Editing Mandolin (section)

== Mandolin family ==
<!-- This section is linked from [[List of musical instruments]] -->
[[File:Gibson-mandolin-orchestra.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.25|Clockwise from top left: 1920 Gibson F-4 mandolin; 1917 Gibson H-2 mandola; 1929 Gibson mando-bass; and 1924 Gibson K-4 mandocello from Gregg Miner's collection]]

=== Soprano ===
The mandolin is the soprano member of the mandolin family, as the [[violin]] is the soprano member of the [[violin family]]. Like the violin, its scale length is typically about {{convert|13|in}}. Modern American mandolins modelled after Gibsons have a longer [[Scale length (string instruments)|scale]], about {{convert|13+7/8|in}}. The strings in each of its double-strung [[course (music)|courses]] are tuned in unison, and the courses use the same tuning as the violin: G<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>5</sub>.

=== Piccolo ===
[[File:Piccolomando.jpg|thumb|right|upright=.5|Piccolo mandolin]]
The ''piccolo'' or ''sopranino mandolin'' is a rare member of the family, tuned one octave above the mandola and one fourth above the mandolin (C<sub>4</sub>–G<sub>4</sub>–D<sub>5</sub>–A<sub>5</sub>); the same relation as that of the [[piccolo]] (to the [[western concert flute]]) or [[violino piccolo]] (to the [[violin]] and [[viola]]). One model was manufactured by the Lyon & Healy company under the Leland brand. A handful of modern intruments makers build piccolo mandolins.

=== Alto ===
The [[mandola]], termed the ''tenor mandola'' in Britain and Ireland and ''liola'' or ''alto mandolin'' in continental Europe, is tuned a fifth below the mandolin, in the same relationship as that of the [[viola]] to the [[violin]]. Some also call this instrument the "alto mandola". Its scale length is typically about {{convert|16+1/2|in}}. It is normally tuned like a viola (perfect fifth below the mandolin) and tenor banjo: C<sub>3</sub>–G<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub>.

=== Tenor ===
[[File:Octave2edit.JPG|thumb|right|upright=.5|A flatback octave mandolin]]
The ''[[octave mandolin]]'' (US and Canada), termed the ''octave mandola'' in Britain and Ireland and ''mandola'' in continental Europe, is tuned an octave below the mandolin: G<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>–E<sub>4</sub>. Its relationship to the mandolin is that of the [[tenor violin]] to the violin, or the [[tenor saxophone]] to the [[soprano saxophone]]. Octave mandolin scale length is typically about {{convert|20|in}}, although instruments with scales as short as {{convert|17|in}} or as long as {{convert|21|in}} are not unknown.

The instrument has a variant off the coast of South America in Trinidad, where it is known as the [[Bandol (instrument)|bandol]], a flat-backed instrument with four courses, the lower two strung with metal and nylon strings.<ref name="Winer2009">{{cite book|author=Lise Winer|title=Dictionary of the English/Creole of Trinidad & Tobago: On Historical Principles|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_n82hsbDJBMC&pg=PA50|access-date=5 May 2013|date=16 January 2009|publisher=McGill-Queen's Press – MQUP|isbn=978-0-7735-7607-0|pages=50–}}</ref>

{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center
 | align = left
| image1 = Beth Patterson at Dublin Ohio Irish Fest 06.jpg
 | width1 = 144
 | alt1 = Irish Bouzouki
 | caption1 =Irish bouzouki played by [[Beth Patterson]] at [[Dublin, Ohio]]'s Irish Fest

| image2 = Musician with cittern, RI Scotish Highland Festival, 2012-06-09.jpg
 | width2 = 160
 | alt2 = cittern
 | caption2 = Musician with cittern, RI Scottish Highland Festival, June 2012

| image3 = Hamburger waldzither.jpg
 | width3 = 90
 | alt3 = waldzither
 | caption3 = A waldzither
}}

The [[Irish bouzouki]], though not strictly a member of the mandolin family, has a reasonable resemblance and similar range to the octave mandolin. It derives from the [[Bouzouki|Greek bouzouki]] (a long-necked lute), constructed like a flat-backed mandolin and uses fifth-based tunings, most often G<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub>. Other tunings include: A<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub>, G<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>–E<sub>4</sub> (an octave below the mandolin—in which case it essentially functions as an octave mandolin), G<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–G<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub> or A<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>–E<sub>4</sub>. Although the Irish bouzouki's bass course pairs are most often tuned in unison, on some instruments one of each pair is replaced with a lighter string and tuned in octaves, similar to the 12-string [[guitar]]. While occupying the same range as the octave mandolin/octave mandola, the Irish bouzouki is theoretically distinguished from the former instrument by its longer scale length, typically from {{convert|24|to|26|in}}, although scales as long as {{convert|27|in}}, which is the usual Greek bouzouki scale, are not unknown. In modern usage, however, the terms "octave mandolin" and "Irish bouzouki" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same instrument.

The modern [[cittern]] may also be loosely included in an "extended" mandolin family, based on resemblance to the flat-backed mandolins, which it predates. Its own lineage dates it back to [[the Renaissance]]. It is typically a five course (ten-string) instrument having a scale length between {{convert|20|and|22|in}}. The instrument is most often tuned to either D<sub>2</sub>–G<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub> or G<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub>, and is essentially an [[octave mandola]] with a fifth course at either the top or the bottom of its range. Some luthiers, such as Stefan Sobell, also refer to the octave mandola or a shorter-scaled Irish bouzouki as a cittern, irrespective of whether it has four or five courses.

Other relatives of the cittern, which might also be loosely linked to the mandolins (and are sometimes tuned and played as such), include the 6-course/12-string [[Portuguese guitar]] and the 5-course/9-string [[waldzither]].

=== Baritone/Bass ===
{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center
 | align = left

 | image3 =دندنة.jpg
 | width3 = 110
 | alt3 = Algerian mandole
 | caption3 = Algerian mandole (flatback) from the side

| image2 = Laghouto.jpg
 | width2 = 110
 | alt2 = Greek laouta
 | caption2  =19th- and 20th-century laouta

| image1= Redhead Mandocello by Nevin Fahs (luthier) - 1.jpg
 | width1 = 110
 | alt1 = Mandocello
 | caption1  =Neapolitan styled mandocello built to {{convert|26+3/8|in|adj=on}} scale
}}
The [[mandocello]] is classically tuned to an octave plus a fifth below the mandolin, in the same relationship as that of the [[cello]] to the violin, its strings being tuned to C<sub>2</sub>–G<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>. Its scale length is typically about {{convert|26|in}}. A typical violoncello scale is {{convert|27|in}}.

[[File:Giuseppe branzoli concert rome.jpg|thumb|upright=.5|right|A mandolone played by [[Giuseppe Branzoli]] during a concert in [[Rome]], 1889]]
The [[mandolone]] was a [[Baroque music|Baroque]] member of the mandolin family in the bass range that was surpassed by the mandocello. It was part of the Neapolitan mandolin family.

The Greek ''[[laouto]]'' or ''laghouto'' (long-necked lute) is similar to a mandocello, ordinarily tuned C<sub>3</sub>/C<sub>2</sub>–G<sub>3</sub>/G<sub>2</sub>–D<sub>3</sub>/D<sub>3</sub>–A<sub>3</sub>/A<sub>3</sub> with half of each pair of the lower two courses being tuned an octave high on a lighter gauge string. The body is a staved bowl, the saddle-less bridge glued to the flat face like most ouds and lutes, with mechanical tuners, steel strings, and tied gut frets. Modern laoutos, as played on Crete, have the entire lower course tuned to C<sub>3</sub>, a [[Reentrant tuning|reentrant octave]] above the expected low C. Its scale length is typically about {{convert|28|in}}.

The Algerian ''[[mandole]]'' was developed by an Italian luthier in the early 1930s, scaled up from a mandola until it reached a scale length of approximately 25 to 27 inches.<ref name=bendameche>{{cite web|url= http://abdelkaderbendameche.skyrock.com/3226437593-posted-on-2014-07-25.html|title= Mr Abdelkader Bendamèche répond à l'APS au sujet du mandole (Translation: Mr Abdelkader Bendamèche responds to the APS about the mandola)|last= Bendamèche|first= Abdelkader|date= 25 July 2014|website= abdelkaderbendameche.skyrock.com|access-date= 25 July 2017|quote= ABDELKADER BENDAMECHE President of the National Council Arts and Letters, Algiers, 21 July 2014|archive-date= 29 July 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170729174914/http://abdelkaderbendameche.skyrock.com/3226437593-posted-on-2014-07-25.html|url-status= dead}}</ref> It is a flatback instrument, with a wide neck and 4 courses (8 strings), 5 courses (10 strings) or 6 courses (12 strings), and is used in Algeria and Morocco. The instrument can be tuned as a guitar, [[oud]], or mandocello, depending on the music it will be used to play and player preference. When tuning it as a guitar the strings will be tuned (E<sub>2</sub>) (E<sub>2</sub>) A<sub>2</sub> A<sub>2</sub> D<sub>3</sub> D<sub>3</sub> G<sub>3</sub> G<sub>3</sub> B<sub>3</sub> B<sub>3</sub> (E<sub>4</sub>) (E<sub>4</sub>);<ref name=Richards>{{cite book |last=Richards |first=Tobe A. |title= The Musician's Workbook VI, Fretted Instrument Octave Designation Diagram & Charts|url=https://www.stringsbymail.com/TuningChart.pdf |page=4 |quote=Guitar – Standard Tuning E<sub>2</sub> A<sub>2</sub> D<sub>3</sub> G<sub>3</sub> B<sub>3</sub> E<sub>4</sub>}}</ref> strings in parentheses are dropped for a five- or four-course instrument. Using a common Arabic oud tuning D<sub>2</sub> D<sub>2</sub> G<sub>2</sub> G<sub>2</sub> A<sub>2</sub> A<sub>2</sub> D<sub>3</sub> D<sub>3</sub> (G<sub>3</sub>) (G<sub>3</sub>) (C<sub>4</sub>) (C<sub>4</sub>).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oud.eclipse.co.uk/tuning.html |title=Arab tuning |last= Parfitt|first= David|website= oud.eclipse.co.uk|access-date= 29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918225902/http://www.oud.eclipse.co.uk/tuning.html|archive-date=18 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> For a mandocello tuning using fifths C<sub>2</sub> C<sub>2</sub> G<sub>2</sub> G<sub>2</sub> D<sub>3</sub> D<sub>3</sub> A<sub>3</sub> A<sub>3</sub> (E<sub>4</sub>) (E<sub>4</sub>).<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_algerian_mondol_10_standard.htm#bewertung|title= Thomann Algerian Mondol 10 Standard|author= <!--Not stated-->|website= thomannmusic.com|access-date= 29 July 2017|quote= tuning: C – G – D – A – E, lower width ca. 35,2cm, body length ca. 54,2cm, total length thomann ca. 104,5cm, height incl. bridge ca. 13cm, height of the sides ca. 10cm, width upper nut ca. 4,4cm, scale length 32,4cm.|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170729123626/https://www.thomannmusic.com/thomann_algerian_mondol_10_standard.htm#bewertung|archive-date= 2017-07-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Mandobass ===
[[File:Gibson Mandobass and Melody Maiden.jpg|thumb|right|upright=.5|Gibson mando-bass from 1922 advertisement]]
The [[mandobass]] is the bass version of the mandolin, just as the [[double bass]] is the bass to the violin. Like the double bass, it most frequently has four single strings, rather than double courses—and like the double bass, it is most commonly tuned to [[perfect fourth]]s rather than fifths like most mandolin family instruments: E<sub>1</sub>–A<sub>1</sub>–D<sub>2</sub>–G<sub>2,</sub>. These were made by the Gibson company in the early 20th century, was also never very common. A smaller scale four-string mandobass, usually tuned in fifths: G<sub>1</sub>–D<sub>2</sub>–A<sub>2</sub>–E<sub>3</sub> (two octaves below the mandolin), though not as resonant as the larger instrument, was often preferred by players as easier to handle and more portable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mandolin.co.uk/blogs/Mando-Bass_History_101.pdf|author=Ruppa, Paul|title=''American Mando-Bass History 101''|website=Mandolin.co.uk|access-date=29 April 2019}}</ref> Reportedly, however, most [[mandolin orchestra]]s preferred to use the ordinary [[double bass]], rather than a specialised mandolin family instrument. Calace and other Italian makers predating Gibson also made mandolin-basses.

The relatively rare eight-string mandobass, or "tremolo-bass", also exists, with double courses like the rest of the mandolin family, and is tuned either G<sub>1</sub>–D<sub>2</sub>–A<sub>2</sub>–E<sub>3</sub>, two octaves lower than the mandolin, or C<sub>1</sub>–G<sub>1</sub>–D<sub>2</sub>–A<sub>2</sub>, two octaves below the mandola.<ref>Marcuse, Sibyl; Musical Instruments: A Comprehensive Dictionary; W. W. Norton & Company (1975). (see entries for ''mandolin'', and for individual mandolin family members.)</ref><ref>Johnson, J. R.; 'The Mandolin Orchestra in America, Part 3: Other Instruments', ''American Lutherie'', No. 21 (Spring) 1990, pp. 45–46.</ref>