Ritchie Blackmore's 12-string Lute Guitar

Ritchie’s music is now very firmly rooted in the mediaeval era, using lutes, crumhorns, psalteries etc and he needs modern versions of many of these to be able to present a professional show.

The 12 string is made from Lacewood, with Tulipwood bindings. The soundhole motif is in response to the “Ghost of a Rose“ album, and provided Roger with many happy hours of intricate carving. Original lutes have incredibly thin soundboards, so to keep everything strong and practical on a steel strung 12 string guitar, this “rosette” is built separately and attached by tiny screws.