Mandolins

There may be tons of reasons behind why you have planned to pick a mandolin. However, a wide range of options out there may confuse you. So, here is the guide that will outline some of its popular varieties, components, and considerations to keep in mind while buying one.

A mandolin is a stringed musical instrument that comes under the lute family. You will usually find four courses of double metal strings on it tuned in unison. Eight strings may be there in most models; however, ten and twelve strings are also common. Neapolitan or round-back, the archtop, and the flat-back mandolin are some of the common types you will find. The round back comprises the deep bottom, whereas the archtop will have a shallower and arched back. Both of them are carved out of wood. On the other hand, a flat-back has a thin sheet of wood that makes the body. On this page, we will explore many more important things about them so that you can find the best mandolin to buy.

Things you need to know about mandolins

Headstocks, tuning pegs, neck, nuts, position markers, soundhole, and bridge are some of the components of a mandolin. They mostly come in two body styles- A and F-style. A-style has a mild tone, generally with oval holes rather than the violin-style F-holes that you find in F-style mandolins. Apart from this, bowl back options are also there. They have a different lineage and an older playing style compared to most modern players. You can also find differences in acoustic and electric versions. Moreover, you can find solid wood and laminated styles when you step into the market. So, there is surely a lot to choose from. Here are some things you need to know about them. Towards the end, you will also find some tips for buying mandolins online in the UAE.

A-style mandolin vs F-style mandolin

Both A and F styles are popular. A style grew out through Gibson’s A-type mandolins that appeared in the 20th century. Most of the models would have carved tops and backs. However, the back in some of the cases was similar to a violin. Sometimes, the A-style patterns having arched backs are described as flatbacks. It is to differentiate this type from bowl back mandolins. F style modes generally have twin f-holes or a single oval soundhole. Many models have body points that lie on their lower side. It offers a resting point on the player’s thigh sitting and provides an influencing tone. Back-bowl mandolins are another variety that resembles traditional lutes.

Components of a mandolin instrument

Many components come together to form this instrument. Common components are headstocks, tuning pegs, neck, nuts, position markers, soundhole, and bridge. Each has its own design and function, though. The headstock is the peghead on which the tuning pegs mount. Turning pegs hold the string, and the player uses it to adjust the string tension. On the other hand, Nut works with a bridge and tailpiece to keep the string in alignment. The body of the mandolin comprises of top, sides and back. A pickguard protects the body’s finish, but all the mandolins do not have it. The bridge is made of wood that transfers the vibration of string to the mandolin’s top.

Electric mandolin

Electric mandolins are popular due to a lot of reasons. One of those is to be heard alongside other loud music in the band settings. The player can also easily move it during the on-stage performance. Their popularity has been growing for years. They are played and tuned like their acoustic counterparts, but their bodies are different. Some have pickups similar to electric guitars. However, others are acoustic instruments that have pickup transmitting the output of the mandolin to the sound system or amplifier. You can find both semi-hollow electric mandolin and acoustic models in the market. You can even electrify a standard acoustic mandolin with a wide range of aftermarket pickups.