The Classic 23 is based on the mandolins of the 1920’s. The top and back plates are carved from the most select choices of spruce and maple. The plates are hand graduated and the parallel bracing is tap tuned.
The Classic 23V has the same appointments as the Classic 23. However, Waverly tuners are also added and the finish is French polish over varnish.
| Specifications | Classic 23 | Classic 23V |
| Style | A or F | A or F |
| Top | Hand carved and tap tuned Choice of Engelman, Sitka or red spruce | Hand carved and tap tuned Choice of Engelman, Sitka or red spruce |
| Back | Solid hand carved curly maple | Solid hand carved curly maple |
| Sides | Maple matching back | Maple matching back |
| Neck | One-piece maple | One-piece maple |
| Bracing | Parallel | Parallel |
| Sound Holes | Traditional F holes | Traditional F holes |
| Scale | 13 7/8 | 13 7/8 |
| Fingerboard | Ebony with pearl dot inlay; bound | Ebony with pearl dot inlay; bound |
| Headstock | Ebony with traditional fern inlay or Sohn flowerpot; bound | Ebony with traditional fern inlay or Sohn flowerpot; bound |
| Hardware | Silver plated James tailpiece; nickel plated Golden Era tuners; adjustable ebony bridge with nickel thumbwheels | Silver plated James tailpiece; nickel plated Waverly tuners; adjustable ebony bridge with nickel thumbwheels |
| Binding | Fully bound; layered vintage ivroid | Fully bound; layered vintage ivroid |
| Finish | Cremona sunburst; lacquer | Cremona sunburst; Varnish (2-part oil/french polish) |
| Case | Hard shell | Hard shell |