---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-the-difference-between-a-milanese-and-a-neapolitan-mandolin'
title: 'What is the difference between a Milanese and a Neapolitan mandolin?'
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  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-19T19:26:40+00:00'
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summary: 'The Milanese mandolin has five or six pairs of strings played with the fingertips; the Neapolitan has four double courses played with a pick.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is the difference between a Milanese and a Neapolitan mandolin?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

The Milanese **[mandolin](/en-int/instrument/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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