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url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-int/faq/instruments-artforms/where-does-the-mandolin-come-from'
title: 'Where does the mandolin come from?'
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date: '2026-10-19T15:12:47+00:00'
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summary: 'The mandolin evolved in Italy from earlier lutes; the Neapolitan mandolin, tuned like a violin, was developed in Naples around 1750.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# Where does the mandolin come from?

 Updated 19 October 2026

 

The **[mandolin](/en-int/instrument/mandolin)** evolved in Italy from earlier lutes, with the gittern and the mandore or mandola named as predecessors. The Neapolitan mandolin, tuned like a violin and played with a pick, was developed in Naples around 1750; its bent soundboard probably derived from the chitarra battente. The Vinaccia family of Naples made sought-after mandolins in the 18th century.



 

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