The cretan lyra has a nut which puts all the strings on the same level. The kemence is more difficult to play in this respect. From memory the cretan lyra is tuned GDA while the kemence is ADA. The kemence tuning allows for more use of a droning note using the bottom string as that A, Yegah - is a common foundation for many makkams.
The strings I have are metal cello strings, which is quite common to use but the gut strings are also still made and are popular. They create a warmer sound.
I've had it for about a month and am already performing with it this Wednesday. I'm still a ways off being a master but have committed to a pretty stringent practice routine.
Sure man, get a kemence if you're into it. Or a cretan lyra. Also consider a pontian lyra or a persian kemence. These also make beautiful distinctive tones. Then there is the bulgarian gadulka and the Macedonian kemane. Also beautiful instruments which are played slightly differently.
Well I'll still have that guitar there to use on occasion even if I get a new one.
All the best with everything,
Monty
Yeah I worry about the kamancheh because you have to roll the instrument around the round neck for each note seems tricky. Maybe a lyra would be easier to learn.