Cathedral 10-string Classical

GTC

I've always wanted to try a 10-string classical - but they are generally very expensive and left-handed instruments would probably need to be custom-made. I then came across Cathedral Guitars in Texas - a multistring guitar specialist. They do a range of relatively affordable instruments made in China. They don't have left-handed versions but assured me that they had carried out left-handed conversions with no problem - even tackling the fretboard, which was cut away for a right hander on the upper frets. The conversion was quick, relatively cheap and included the installation of Fishman electronics and a soundport. A photo is shown below

Solid spruce top, laminated rosewood back and sides and an ebony fretboard. Both tone and playability are excellent and the conversion has been done really well - the only sign of the right-handed origin are the original fretboard side markers at the 7th and 9th frets. Baroque Tuning - standard guitar first six strings, then descending DCBA. It was surprisingly easy to get used to the wide neck. 
Stephen at Cathedral was exemplary in his help and communication. Their website has a lot of information too.https://www.cathedralguitar.com/

Sporky

Nice. Just for clarity, is the tuning ABCDEAGBE? 

GTC

Sporky said:

Nice. Just for clarity, is the tuning ABCDEAGBE? 

Yes - with the first A being the lowest 10th string

Sporky

That sounds very flexible. 

GTC

Yes, I find it is. Personally I generally only play the bottom four strings open - like a harp guitar with four sub-basses. However, the fretting option for all strings is there. The other common 10-string tuning is Yepes tuning - where the bottom four strings are tuned  7th=C (below guitar 6th string), 8th = A# (same as guitar 5th, 1st fret), 9th =  G#  (same as guitar 6th string, 4th fret), 10th F# (same as guitar 6th string, 2nd fret).
Some say this is easier but I haven't tried it or attempted to get my head around it. Obviously, different strings are required for the bottom four.

Soupman

Playing barre chords must be a b*gger though....

GTC

Soupman said:

Playing barre chords must be a b*gger though....

Full barres would be - and could even lead to injury in trying! And don't mention those who usually fret the 6th string with their thumb!

I'm currently using it as, I suppose, a harp guitar with four open sub-bass strings.

Soupman

I bet it produces an absolute wall of sound!

GTC

Soupman said:

I bet it produces an absolute wall of sound!

Yes, the sound is impressive. Not quite as dramatic as a proper harp guitar but providing an additional dimension. I'll try and provide another update on my 22-string harp guitar adventure shortly - it has been a journey (but a worthwhile one)

ToneControl

Just cut to the chase and buy a Theorbo

GTC

Just spent some minutes looking at this introductory Theorbo video. Still trying to get my head around it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVabz8LneI4

ToneControl

ToneControl said:

Just cut to the chase and buy a Theorbo

I sat a few feet in front of Matt when he performed. Sounds amazing.

joeW

If you got an 11 string you could tune it to a chromatic octave and not bother with fretting.
I have no idea how to approach a beast like that - feel free to post a video …

GTC

ToneControl said:

ToneControl said:

Just cut to the chase and buy a Theorbo
I sat a few feet in front of Matt when he performed. Sounds amazing.

I think that, originally, a Theorbo was an early form of harp guitar (or harp lute). Originally, the extra bass strings were used to resonate with the main lute strings to provide additional presence and volume in an ensemble or accompanying opera singers and the like. Then - the players got the idea of incorporating the bass strings into the music. I guess the reason for the exceptionally long neck of the Theorbo is that, in the days of gut strings before the emergence of wound bass strings, the extra-long scale length was required to provide notes that deep.