The mandolin is a string instrument that was first created in Italy, and typically follows the original design that was followed in Naples. It is often described as being a tear-shaped, smaller guitar-like instrument, only more delicate and lighter in sound.
The mandolin’s origin dates back to around 1735, where they were often shaped like almonds and were used to entertain royalty as well as commoners (many street musicians played the mandolin). Due to its popularity, there were many producers of mandolins throughout Italy. These were usually family-run, and came from two different schools of mandolin production: Neapolitan (from Naples) and Roman.
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The mandolin is considered to play soprano music within the mandolin family, as there are many other shapes and sizes (much like the violin) that produce a different sound. The mandola is like the mandolin, only plays lower notes; much like the viola is to the violin. The mandolin was frequently used in Baroque music.
Often times the mandolin is decorated ornately on its face with ivory, shell, or hand-carvings. It became a very well-known instrument and sparked popularity worldwide. The mandolin wasn’t brought to the attention of Americans until the 1880s, when Americans brought the instrument over from Spain.
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