as a beginner definetely I would go to a 6 course lute, perhaps a 7 course if there is one available...
and try to buy the very best lute you can afford, because 'the less you play, the better should be the instrument'. saludos from Barcelona, Manolo Laguillo -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
