DICHORD
This is the shorter version of the Trumpet Marine, called a Dichord when a second string, half as long as the first, was added in the 15th century. In was in common use for most of that century, but had become obselete by the mid 16th century. It was played in the most unusual manner. The upper tuning pegs were held against the player's chest, with the lower, open end projecting forward and overhead in the air, supported by the left hand. The string was stopped by the player's left thumb. It was easier to play the string close to the nut and other pitches could be produced by touching the string at the nodal points. Supporting the instrument with the hand precludes any great manual dexterity and the short string places the upper partials so close together that their performance is impratical.
The Memling painting "Angels Making Music" in the Antwerp Museum shows a typical Dichord with the rectangular resonator, which this reconstruction is based on. The bridge is flat for the long string, but placed to one side instead of centrally, which suggests the vibrating bridge was used. There are also tied frets, a soundhole pierced into the soundboard and a solid scroll finial which houses the tuning pegs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 1014mm
Maximum width at base: 75mm
Maximum depth at base: 45mm
String length: xxxmm
Tuning: 5ths in variable pitches