Tag Archives: Secrets

Early Medieval Iron Making

Posted on March 3, 2020 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

This movie is the first thing I ever saw about early iron production. And it fascinated me completely. Literally combining the four elements in the process to make something. Earth + water make cobb Air dries the oven Fire breaks … Continue reading →

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A special parlor: The Grunewald “Harp-Guitar”

Posted on July 4, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

One of the perks of guitar making are the special guitars that sometimes pass the shop. And being a somewhat quirky person I somehow manage get some of the oddest pieces of guitar history. Like this 10-string “Harp-Guitar” made by … Continue reading →

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King David and his pretty little lyres

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

When researching the old European lyres there are two pictures that always keep surfacing: The Vespasian Lyre Probably the most famous is the one of King David in the Vespasian Psalter (Southern England, 2nd or 3rd quarter of the 8th … Continue reading →

Posted in History, lyre, Music, Projects, Re-enactment, Research, Think different, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A 17th century “Dutch Plane” – (free plans!)

Posted on April 1, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

In 1628 the Swedish warship Vasa set out for its maiden voyage. With 64 canons on 2 decks it was the pride of the Swedish marine. But this was shortlived; after only one mile she keeled over, water poored trough … Continue reading →

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The Lyra-cittern

Posted on February 24, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Time goes by rapidly. So much to do and so little time. But at least I am busy enough to keep me off the streets. This saturday my 2018 re-enactment season starts with two weekends at the “Batavia Shipyard” in … Continue reading →

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A long post about a large neck

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

It has been quite a while since I posted an update on the Schelle theorbo. Let’s just say that the focus has been on building instead of writing. Long days and many events. Integral part of the theorbo is its … Continue reading →

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Large theorbo update; combining old and new….

Posted on September 13, 2017 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Last week Sandra and I took a little break. We went to the Taizé community in France, one of the most beautiful places we know. Time to reflect and get some rest, meeting the most interesting people and getting new … Continue reading →

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The Theorbo Saga continues…

Posted on August 17, 2017 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

It has been a rather busy week here, no time for an update. The tops of both lutes have been thicknessed. Here we find the differences between baroque and renaissance lutes. In short: renaissance lutes are slightly thinner in the … Continue reading →

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Purfling between your ribs..

Posted on August 2, 2017 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Between the ribs of both theorbos there is a small band of a contrasting color.  Walnut for the ash bowl of the Sellas, and vice versa on the Schelle. They are almost a photo negative of each other. The 1,5 … Continue reading →

Posted in Guitar, Lute, Projects, Think different, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Joining guitar tops with fire

Posted on July 28, 2017 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

One of the questions I often get is how a guitar or lute top is joined using traditional methods. So with hot hide or bone glue. Well, today fellow guitar maker Joës van Went was at my shop and took … Continue reading →

Posted in Guitar, Lute, Projects, Tools, Uncategorized, Woodworking, Workshop | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments