Regarding the design of this 12-string, I notice that instead of having the conventional bridge pin setup the strings go to a tailpiece arrangement that is anchored near the end pin at the bottom of the lower bout. That's something one usually sees on the old jazz guitars from the 30's or 40's.

What I'm curious about is whether such an arrangement is more advantageous from a structural and a "sound" point of view, since you don't have the usual situation where the bridge is being pulled up by the combined tension of the strings.

Seems to me that this would lessen the tendency of the top of the guitar to rise over time, and would make for a stronger, more stable body on the whole instrument. And how does it affect the sound?

Also notice the saddle provides a much wider area for the strings to contact than conventional saddles do, which would probably produce more sound.

Any comments?