The Rebec
Models Materials Decoration Pricing
My basic model rebec is based on
depictions of rebecs in medieval manuscripts, such as this one from an early
twelfth century English psalter. The instrument is about 20 inches long. The bowl reaches a width of 6 inches, and a
depth of 2.5 inches. The three strings are tuned in fifths, and I find
that middle c, g, and d fits the dance repertoire range very well. The
vibrating length is 12 inches.
The smaller rebec is about 19 inches long. Because of the soundhole design and bridge placement, the vibrating length of the string is still 12 inches. The smaller model can successfully be tuned C-g-d, or it works particularly well in a consort of rebecs tuned up a fourth: f-c-g. This allows the higher rebec to double at the octave, or play a higher countermelody.
Belly of a small rebec:
Larger and smaller rebecs:
I use maple, cherry, or pear wood for the rebec body.
Figured
maple back
Pear back
The soundboard is made from spruce. I recently began carving a gentle arch into the top, which adds strength as well as a rich tone.
Profile of arched top: 
The fingerboard and tailpiece are maple. Rosewood and ebony also work for the fingerboard, but they increase the weight of the instrument dramatically.
Tailpiece arrangement with an arched top: 
The pegs can either be arranged vertically through a peg shield or laterally through a peg box. Handmade pegs can come in a variety of designs. I am developing a model of peg carved in the shape of an owl head.
Diamond shaped pegs in a peg shield: 
They are strung with gut strings, available from Gamut strings.
I enjoy personalizing my instruments with simple carvings in the peg area.
A fleur-de-lis.
An Owl, and a
Nightingale 
A peacock, copied
from the ceremonial robes of Gaston Febus
A Fightin' Blue Hen, University of
Delaware mascot
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