The mandolin is a musical instrument that originated from ancient Arabian civilizations. It was originally an instrument that resembled the violin and was used in orchestras. It is also tuned in a similar fashion to the violin and the latest versions of the instrument include its hybrid forms with the violin and the cello. The following are the different types of mandolins that are in use today.
Bowl-Back Mandolins
The Bowl-Back mandolin, which is also known as the Taterbug or the Neapolitan, is one of the earliest forms of the mandolin. It is the same stereotypical version of mandolin which is generally seen on the television and in movies. The Bowl-Back design is the same as the centuries old original design of the mandolin as a cross between the violin and the lute. These types of mandolins are however no longer in use by any serious mandolin player.
A-Style Mandolins
Another type is the A-style mandolin which can be simply defined as the instrument with a teardrop shape which has sound holes of either oval shape or f-holes. It is generally used to describe the mandolins which don’t fall under the category of Bowl-Back or F-Style mandolins. The A-style mandolin generally features a top and back that are carved as they are in violins. It is also called a flat-back to distinguish it from the Bowl-Back type. Its name “A-style” was coined in the 1900s on the lines of the Gibson A-model.
F-Style Mandolins
The F-Style mandolin is similar to the A-Style in most respects; it has more intricate carvings near the neck of the mandolin. It also has either f-hole or oval shaped sound holes and is mostly preferred by bluegrass musicians.
Round-Back Mandolins
The Round-Back is another type of mandolin which has become more popular with classical musicians who work in orchestras. It suffers from bad repute due to the general lack of high quality manufacturers, however, the difference in sound quality between the more expensive and cheaper versions of the instrument is immense.
The variations in sound holes of mandolins are broadly categorized into two types, f-holes and oval shaped sound holes. Usually the f-hole type mandolins are much louder than those with oval shaped sound holes. F-holes are thus preferred by musicians who play in groups where louder sound is required. The sound and sustain offered by the oval shape sound holes is better but can be easily drowned out while playing as a part of a group.
Electric Mandolins
Bluegrass music is probably the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of the mandolin, and for good reason. The mandolin has always been at home in the unassuming and humble settings of American folk music and Bluegrass. It’s been the soprano voice of Bluegrass for generations, and shows no signs of giving up
Not limited to Bluegrass and folk music, the modern mandolin has gone electric and is finding its voice in Jazz and Pop, and continues to become louder in Country and Western music. The electric mandolin opens the way to new possibilities of sonic achievement, as the electric side of the instrument plugs into advanced amplifiers and various effects units, to create and explore new sounds. It’s the new way, and we can offer you the instrument to get you there. The possibilities are unlimited.
