6 course lute design based on a lute by Magno Dieffopruchar, Venice c.1550. The original instrument's back is made with nine ribs of ivory. This scaled down version has a string length of 60cm, giving a top string pitch at modern g'. Bird's Eye Maple, Rippled Maple / Sycamore / Ash, European / American Cherry, Yew, Pear etc. are all suitable as back materials.
The example of a medieval lute, shown bottom right, is based on iconographic sources. It is a four course instrument with a Rippled Maple back and two pearwood and parchment, inset roses.

Quilted Maple back
Cherry neck and pegbox.

4 course medieval lute

Rippled Pear.

Black Walnut.