Those who think that musical instruments arrived with the last shower of rain probably belong to the Flat Earth Society. A long and convoluted history that goes back many thousands of years provides considerable food for thought. The Fellowship of Makers & Researchers of Historical Instruments exists for the purposes for which it is intended.

The Lute Society was founded in 1956 in order to preserve all things Lute wise. The long-serving Secretary of the Lute Society is Christopher Goodwin who is also Secretary of the FoMRHI. This is a very convenient link. 

Other instruments origins can be traced according to their relevant family/group Society or Organisation.

There was a mention the other day on Facebook of a round shaped tenor guitar made by Epiphone. It was shaped like a Banjo body with a four string neck. It was dubbed the Epiphone Inspiration. apparently, it was produced in around 1925 and can be viewed at:-

http://www.fretboardjournal.com/catch-day-circa1925-epiphone-inspiration

Other firms in the States are also  known to have produced a few similar shaped and strung tenor guitars.

Steven Barber & Sandi Harris had a fire in their luthiers workshop in Kennington on Sunday. Loss of items was minimal and they managed to contain the fire but it still made a lot of mess which will cost them a bit financially. To off set this expense, they are selling a Voboam Baroque guitar so hopefully they can get back to normal quickly. See www.lutesandguitars.co.uk        

I am a member of F.S.B.

I have been handed a damaged acoustic folk guitar which has been in a shed for over 60 years. Needs soundboard gluing and a new bridge + machine heads and a set of strings. It is made in Italy and I hope to revive it!!!