Paul R. O'Dette (b. Columbus, Ohio, February 2, 1954) is an American lutenist, conductor, and music researcher specializing in early music. O'Dette began playing classical guitar, and while in high school also played electric guitar in a rock band in Columbus, Ohio, where he grew up. He eventually adopted the lute (as well as the related archlute, theorbo, and Baroque mandolin) as his primary instruments, and primarily specializes in the performance of Renaissance and Baroque music.