Mandolin
an Italian fretted guitar, so called from its almond shape. There are several varieties, each with different tunings. The Neapolitan, considered the most perfect, has four strings tuned like the violin, i. e., G, D, A, E. The Milanese, next in favor, has five double strings tuned G, C, A, D, E. A plectrum is used in the right hand, and the left is employed in stopping the strings.
It is written on the G clef. In the Neapolitan mandolin the E strings are of catgut, the A strings of steel, the D strings of copper, and the G strings of catgut covered with copper wire. The compass is about three octaves.