7 gut strings.
5 on the fingerboard and 2 bourdon/drones.
The bourdon strings can be plucked or bowed.
Common tunings:
d d’ / g g’ d’ a’ d”
d d’ / d g d’ a’ e”

Flat fingerboard and minimally curved bridge for chordal playing.
Typically used as an accompaniment to the voice.

Built on the back following historical Brescian methods, giving the instrument a beautifully organic form.

Soundboards can either be bent from multiple staves, or ‘one-piece’ carved.
Optional bass bar, as some historical examples do not include one.

Leaf shaped pegbox with frontal pegs.
The bourdon strings emerge from the side and run over a separate ebony nut.

Decorated or plain peg box options.
Decoration includes ornate Venetian ‘Moresque’ style gilding.

Light and easy to play.
Narrow neck and nut spacing for double-stopping and chordal playing.

A check-up within the first 2 years to make any adjustments as the instrument settles.