Mandolin Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Mandolin Facts

A mandolin is a stringed musical instrument in the lute family. It’s usually plucked with a plectrum or pick. Mandolins evolved in Italy and first appeared during the 15th century. Deep-bowled mandolins were produced mainly in Naples, and became popular during the 19th century.

Similar string instruments around the world include the traditional Russian balalaika, the Greek bouzouki, the Puerto Rican cuatro, the Brazilian bandolim, and the Arab dambura.

The mandolin’s sound is popular in many types of music, including bluegrass, country, folk, rock, ethnic, jazz, and classical. Ludwig van Beethoven composed music specifically for the mandolin and also enjoyed playing it.

Players are drawn to the mandolin because it’s versatile, accessible, and relative easy to learn. It also offers an excellent introduction to the world of music. Mandolin playing skills can easily be applied to many other folk instruments.

More Mandolin Facts

Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a mandolinist.

Notable mandolinists include Carlo Aonzo, Dave Apollon, Avi Avital, Jethro Burns, Jacob do Bandolim, Ry Cooder, David Grisman, Caterina Lichtenberg, Andrew Marlin (Mandolin Orange), Mike Marshall, Bill Monroe, James ‘Yank’ Rachell, Johnny Staats, Andy Statman, Adam Steffey, and Chris Thile.

The Mandolin

French Impressionist Artist Berthe Morisot (1889)

The Mandolin by Berthe Morisot

Listen to the Mandolin

Avi Avital and the Venice Baroque Orchestra

The sights and sounds of Venice, Italy come to life in an homage to the beloved Italian composer, Antonio Vivaldi. Joined by the Venice Baroque Orchestra, mandolinist and composer Avi Avital performs Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concerto In C Major from his album Vivaldi. The young musician is well known for his renditions of Baroque and folk music, much of which was originally written for other string instruments.

We Love Mandolins

Looking for more mandolin facts? Here are some of our favorite pages about mandolins for you to enjoy:

Business Cards for Performers and Teachers
Left-Hand Chord Charts

Shop for the Best Mandolin Gifts

We’ve created more than 2,500 products for string instrument players and music lovers. Find a unique gift for your favorite mandolinist.

Beware of copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Mandolin collection.

Find a Mandolin Online

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Sunburst

Product details:

Maple neck
Rosewood fingerboard
Adjustable compensated rosewood bridge
12th-fret neck joint
Chrome tuning machines
Nickel-plated frets
High-gloss finish
Case sold separately

Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin Sunburst Perfect Mandolin for Beginners

Mandolin Deals Online

Keep an eye on this automatically updating gallery of mandolins and accessories available on eBay. Look for deals on all kinds of string instruments including mandolins.