Why the Different Formats?

I have included Fronimo and TAB formats so that you can make your own modifications, formatting changes, performance notes, etc. I would like to include Fandango format (formerly StringWalker or Django) from Alain Veylit, but time does not permit, at present. In any case, for now, those using Fandango can read in the TAB or midi versions I have provided. A midi editor, such as MidiEditor can be very useful in viewing, manipulating, and playing midi files .  Another useful utility is SharpEye, which can read in tiff or bitmap files and create a midi output.So even if all you have is hardcopy, you can scan it and and use SharpEye to create a midi file. Once you have obtained, say, a four-part madrigal in the form of a midi file, you can edit it in MidiEditor, transpose it into any key that you like, and save the parts as a midi file, then use Django, StringWalker, or Fronimo to read it into tab format. You can create an instant lute song by reading the bottom three parts into Fronimo as a tab staff and keeping the top part as a mensural staff.

Since Fronimo 3 is much superior to Fronimo 2, I am using Fronimo 3 for my editing jobs from now on. Unfortunately, Fronimo 3 does not export files in Fronimo 2 format, so if you only have Fronimo 2, you will have to read in the tab or midi format, and if there are mensural notation staffs, you will have to enter these manually or via the midi file. Francesco Tribioli has created a new version of Fronimo 3 that is a free upgrade for those who have Fronimo 3. Old Fronimo 3 files (as well as TAB, Fronimo 1, Fronimo 2 files, and midi files as in the old release) are supported in the new release. So from close to the time of that release, additions to the website will be in the new format. Meanwhile, some people have had trouble reading the existing .ft3 files. Make sure you have the latest version of Fronimo 3 to read these (currently build 19, rev 115). Otherwise, of course, you can always use the PDF files.