Tag Archives: Woodworking

New plans: Gosewyn Spyker – a guitar from 1760…

Posted on November 23, 2019 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Today I will give a lecture for the Dutch Lute Society about the oldest surviving guitar from the Netherlands. Made in 1760 in Amsterdam by Gosewyn Spyker. This guitar was preserved in the collection of Duivenvoorde Castle, where it was … 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 Dutch Tool Chest

Posted on May 13, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

During the days at the Batavia Shipyard it became clear to me that I want two new toolboxes, destined for the re-enactment events. The reason is that some of my tools are simply too dear to me to expose them … Continue reading →

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A chained library

Posted on May 6, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

During the weekends at the Batavia shipyard Paper Unicorn’s bookbinder Astrid spoke about the idea of making a portable chained library. For many people this is one of the first things they think about when the subject of medieval books … Continue reading →

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Demodag at Baptist Tools

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

Last Saturday I attended the “demo-day” at Baptist Toolshop in Arnhem. They invited three other woodworkers and toolmakers like Tormek, Record Power and Mafell to show their goods and innovations… My neighbour was bowyer Simon van der Heijden, who makes … Continue reading →

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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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Sellas theorbo update…

Posted on March 26, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

While the re-enactment season has started, work in the shop continues as normal. Jannemieke’s Sellas theorbo is getting along fine. Time for an update… The carvings on the back of the neck are finished. We were a little bit in … 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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Carving along…

Posted on January 3, 2018 by Jan van Cappelle (Javaca)

As you know I am always on the lookout for inspiration. This can literally be found anywhere: nature, books, movies, etc. But works by other craftsmen and -women often prove to be the best examples. Like this “Boerenwagen” (Farmers-wagon) encountered … Continue reading →

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