The original instrument is an archlute and I have often built it as such. The contours of the bowl and the layout of the soundboard match the style that 17th century lute makers used for their larger 10 course lutes. The smaller size of this example makes it a perfect choice to use in the construction of a contemporary multi-rib ten course.

Specifications: 31 ribs of rosewood with holly or maple spacers or yew ribs with ebony or holly spacers. The bowl is approximately 32.5 cm wide, 46.5 cm to the neck joint and 15 cm deep. A string length of 64 cm allows for 9 tied frets. I always build 10 course lutes with chamfered fingerboards and chantrelle riders.