An Experiment with a Travel Theorbo

In 2007 I took delivery of a folding travel theorbo, built by David Van Edwards. I have put together this page to answer the questions put to me by various interested colleagues, anxious tour managers, and those who thought I was joking...

I needed a large Italian theorbo, with a stopped string length of around 88cm, whose neck extension would be detachable for travel, but which would otherwise be a completely uncompromised, authentic instrument. We selected the large and beautiful Buchenberg in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London as our model, and David designed and built a take-apart version of this instrument. You can see pictures and read more about its construction here. At the time of writing (July 2008) the theorbo has completed several tours all over Europe, and to Mexico, and has flown (with a seat) on several different airlines without a problem.

Only the diapason strings are slackened off for travel: the stopped strings stay tensioned and tuned always, so re-assembly and retuning is not a major issue.

Dismantling the theorbo and packing it for a flight takes around 7 or 8 minutes, so it is completely feasible to rehearse, pack the instrument, and travel immediately.

Re-assembling the instrument and its case after a flight takes under 10 minutes, and its tuning is stable enough to use after about 15 minutes, so it is entirely feasible to fly with it on a concert day.

Dismantling and assembling the instrument requires no special tools or equipment which could be problematic on flights.

 

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