Hi everyone, I just wanted to say thanks for the answers posted on the forum and for the private emails I have received on my questions.
In looking at the advice offered, it appears that: 1. there are are a lot of options and, 2. they don't often agree. That said, I think that I can summarize the answers in the statement: while it is not essential to play to build good instruments, it does help with setting up and understanding playing action. I have also been advised by private email that one can build very good instruments as long as one is willing to critically listen to player's comments. I think that I will start slowly by practicing cutting roses into veneer until I finish my kayak project. Then I will gear up to start making a lute. Ehud PS: I have not mentioned my private correspondents by name as I think it is poor manners to post private conversation on a public forum. To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
