I'm not a luthier and I think the issues I'm dealing with need a luthier's knowledge. I have a wonderful 5-string emando made by Kevin Schwab. I'm looking to find an acoustic instrument which would be a 4-string equivalent. I have a cavaquinho which sounds good but isn't properly intonated/fretted, either because it just isn't that good, or because it's not made to be tuned in 5ths -- non-compensated bridge/saddle or something? Would it be possible to get it in tune by replacing the bridge and saddle?
If not, I was thinking that I could get a mandolin, replace the nut and tailpiece with 4-string replacements, and remove 4 of the tuning machines. Is this a crazy idea? I don't want to play with double strings, but I need tuning in 5ths. Would the reduced tension on the neck produce problems if I remove half the strings? Does anyone make a 4-string acoustic? Thanks for any guidance.
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