Re: Some questions about optional features on mandolins:
I have a wide-necked mandolin, an Espana. I too am arthritic in my hands (and knees, and hips, and...). I find it a little easier to use than my regular mandolin, a Godin A8, though there isn't a great difference. I haven't noticed that that the spacing adds any pressure against my fingers. In truth, I use my Godin A8 as much as or more than I use my Espana. There's some advantage and disadvantage to each. I'll take Barry's advice on the Tomastik flatwounds next time I buy strings.
Robert Johnson's mother, describing blues musicians:
"I never did have no trouble with him until he got big enough to be round with bigger boys and off from home. Then he used to follow all these harp blowers, mandoleen (sic) and guitar players."
Lomax, Alan, The Land where The Blues Began, NY: Pantheon, 1993, p.14.
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