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Harp-lute

This hybrid instrument was one of Edward Light's early 19th century developments, combining elements of the then highly popular harp and English guitar (guittar), and intended as a new "improved" parlor instrument. Technically, it is a plucked stringed instrument in the shape of a combined lute-harp, with vaulted-back, pear-shaped soundbox and harp-like column and neck. The back is made of seven ribs and there are two soundholes on the central rib, and the soundboard has an inset rose. The neck has a raised fingerboard with ivory/bone frets, and there are nineteen gut strings (one broken), of which ten are stopped by spring-loaded brass push studs. Square-shaped brass tuning pins. The bridge has an ivory/bone saddle and ebony pins. The pedestal base is missing/broken.

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  • Decorative elements:The whole is painted dark green and decorated with golden-colored foliage, musical instruments and chinoiserie decoration. Fluted column. Inset gilt sunburst rose.
  • Inscriptions:Painted on golden pigment on top of resonator body: [Royal Coat of Arms] / Patent No. 68 / Light / Foley Place / London|Push stud notes painted on back: B, C, A, D, E, F, G, A, B, C.
  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:321.322-5 Necked box lutes or necked guitars sounded by the bare fingers
  • Repository:Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
  • Measurements:Height: 841mm; Width: 342mm; Depth: 140mm