It's interesting what the imagination can conjure up indeed Flannie ... quite a few of our friends refer to the case as "the coffin", so we don't mind ... 

Don't be disappointed Karen, I think you would like the instrument, it's so different to the cello and is played in quite a different way too, quite unusual, I believe there are only two instruments like it in Tasmania, and I had mine built in such a way that it has been modified to be unique.  It has a cello spike (which it shouldn't have), and silver frets which really should be moveable strings.

The viola da gamba is related to the guitar, not the cello though, and has six strings, but has a bigger version with seven that I decided was just too much to handle.

The bigger da gamba with seven strings is more the size of the double bass, but the sound is so very different ...  ,  there are several sizes though, from violin size upwards.

I must say goodnight now, sleep well everyone xx

Good morning.

Great explanation Tas, and your passion and talent is evident. You are going to have the best day on sunday. 

Quiet around here lol. OH is still not well. Should have got onto the antibiotics last sunday when I suggested it. Silly boy. He is taking them now, so hopefully will bounce back quickly. 

Hope the bubba is settling Annie, and that gd is not leading you a merry dance. Of course she is!

My day to visit Mum, so better check out fb and then get organised. Have a good day GM's.