I'm looking to build an F Style mandolin with a slighter neck, especially at the nut.
I have Siminoff's book and Guild of American Luthiers Loar plan. I also have my Washburn M-4 (F4 Style/Oval Hole) as a physical example.
If I compare the length/width/heights of the plans and sample, I notice several variations. Generally, the GAL #26 plan looks larger. It's also deeper than the Washburn. The Loar plan, if I measure it from the centerline, is also off about 1/32" - 1/16" favoring the E string side. Even the f-holes are off about 1/32" - 1/16".
The Washburn M-4 is somewhere between the Siminoff and Loar.
The scroll and neck block are also very noticably different comparing the GAL Loar plan and Siminoff's. The Loar is larger in "diameter" and is more open in the cut-out.
Are other Loar/Gibson plans truly symetrical? Should it be?
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