"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:
Monochord
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
Cherry rebec
Monochord
Citole
Next Appearances:
Greenwich International Early Music Festival and Exhibition, November 14-16, 2008
Boston Early Music Festival, June 8-14, 2009
Papers read at:
Renaissance Society of America, March 19-21, 2009
Kalamazoo International Congress on Medieval Studies, May 7-10, 2009
More about Virdung's Musica Getutscht
Quotes- for your amusement
email me at kateatsigntrombamarina.com (replace "atsign" with @)
Last updated October 16, 2008
Bows