Terminology: a Mandola by any Other Name

There is endless debate about what these instruments do and what they should be called. As far as I am concerned they are all variations on the same theme, but perform very different roles, so I am not going to get too hung up about names.

Bouzoukis are often referred to as Irish Bouzoukis and sometimes Flat Backed Bouzoukis. A Mandola could be called a long scale Mandolin. I’ve heard the term ‘Octave Mandolin’, I call it an Octave Mandola. A Cittern could be called a 10 string big bodied short neck Bouzouki. Cittern is shorter but you get my point. A Bouzouki can have 6, 8 or even 10 strings; if it has a bigger body it is sometimes referred to as a ‘Blarge’.

Scale lengths and tunings can be varied to suit your playing style. The point is, if you know what you need, tell me.

Mandolins, Mandolas, Bouzoukis, Citterns