Having been playing Calace-type mandolins for more than 20 years now, I have been thinking about acquiring a Roman mandolin for quite a long time. It happens now that I have a possibility to buy, more or less for the same (expensive) prices, a 5bis Embergher from 1923, and a 1893 De Santis (/Maldura) with more of the early experimental Roman features (the fingerboard is very very high on the bass side), both in excellent condition. I don't know yet how to make my choice...
What would you recommend, in terms of quality, playability, rarity ?
Who has experience with these De Santis mandolins?
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