How many strings do the most common mandolins have?
8 strings
How are they tuned?
in a succession of perfect fifths
Are there other string combinations?
yes
How many strings in those?
10 strings and 12 strings
Are there specialized styles of mandolins?
yes
How many are common?
four
What are they?
the Neapolitan or round-backed mandolin
Are they used specifically for different music?
yes
What is the flat-backed used in?
Irish, British and Brazilian folk music
What are the Neapolitan most used in?
European classical music and traditional music
What about the carved-top?
American folk music and bluegrass music
What is the mandolin called in Italian?
mandolino
What does it mean literally?
small mandola