Gilchrist 5C "Classical" mandolin?

[peter.coombe]

I think the "Classical" model was named because they were designed to look more like a violin, or at least that is what Steve told me. No fingerboard binding, no dots on fingerboard, dark amber colour etc.

[Jim Garber]

I think the "Classical" model was named because they were designed to look more like a violin, or at least that is what Steve told me. No fingerboard binding, no dots on fingerboard, dark amber colour etc.

I still have the Gilchrist catalogue from that time and quote from the catalogue -
"The CLASSICAL is designed with a lower air resonant frequency and softer maple back and rim to produce a rich mellow voicing. This style is finished in a deep amber varnish, black binding, black chrome hardware, cam clamp pickguard bracket and ebony tuner buttons, giving an understated violin like appearance."

Well, Peter... I am sure there is the cosmetic aspect but there is also the intentional voicing that SG describes. Makes sense to me in any case.