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.

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