uuuhhh, from a fiddling/non-guitarist, here, but changing strings is Always a hassle for me, I have geared pegs (like on a guitar or banjo) rather than friction pegs as is usual on a violin. But, what about the cut aways? As far as available frets goes?

Is there a difference in fret gauging, like there is on a lap dulcimer without a 6 1/2 fret? I guess what I am asking is if there is a difference between the actual fret measurments........uuuhh, fingerboard gauging.....uhhh, on a fiddle, the stops (non existant frets) may be just slightly different, but always close to the same so that within a few minutes, a good fiddler can usually play a new instrument in tune. That is, given that s/he figures out the bridge/nut placement, too.

Dumb question? I am just trying to broaden my instrument knowledge here. Not like I will ever play a guitar.