"Unprofitable Instruments"
Kate Buehler-McWilliams
Builder of medieval fiddles and
Champion of the tromba marina
Help Celebrate Our Success!
Rename Unprofitable Instruments!!
It's time for a change... send your suggestions to the email below
"I consider and deem as unprofitable instruments those such as the rebecs and the trumpet marine."
When Sebastian Virdung set about writing an instrument manual in 1511, he described the rebec and the trumpet marine as “unprofitable instruments,” a disparaging remark indeed. However, his only real complaint was that he was unable to describe how to play them—the only way for a person to learn that was to practice! Having built rebecs and a trumpet marine, I found the possibility of using Virdung's appellation too good to pass up, though please note that I do not share his opinion. With a little bit of practice, these instruments are sure to please.
Philosophy of instrument building
The Instruments:
Tromba Marina-
come see the 21st century tromba!
Instruments currently for sale:
Large square
fydell, owl scroll, tuned gda 
Instruments in progress:
Larger waisted vielle
Maple rebec
Monochord
Citole
Next Appearances:
St Paul Early Music Day, April 12, 2008
Berkeley Early Music Festival and Exhibition, June 5-7, 2008
Madison Early Music Festival, July 12-19, 2008
More about Virdung's Musica Getutscht
Quotes- for your amusement
email me at kateatsigntrombamarina.com (replace "atsign" with @)
Last updated June 18, 2008
Bows