The gittern was a common medieval instrument. It originated some time in the 13th century, and had largely died out by the end of the 15th century. It resembles a small lute, but its body is carved from the solid. My gitterns are based on a surviving example in the Wartburg museum, by Hans Oth of Nuremberg, dated circa 1450. It is one of my most popular instruments. Few other luthiers are crazy enough to make dugout instruments.

Hans Oth Gittern

The Oth gittern is quite small. It has a string length of 340mm, similar to a modern soprano ukulele. It has 5 double-strung courses. Some players find this rather cramped for their hands, so I have also designed a larger version, scaled to 445mm.

I also make a 4-course version, which I believe is more typical of earlier gitterns. This can be made in both original and enlarged sizes.

Gittern back - 4-course

Gittern head - 5-course