I'm thinking of getting a 7c in G at 440 - is 64cms the longest length possible? I have big hands and find small lutes uncomfortable. I'm thinking of it principally for Dowland's chromatic fantasies but also accompanying a singer in songs from Dowland's first three books (all for seven-course), and need to be at 440. How stable will be the pitch at 440? Gut strings would be preferable, but might well opt for nylgut for the first course if it keeps breaking. What diameters and tensions would you suggest?
Also on relatively small lutes (not baroque) such as a 7c, what difference in tone might one expect from a multi-ribbed back as opposed to wide ribs? Rob MacKillop -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
