Why seven strings?
#1 - The seventh string unlocks the door to the Renaissance. There is a wealth of music written for the lute in tablature, of which only a small portion has been transposed for the guitar. Learning to read the variations of lute tablature is fairly straight forward. The main limitation has been in finding a performance instrument with the seventh course.
I recommend Allan Alexander's excellent work for an introduction to lute tablature:
http://www.guitarandlute.com
#2 - The seventh string adds a creative dimension. For the composer, arranger, and the improvisationalist, the lower register is new terrain to explore.
#3 - The seventh string adds harmonic richness. The unplucked strings contribute a great deal to the contextual layer and character of the sound of the instrument. The additional string contributes harmonic richness and depth to the players canvas.
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