Radius was hard to get used to at first for fingerpicking because my fingers would frequently "miss" notes on the 1st string because that string was not on the same plane as the 2nd and 3rd strings. I learned to adapt. Now I can either take radius or leave it, my left hand doesn't notice a difference one way or the other.
Had a zero fret mandola once, wasn't particularly impressed and am not attracted to them.
Neck is good at 1 3/8" for four strings. 1.5" would be good for five.
As for dots, I prefer them only on the side. To me, the nicest looking fretboard is plain unadorned ebony.
Side sound port is mutilation! Have heard 2 luthiers opine that they are a passing fad. We shall see. I put them firmly in my "Deal Breaker List".
bratsche
Had a zero fret mandola once, wasn't particularly impressed and am not attracted to them.
Neck is good at 1 3/8" for four strings. 1.5" would be good for five.
As for dots, I prefer them only on the side. To me, the nicest looking fretboard is plain unadorned ebony.
Side sound port is mutilation! Have heard 2 luthiers opine that they are a passing fad. We shall see. I put them firmly in my "Deal Breaker List".
bratsche