I'm wondering what design factors you all think makes a classical mandolin?
I've been contemplating this because I'm thinking of taking a break from e-mandos and vintage instruments and building a few more acoustics. I'm naturally drawn to the designs of Kerman/Dean/Ceccherini, and am sorely tempted to build a Kerman clone just to see what they're like. On the other hand, perhaps folks just want a decent sounding instrument and all this extra stuff is superfluous?
So... leaving aside the whole debate over German/Italian/US traditions, what are the main factors you look for? 13" scale and light strings? Anything else? BTW scrolls or bowls are out of the question for the moment... as are Franken-mandos with bowls and scrolls!
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