LellyBelly--

I have done a comparable thing, stringing a "cuatro" like a Florentine mandolin (CCGGDDAAEE). (I discovered that there is a very good reason why cuatros aren't strung that way, but it's because your left hand gets sore from reaching; it's nothing to do with the strings.)

First off, don't let anybody tell you you shouldn't do this; if it sounds good to you, stay with it.

Second, I don't know enough about strings either, but I have found a lutier who does know enough. (Not every self-labelled lutier does.) I just told Alex what I wanted and he did the mechanical part of figuring out the strings. First time, he gave me the envelopes the strings came in, stapled together in order so I knew what to use for replacements.

I know good strings will stand being tuned a little higher than the package says. Crudely, if you haven't broken any so far, you're probably OK. Otherwise, go to a good music store & check with the repair gurus.

Besides, now you can play the theme from O'Zorba. :)

Chicken Charlie