"A few days ago I was fortunate to have an opportunity to try the new student lute from Le Luth Doré®. This instrument is extremely competitively priced and punches way above its weight; comparing favorably with other student lutes that are some three times the cost from most UK and other European makers. It is an 8-course Renaissance model with a 590mm scale length. It has a strong projection and has a full and rich treble tone that complements the clear and precise bass course. It is lightweight, handles very easily and has a quick, responsive feel. I put it through its paces for over an hour with Milano, Dowland and even contemporary music and a number of more obscure works that utilise counterpoint in all registers. I was never once disappointed; this is the ideal instrument for those ranging from beginner to diploma-level players and beyond. I could happily give a recital on this instrument and have no fear of any lines being lost or of not reaching the back of a hall. By comparison, my primary instrument is an 8c Martin Haycock lute [also a Venere copy at 600mm scale length, I felt no difference in the length when playing the the LDD lute]. For £680 [Beginner Model] and £1000 [Advanced Model] this lute is practically “going for a song” and considering the extremely poor student lutes that one sees around for £500 – I very strongly recommend this instrument from LDD®, which is close to concert-level professional instrument in all aspects. This instrument is broad enough in tone color to keep you occupied for years and after an hour of playing it opened up so much that even for accompanying singers one would have no problem of the clarity in inner voices being heard perfectly. Five [out of five] gold stars from me!" 

David Braid, English professional composer, guitar and lute player | Former guitar student of Charles Ramirez at the Royal College of Music, London, England.

www.davidbraid.net