Mandolins
The mandolin is a chordophone and a member of the lute family. It is generally plucked with a plectrum and can have four, five, and six courses (double metal strings tuned in unison), but most commonly has 4 courses (8 strings). The strings are tuned at an interval of a perfect fifth, the same as the violin. The mandolin is the soprano of the group that includes the mandola, octave mandolin, mandocello and mandobass, much like the violin family: violin, viola, cello, and string bass. In this collection you will find the three most common types: Neapolitan (round-backed mandolin), archtop mandolin, and the flat-backed mandolin.