Mandola

A mandola, or octave mandola or tenor mandola is a string instrument with frets. Shaped like an almond, from where it gets the name, mandola is a predecessor for mandolin. The total length of scale varies from 16.5" to 21" and has 5 courses of strings. Since the scale length of mandola is longer, it incorporates thicker gauge strings. This results in tuning of one octave lower than mandolin. It shares many properties with guitar and is available in both acoustic and electric variants. The tuning of mandola is same as that of tenor banjo; however, the number of strings is exactly double (four in banjo and eight in mandola). However, four string tenor mandolas are also available in the market. , A mandolin is tuned in fifth, which is the same scale as the violin.

One of the most important aspects while choosing a mandola, is its scale length. The smaller scale length is generally recommended for beginners or for those experts who sees mandola as a second instrument. One should also recognise their own style before choosing a mandola. For example, if one plays banjo more often, he/she should look for an instrument that sounds more close to banjo, for ensuring ease of playing.