EMS Heritage 7 Course Renaissance Lute after Hieber

I was a little apprehensive, because this was the third lute-bodied instrument I ordered during the 2020-21 lock-downs, one (from Thomann) having arrived smashed owing to casual packaging. But, as we say now, 'No Worries'! The semi-rigid case provided with this option did its job. I haven't played a lute before - I play the harpsichord - but the first thing to say is that this lute is beautiful. Very beautiful. Moving on from that, and I have only had it for a week, it is not just a play-it-out-of-the-box product. I had to wait a few weeks for mine, but that gave me time to read the stuff on the Lute Society's website. I used that time to buy a tutor book (Poulton) and to buy some peg paste (Lapelar). Both worth it. I am probably not the ideal lute customer..I played rugby in my youth and I have quite a number of 'iregularities' in what, by C16th standards, would be regarded as big hands. But by watching Jacob Heringsman, Martin Shepherd and others on YouTube, I have managed to find, in my first week, a position for my lovely new lute, where I can stop all the courses, without blocking the adjacent ones. So, unhesitatingly recommended, but don't think you will be playing 'Flow My Tears' in a fortnight! There is quite a bit to do before then.

The lute arrived in excellent condition. The book that comes with it is very useful and helped me learn how to play the instrument very quickly. The sound this lute produces is beyond beautiful, I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to start learning the lute!

I saw an actual lute for the first time, but I think that has good shape and good sound. Especially, the rosette pattern of sound hole is very beautiful. I love its warm and nostalgic sound.

I'm beginning to play the lute, and I've already rent and tried some expensive luthier lutes (the price of some is more than 3000 €). To be honest, the sound of this beginner lute has actually matched/over the price. The lute comes with a semi-rigid case, which can protect the instrument very well. Thanks for the extra set of lute strings and the introduction sheets. The lute is very well packed and safely shipped to Germany. The employees of the EMS group are also friendly. It is a perfect beginner instrument to explore the world of the lute and renaissance music!

I'm only beginning to learn the lute, but from my experience with other string instruments, the setup of EMS Heritage 7-Course is great. Tuning pegs operate perfectly, string action is fine. Didn't experience any issues with it so far, very happy overall. The only thing to note is that it comes completely unvarnished, but on the other hand, it probably helps to cut the cost quite a bit, so I'm fine with that.