HARMONIUM
The harmonium is one of the most commonly used instruments in Indian music today. It also sounds wonderful alongside the Northumbrian Pipes and the ‘cello.
The harmonium is one of the most commonly used instruments in Indian music today. It also sounds wonderful alongside the Northumbrian Pipes and the ‘cello. Bellows blown, like the smallpipes, it uses reeds similar to an accordion, with a short keyboard and also drones again similar to the smallpipes. The drone notes on the one we use are C,D,F,G,A which can adapt to most common key signatures.
They do come in 440 concert pitch and ours was supplied by Harjit Sing Shah whom you will find at ‘JAS Musicals Ltd’ in London supplying both classical and folk musical instruments of India.
SPANISH LAUD (LUTE)
The Laud belongs to the cittern family of instruments. Six double courses (i.e. twelve strings in pairs tuned in unison), similarly to the bandurria, but its neck is longer.
The Laud belongs to the cittern family of instruments. Six double courses (i.e. twelve strings in pairs tuned in unison), similarly to the bandurria, but its neck is longer. Traditionally used in Spain together with the guitar. Citterns have become a huge part of traditional Celtic music, but have a harder sound. The Laud is based on the same method of construction as a Spanish guitar, so a bit more mellow than a Cittern etc. There is a Cuban version of the same instrument where we first came across the Laud. We tune it similar to a guitar in open tuning with a capo at the fifth fret, so it takes us way higher than a guitar pitch and works really well for selected songs and tunes giving a different sound from a Guitar, Cittern or Mandolin etc. The Laud we use was made by Alhambra Guitars in Madrid, Spain. www.alhambrasl.com Go to www.londonguitarstudio.com in London, if you want to try one without travelling all the way to Cuba or Spain !
NORTHUMBRIAN SMALLPIPES
Bellows-blown bagpipe from North East England which date back to the early eighteenth century. The modern instrument has seven keys and upwards on the chanter and four or more drones.
Bellows-blown bagpipe from North East England which date back to the early eighteenth century. The modern instrument has seven keys and upwards on the chanter and four or more drones. The chanter has a closed end, combined with an unusual fingering style, each note is played by lifting only one finger or opening one key. The pipes can play in different major and minor keys. Similarly the drones can be tuned into different major and minor chords by the use of tuning beads on each drone. The sets we use have the recent innovation of an additional contra bass drone.
The ‘F’ pipes we use were made by Richard and Anita Evans. Richard has been making and playing bellows pipes for over 35 years, and Anita specializes in reeds and bellows. They produce beautiful instruments and sets they have made are played throughout the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South America and Japan. www.evansbagpipes.co.uk
We also use two unique sets of Northumbrian Pipes pitched lower in ‘D’ and ‘C’. These were made by the legendary Colin Ross from Whitley Bay, Newcastle Upon Tyne, in England, husband of the late great Scottish singer and sadly missed friend of ours Ray Fisher. Colin is a world famous pipemaker and musician who also had an additional key role in initiating the revival of Scottish Smallpipes.
LOWDEN 12 STRING GUITAR
Lowden Guitars are made in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, by George Lowden one of the worlds top guitar makers. The Lowden 12 string we use has an exceptional light and bright tone. The combination of this with Linsey’s ‘cello which was made in 1790, gives the full round sound and textures that have become associated with our music.
Lowden Guitars are made in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, by George Lowden one of the worlds top guitar makers. The Lowden 12 string we use has an exceptional light and bright tone. The combination of this with Linsey’s ‘cello which was made in 1790, gives the full round sound and textures that have become associated with our music.
We primarily use this 12 string guitar, and a similar Lowden 6 string, in DADGAD semi open tuning which again contributes to the unusually full sound we have for a duo. This Lowden 12 string also works very well for finger picking, and with a capo up the top end it becomes a different instrument in addition.
CELLO
Linsey’s ‘cello is unique and very precious to her…it was made in 1790 and is thought to be of German origin. It is made of Maple and as ‘cellos are all different, this one is 7/8ths in size…a small fine instrument with a delicious tone…
Linsey’s ‘cello is unique and very precious to her…it was made in 1790 and is thought to be of German origin. It is made of Maple and as ‘cellos are all different, this one is 7/8ths in size…a small fine instrument with a delicious tone…
At some point in it’s long life, a modern spike has been fitted but originally it would have been played in a Baroque style and held lightly with the calves of the player. The lower ribs have been replaced as historically this would have had a lot of wear and tear due to the holding technique. Also, to bring this ‘cello up to modern technical standards of playing, the neck has been replaced from a flatter baroque fingerboard to a more angled one.
In the late 18th Century, the ‘cello was regarded as very much an “accompanying” instrument…however, when you listen to Linsey’s style of playing she regards the ‘cello very much as a “lead” instrument which blends so well with Ken’s pipes and 12 string Lowden. it is quite wonderful so witness the variety of tones and voices this instrument can muster from high vocalise melodic lines to the gritty bass double-stop chords with every colour of the rainbow in between…