Recently posted this on another thread.
Was probably out of continuity with the thread subject, so am trying refocus here.
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I play many different mandolins when the opportunity presents. I recently played a Tacoma M1. I was very impressed. Flat back and soundboard with a bolt on neck. The fretboard was perfectly straight, and the action was very well adjusted.
Flat back and top yielded a somewhat muted tone, but still very intriguing.
The unusual feature about which I'm seeking commentary, was the string setup.
I haven't actually measured it (I don't own it) but the individual courses were much tighter
together than any I have ever seen. The tight spacing of each pair gave it an ease that is hard to describe. Much narrower than anything I've seen.
It had very light gauge strings along with the narrowed courses, and was very playable.
Builder's books roughly suggest a much wider, conventional spacing as follows.
And this is the course spacing I am most familiar with.
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2.5mm, 2.5mm, 2mm, and 2mm at the nut.
And 4mm, 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 2.5 mm at the bridge.
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The Tacoma M1 courses I am referring to were much narrower than this.
Design variations are of course, highly subjective and a matter of taste and preference. Conventions usually result from collective preference and mechanical requirements.
Possibly other builders also set up in this manner, but my experience is admittedly limited.
So if anyone is familiar with this tight spacing, any advantages and or drawbacks, all comments are very welcome.
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