The Vihuela de Mano was the main instrument employed at the Spanish court during the Renaissance period (c.1530). It was a small instrument with six or seven courses (double strings). Most Vihuela repertoire was composed between 1535 and 1596. Only two original Vihuelas exist today and of these, only one is believed to be a reliable source for study. This particular instrument is housed in the 'Jacquemart-Andre museum' in Paris and was made in Guadalupe.

Modern Vihuela makers draw their ideas mainly from paintings showing contemporary Renaissance players with their instruments. Another reliable source is the book 'Declaration de Instrumentos Musicales' by Juan Bermudo, written in 1555. Richard plays a Vihuela made by Malcolm Brooks in 1995.

UK based luthier Malcolm Brooks was born in 1949 and educated in the Manchester area. After leaving school he moved with his family to York where he became an Apprentice Vehicle Building Engineer which he continued to do until 1988. Malcolm left the trade to go to the City of Leeds College of Music to learn to construct and repair stringed instruments, gaining a Distinction Award in Musical Instrument Technology.

Now Malcolm has set up his workshop specialising in Classical Guitars and Early Instruments. The variety of instruments he makes is large. Malcolm makes Lutes, Theorbo Lutes, Vihuelas (as shown) and 5 course Mandolines (c.1710 after Stradivari). Next to these Malcolm makes modern Mandolines and Mandolas and is specialised in renovating old Neapolitan Mandolines. All his instruments are made with the modern player in mind (easy action etc.).

Malcolm sees instrument making as a continually developing process and is always in search for new improvements, now working on a new design bracing for the soundboard of the Classical Guitar to improve the projection. His instruments are made from the finest materials, using spruce and cedar for the tops and rosewood, maple and sometimes walnut for the back and sides. Whilst constructing his instruments, Malcolm invests a lot of time paying special attention to fine details and finish.