Hi John, - String length - is this commonly measured from nut to bridge on lutes? Yes.
- What gauges of strings would be used for a 5 course lute? Any recommended manufacturers/suppliers? This depends on the tuning and pitch level you choose, and the strength of your instrument. I have a relatively modest-sized lute that I tune C,f,a,d',g', but I also have an oud and a very small gittern (or citole, depending on whom is looking at it) that I tune a,D,a,d,g' - Any known plans for a 5 course lute online? By now there probably is, but I'd have to look to find it. - Is there any evidence of straps? How were they attached? (I saw this discussed but never really agreed upon) Only rarely do you see a strap. I always stand with my lute and citole, but have to sit with the oud. Standing with a medieval lute shouldn't be a problem. - Any evidence of simple, strummed chords? (per some period styled pieces) Certainly. Usually chords made up of perfect intervals that serve as a drone or a "moveable drone". - Can anyone recommend some selections for the 12-14th c, available online? Troubadour and trouvere songs, medieval dances. I don't trust online sources unless I know the person publishing it. There are too many SCA blokes out there that are publishing "filk" music and claiming it to be authentic. - Medieval Instrument Dances - are there another other sources for this book or info within - a legal xerox from the publisher will run be about $50.00 USD - which is still cheaper than what it's going for on Amazon. In my opinion, it's a great book - worth whatever it costs. You might want to check out my series of articles in Vol. 69, 70 and 72 of the Lute (British) Society Newsletter on playing the medieval lute, or Crawford Young's article in Ross Duffin's book: "A Performer's Guide to Medieval Music (Indiana U. Press). Good luck and write any time. joe Dr Joseph A. Baldassarre Professor of Music at Boise State University Boise, Idaho 83725 USA Office phone: (208) 426-1507 Or come visit my nifty personal website at http://www.drjoeb.com - or my University website - http://www.boisestate.edu/music/baldassarre.html To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
