My theorboes faithfully follow the way of working of my teacher Jaume Bosser, to whom I thank for the kindness of passing on so much experience and knowledge.
The instruments are based on original models, but adapting them to current needs, both in terms of sound (volume, projection, comfort…) and in other aspects such as mobility (foldable instruments).
Each instrument will be customized for each musician, with whom we will decide the rosette model, the woods used, the decoration, the string lenghts suitable to their needs…
I offer two models of theorbo, both with 14 simple strings:
Soloist theorbo ( in A or D)
Based on an original by Matteo Sellas (Venice, 1635). Instrument with a medium-sized body and rather short string lenghts to facilitate the interpretation of solo pieces, but also perfectly valid for accompaniment. It is what is sometimes called théorbe de pieces if it’s tuned in D.
– Petit jeu between 720 and 800 mm (750 mm standard model)
– Grande jeu between 1350 and 1600 (1400 mm standard model)
– Spruce table with single or triple rosette.
– Body of 13 ribs with one-piece end-clasp. You can choose from various woods such as curly maple, birds-eyed maple, yew, rosewoods, fruit trees such as cherry or pear, cypress, oak, ebony, walnut… Because of the current dificulty in obtaining certain woods, some of them may entail a slight increase in the price of the instrument.
– Limewood or cedar neck veneered with rosewood, ebony or curly walnut.
– Matt black lacquered cedar neck extension (painted look)
– Bagluthiers semi-rigid case
– Price: 7000 (VAT included)
You can hear one of these played by Carles Blanch in this video:
Accompaniment theorbo (in A)
Based on an original by Matheus Buchenberg (Rome, 1614). Instrument with a large body and long string lenghts, designed for continuo accompaniment in multi-instrument formations. It is what was formerly also called chitarrone. Given the size of this instrument, it is advisable to make it foldable.
– Petit jeu between 840 and 900 mm (850 mm standard model)
– Grand jeu of 1700mm.
– Spruce table with triple rosette.
– Body of 13 ribs with one-piece end-clasp. You can choose from various woods such as curly maple, birds-eyed maple, yew, rosewoods, fruit trees such as cherry or pear, cypress, oak, ebony, walnut… Because of the current dificulty in obtaining certain woods, some of them may entail a slight increase in the price of the instrument.
– Limewood or cedar neck veneered with rosewood, ebony or curly walnut.
– Matt black lacquered cedar neck extension (painted look)
– Bagluthiers semi-rigid case
– Price: 7200 (VAT included)
Aplicable option on the two models
– Folding: +€600
– Stripped end-clasp +€70
– Framed fingerboard: +110€ (wood, bone or synthetic ivory)
– Neck extension veneered in ebony, rosewood or walnut, with side purflying: +450€ (front only +225€)
– If you want a different case than the one proposed, the total price will be recalculated based on this.
Conversion of a classic theorbo to the folding version
In most cases, classic theorboes can be converted into folding ones. If you consider this option, please contact me and we will study it.
The price of the conversion is €1400 (VAT and Bagluthiers case included).
Joan Pellisa - guitarrer 