"Bob Gernandt in Bryson City, NC builds fine sounding guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, bourzoukis and citterns. The top on this example is made of redwood and the back is koa. The x-braced body is 14-1/4" wide and 4-1/8" deep, and the scale length is 23-1/2". The unique sound is better heard, but might be described as bright, shimmering and music box-like. Not a guitar, mandolin or banjo! Citterns have been played since the Middle Ages, though they were particularly popular during the Renaissance which lasted roughly from the 14th to the 17th century. The Renaissance cittern looked something like a mandolin with a small body, flat top and back, frets and usually four pairs of strings. Like a mandolin, it was played with a pick. The most common tunings were (E4, D4, G3, B3) or (E4, D4, G3, A3) which are unusual in that the fourth and third string pairs are tuned higher than the second and first string pairs. Modern citterns, however, are a somewhat different animal and are often described as a ten string version of the bouzouki. The five pairs of strings are tuned in a variety of ways, though I most often tune the Gernandt (G2, D3, G3, D4, G4)." This instrument is in excellent overall condition with only the most minimal signs of wear from play and handling. There are a few small, almost invisible dings on the top as well as some expected wear from picking, but overall the finish has beautiful luster for its age, and the redwood/koa are absolutely striking. The action is low and fast; very fun to play with a wonderfully clean sound and resonance. The original hard shell case is included and fits like a glove! This instrument is absolutely primed for playing. (description from the book "Vintage Fretted Instruments" by Matthew S. Woods)