can be added for protection.

Zachary Taylor has based his stunning Vihuela design on the instrument that is displayed in the Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús in Quito, Ecuador. A truly remarkable piece, it is thought to be a relic of Saint Mariana de Jesús.
Very few existing Vihuelas are known of but the most famous one is the so-called, ‘Guadalupe’ Vihuela in the Musée Jacquemart-André, in Paris. It was probably made around 1500 by an apprentice luthier or cabinet maker as a test piece. Comparatively large, with a narrow neck suggests that whilst appropriate for playing single-note continuo, it would not be suitable for solo performance repertoire or accompanying a vocalist.

Although the body of the Vihuela was shallower and lighter than the modern guitar, the scale length was often much longer. The strings were of gut and silk and the frets, which were tied around the neck, were also of gut. Tied frets represent a strong reference to the original instrument but are sometimes troublesome. Changes in humidity, temperature, and clumsy handling can cause changes in the fret location, making replacement difficult for an inexperienced player. For these reasons, the designer, maker and suppliers decided on metal frets as a standard feature. Customers who prefer the more traditional tied frets may request them to be fitted when an order is placed.

With six ‘courses’ of strings, the Vihuela has them arranged in pairs and these are usually tuned in unison, although variations were known that used ‘octave’ tuning on the lower-pitched strings, similar to the lute. When used in the musical sense, the word ‘course’, refers to more than one single string and possibly as many as three.

Music for the Vihuela was written in tablature, as stave notation was not used for fretted strings in those days. Tablature works well, provided the tuning of the strings is known. Many players prefer tablature as a music reading medium because the composer shows the string and fret where the note is located.

Much of the lute repertoire may be played on it, due to its similar interval string tuning. A bonus is that by tuning up the third course by a semitone, the Vihuela has the same intervals as the regular 6-stringed guitar — the repertoire of which spans about the last two-and-a-half centuries! It can also be used to play music intended for the Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic guitar, all-in-all, a most versatile instrument.

For reliability and security of intonation, this 6-course Vihuela is fitted with eight, fixed, solid nickel silver frets. For the more traditional players, these instruments are available with tied nylon frets which are adjustable to the player's preference. The tied nylon fret models are available on a special order basis with production time being approximately 9-12 months.

Modifications were made to the original design, including the reduction of inlaid decoration, which contributed little to the guitar’s sound or functionality. Close attention was paid to the basic construction and materials to create a remarkable representation of this intriguing guitar.

Specifications:
The vihuela comes strung with the Roosebeck™ 6-Course Vihuela String Set (Item Code RBSVH6C), with the recommended tuning being G3 G2 C4 C3 F3 F3 A3 A3 D4 D4 G4 G4 (gG c'c ff aa d'd' g'g'). We carefully set up each instrument up for optimum action (string height): between 0.5-0.7mm at the 1st fret for all strings; 3.0-3.5mm at the 10th fret for the 1st course; and 3.5-4.0mm at the 10th fret for the 6th course. Each vihuela comes with a Roosebeck™ Vihuela Hard Case which provides exceptional protection for your instrument. This case features a rugged, faux leather exterior, plush cushioned interior, and a locking fastener. The Roosebeck™ Vihuela Hard Case (Item Code RHCVH) can also be purchased separately.

Materials:
Neck: Maple
Back: Rosewood & Maple
Head Stock Plate, Sides, Fretboard and Bridge: Rosewood
Soundboard: Cedar
Soundboard Bracing: Spruce
Nut: Buffalo Bone

Dimensions:
Scale Length: 648mm
Overall dimensions: 924mm length, 239mm width, and 86mm depth
Fretboard Width: 56mm at the 1st fret and 67mm at the 8th fret
Weight: Approximately 1.16 kg or 2.55 pounds.

Recommend Care:
It is very important that the instrument is stored in a humidity controlled environment, especially where the relative humidity is less than 50%. A Case Humidifier (Item Code OH-6) is a great way to protect your investment. It may be necessary to re-oil the fretboard every few months with Lemon Oil (Item Code PW-LMN). A Pick Guard (Item Codes SS-1P-C and SS-2P-C) is not included, but, can be added for protection.

PO Box 1176, Mendocino, CA 95460 USA
(707) 964-5569

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