Thanks to everyone for their input. I've decided instead to get a Fender Stratocaster - covers most things from Francesco to Jimi, and costs a lot less.
Jean-Marie - I used to have an 8c (seems like a thousand years ago) on which (at the advice of Jacob Lindberg) I swaped the bottom two courses around. I just never felt happy with it, and soon sold it. Everyone is different, thankfully. 9c - why play a 9 when a 10 opens up so much more? So, Anthony, I will not be phoning Matt Wadsworth who has a 9c Gottlieb for sale (I'm sure it will be a great buy for somebody). It has been interesting thinking out loud on this list. Lots of good experience here to draw on. Much appreciated. I seem to be experiencing my own renaissance as a lute player. By the end of this year I'll have an 11c, a theorbo and a 7c (or 10c!). That should keep me busy enough! Rob -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
