Gaïta Medieval Instruments

 This instrument is based on an early 14th century Italian fiddle, but it is also very similar to English and French instruments of the same period. It is well suited to the music of 13th and 14th centuries in accompanying song, playing solo instrumental and dance music and mixing with other instruments, particularly the most commonly depicted combinations with harp, citole, or percussion.

The 5 gut strings can be tuned GCcgc' (Jerome of Moravia's 2nd tuning), CGcgc' (a non-re-entrant version of Jerome's) or DGdgd' (well suited to dance music) and the bottom string can be off the fingerboard. Other tunings are also possible.

The fiddle has a very warm tone in the middle register and brighter in the top. It has a good dynamic range and can be played quite loudly if needed, i.e. being heard over a number of singers or for dance music. The instrument will fit in a standard violin case that has an oval-shaped insert.

Dimensions:

These instruments are no longer being made commercially

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