Hello Marion,
The serial numbers from the D'Addario string catalogue(rectified nylon) for a
63cm terz, i.e.,
all strings having the same length are as follows:
1) NYL024; 2) NYL 029; 3) NYL039; 4) NYL024W; 5) NYL031W; 6) NYL036W;
7) NYL043W; 8) NYL048W; 9) NYL050W; 10) NYL056W.
For lower strings below C, one can choose the B and A for a 10s tenor in E,
etc.. A more
powerful alternative to that given for 6) is NYL040W, it has a tension more
consistent with the
bottom four strings. The D'Addario string catalogue exists as a PDF on their
web-site and can
be downloaded.
I note that the original tuning of the alt was in G, which is, ofcourse, very
suitable for
renaissance/archlute repertoire. A fair number, like yourself, tune as for an
11c baroque lute.
One can use the original tuning as a transposing instrument on baroque, and I
find this
effective in terms of projection. However, all this is primarily conceived for
solo work.
Looking at renaissance duets, much was written for equal-tuned lutes, but a
quite a lot for
lutes a fourth apart, typically, one in G and the other in D. Judging from my
own 11s in D, an
alt duo in G and D would give a sonorous effect, but I have not heard of any duo
that has
tried this, have you? Such a combination would also make it posible to give very
effective
renderings of much harpsichord music. One should not remain in the past, such a
combination would offer composers a fine sound-scape!
All the best,
James.