Lutes hit the right note for James
Published 18 Mar 2010 10:00
1 Comment
JAMES Marriage has hit on a rare 21st Century growth industry - making medieval musical instruments.
Coley-based James, 34, runs a thriving business making lutes in his garage and has found them increasingly popular both among seasoned musicians (often guitar players), students and also people who work in IT.
His passion for the instrument started at the age of 15 when he saw one played on TV. He couldn't afford one so he made one as an A-level project.
At university he studied 3D Design and dabbled in furniture restoration in
his spare time but it was after being made redundant from his job as a buyer in 2005 that he began making lutes full-time.
He said: "I hated music at school, it was boring. They tended to cover a very broad spectrum. I got interested in things they didn't touch on.
"I always liked arts, crafts and technology then I saw on TV someone playing a lute. I thought it really strange and got hooked on it."
James' lutes are made from museum drawings and take at least about three months to make.
He said: "People come along and they want a lute now. People expect that even from individual makers like me so I have that pressure. I try to live up to it as much as I can."
James is on a mission to promote lute-playing. He uses his own website and YouTube and does a special line in low price instruments.
His 'student lute' retails at £700 while others sell at anything up to £5,000. He said: "I am trying to get more people interested by making them affordable.
"It might annoy other lute makers but I want to get more people interested and increase sales."
Now, James, who originates from Derbyshire, has a local project. He has looked into the history of Reading Abbey and from drawings and paintings drew up plans for a lute that would have been played for Henry ll.
He said: "Once I have made this I am going to go down there and play it."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 18 Mar 10
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mike
Unregistered User
Apr 21, 17:51
Report comment£700 affordable? what a lyre....
(i'll get me coat)
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