u/Tony_Lute_Player

I just acquired a beautiful 5c gittern, so for those of you who play medieval lute, gittern, or other early plucked instruments, I am curious what you like using for a plectrum?

I tried various oud risha and didn't really like any of them - they all sounded and felt too synthetic and clickety. I'm processing some feathers right now so I plan to try that as soon as they're ready (I foraged raven feathers from a park near my house). My current favorite is a loop of 2mm tailgut which I find easy to hold and gives me a warm rounded tone.

I also really like using my fingers, but I've noticed that the gittern isn't as loud as lute and vihuela, though the tone is amazing and very distinctive and different from the lute and vihuela.