FAQ · Instruments & artforms
What is the difference between a Milanese and a Neapolitan mandolin?
Updated
The Milanese mandolin is the earlier type: a 1757 example at the V&A has five or six pairs of strings tuned more like a guitar, tied to the bridge and played with the fingertips. The Neapolitan mandolin has four double courses of wire strings, tuned like a violin and played with a pick. The V&A notes that Vivaldi wrote his mandolin concertos for the Milanese type.