Related accessory : Mandolin case, Mandolin Strings, Mandolin Stands, Mandolin Pickups, Mandolin Capos. They both have smooth, pear or egg-shaped bodies and a long neck. Modern mandolins originated in Naples, Italy in the 3rd quarter of the 18th century. The lute was the most popular instrumentin the West in the Renaissance era (1450-1600). These Spanish instruments are hand made following the tradition of Spanish luthiers that have made these instruments for decades. While early mandolins were similarly plucked with the fingertips, modern mandolins are commonly plucked, strummed or played by using a sustained tremolo, produced by a vibrating movement with a plectrum. The main difference between Mandola and Mandolin is that the Mandola is a musical instrument and Mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family (plucked, or strummed). Unlike oval-shaped holes, like some styles of mandolin and ukulele, the lute comes with s-holes and f-holes designs. Lutes have one circular hole in the center of the instrument, while mandolins tend to have two f-shaped holes like a violin. To decide which one is right for you, get a feel for the sound and shape before committing to one. It requires high plucking for it to produce a beautiful sound. Too little fingers will not be able to hold two strings at once. So let’s learn more about both these instruments. On the construction of lute, resonators and amplifiers have not been involved as you had seen it in the Mandolin. Lutes have deep, bowl-like designs. Instead, lute features a bent neck which connects the steel strings to the lower end. They are quite similar on the surface but are actually played and built in distinctly different fashions. She teaches public speaking at Full Sail University and contributes to the university blog. The 'mandolutes' were actually mandolins with 8 strings and tuned exactly like as the same. ), Mandolin vs. Mandolins have a distinct string pattern of double notes, with eight strings total. An 8-course Renaissance lute will usually have 15 strings and a 13-course Baroque lute will have 24. The resonating body may be shaped as a bowl (necked bowl lutes) or a box (necked box lutes). Spanish mandolin and Spanish Lute. The mandolin has 372 different chords and was first invented in the seventeenth century in Italy. A mandolin (Italian: mandolino pronounced [mandoˈliːno]; literally "small mandola") is a stringed musical instrument in the lute family and is generally plucked with a plectrum.It most commonly has four courses of doubled metal strings tuned in unison, thus giving a total of 8 strings, although five (10 strings) and six (12 strings) course versions also exist. About mandolin, they are strummed or plucked instruments where the modern types originated from Naples, Italy, in the late 18th century. If you didn’t know that there was such a huge difference between the two instruments, that’s okay! If lutes and mandolins pose a confusing conundrum for you, you are not alone. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. On the other hand, Mandolin is a small stringed instrument in the lute family. I will go over the basics of each instrument then compare them for the clearest explanation of how a lute is different than a mandolin so you can make your best-informed decision. Lyre vs. Lute: Everything You Need To Know. This makes it different from the Mandolin. Let’s learn more about the mandolin and the lute: the differences, similarities, and which one is easier to play for … Read more Mandolin vs. Lute … Lutes have a different layout for their strings, and often have a completely different number of strings compared to a mandolin. Guitar (What’s The Difference & Which Is For You?). A lute (/ lj uː t / or / l uː t /) is any plucked string instrument with a neck and a deep round back enclosing a hollow cavity, usually with a sound hole or opening in the body. The neck of a mandolin is closer to a tenor violin’s neck length, while the neck of a banjo is similar to the neck length of a guitar. The lute is held and played much like a guitar, with higher chords played with the thumb, which allows for great expression and delicacy of sound. Traditional Italian mandolins, such as the Neapolitan mandolin, meet the necked bowl description. One of the simplest tips to playing Mandolin as a beginner player is to find your preferred style. The design also makes it easy for artists to use a lute because of the simplicity. Both the lute and the mandolin are wonderful instruments backed by years of use. Ensure you get the right one so that you can enjoy the experience. All these holes are based beneath the string to enhance the performance of their sounds. They both are stringed instruments that our plucked but produce different sounds. The instruments of the string family can be broken into two dominant groups. Mandolin Vs Guitar 2021: Top Full Review, Guide. What Instruments Are Typically Used in Chilean Music? Generally speaking lutes are bigger than mandolins, even if small sizes of the lute exist: lutes have an average string length of 700–750 mm, mandolins of about 300-335 mm. Lute amplification is a bit different from that of Mandolin. Before you decide which instrument is best for you, it is wise to listen to music featuring each instrument. When it comes to the amplification, Mandolin plucked notes highly decline in sound than they do reverberate in any bowed music instruments such as lute. The mandolin first emerged from the 17th-18th centuries. It’s very common for people to consume mandolins and guitars, are they are both stringed instruments that look a little similar. These sound holes are made in different shapes and sizes. Image from flickr creative commons Princess Ruto. The neck of a mandolin is straight like common stringed instruments, while the lute is unique with a bent, L-shaped neck. Mandolins have double strings, meaning they have two of each type of note. Copyright 2021 Leaf Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved. As time passed and the instrument spread around Europe, it took on many names and various structural characteristics. When it comes to a musical instrument that is easy to play in the comparison of Mandolin vs. lute. The mandolin is a small stringed instrument that is part of the lute family. They are both great to add to your instrument collection, but ultimately it is a matter of your preference and playing style. The lute's strings are also arranged in courses, but the highest-pitched course usually consists of only a single string termed the chanterelle. Due to these uncomfortable sounds, it is made with resonators and amplifiers, which plays a significant role in amplifying the sounds. The lute vs. mandolin decision can be a complicated one because these instruments are often lumped together in the same category. Honestly, you should never confuse a guitar like a mandolin. It is played with a plucking device called a plectrum and has four sets of double strings. Starting with an easier one is also a wise move to get motivated and be eager to learn a new instrument. Similarly, electric Mandolin is well designed with good numbers of eight double strings, which plays automatically to boost the sound amplification. The same applies vice-versa. I've been wanting to buy one of these forever and finally have the money, but I can't decide between the Mandolin or Lute? It was played over 500 years ago in Renaissance European cultures and has been coined as one of the most important instruments of the time. Mandolin is a small, short-necked lute with 8 strings. It was played by bards, jesters, and orchestras during festivals and gatherings, and it is one of the most well-known classical instruments of the era. This is a guide to help you buy the right mandolin for your skill level and budget. Second-hand lutes are risky unless you can have an experienced player inspect it before you buy. Unlike guitars, lutes are not generally mass-produced and can be quite expensive. Mandolins have a body that acts as a resonator, attached to a neck. It is important to opt for an instrument with better sound for your music, and from this, you already know the answer. The necked box instruments include archtop mandolins and the flatback mandolins. Which is best a Mandolin or Lute? It was easily the most dominant instrument in the 1500s. The soundhole set up makes this instrument differ from the mandolin music instrument. On the other hand, too small fingers will also limit your capability of playing the mandolin. However, the lute is the predecessor from which the most common plucked stringed instruments descend. Is mandolin easier to learn than guitar? Susan Wheeler Capozza has a Master of Arts in English from University of Central Florida, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English and writing from the University of Tampa. Like the guitar, the mandolin developed in the lute. The number of courses on a lute varies from style to style. Lutes have deep, bowl-like designs. However, experienced musicians know that you should never make the mistake of confusing a mandolin and a guitar with each other. Mandolins are used for musical genres such as bluegrass, folk, and country music. The lute is a string instrument that comes with a neck and round back. The neck of a mandolin is straight like common stringed instruments, while the lute is unique with a bent, L-shaped neck. It’s most distinguishing features are its pear-s… Mandolins have been adapted over the years into modern cultures and are often played today. In later Baroque varieties, two upper courses are composed of single strings. A mandolin is a musical instrument that is in the lute family. The mandolin, a direct descendant of the lute, differs from its ancestor mainly in the sound it presents and the types of music for which it is used. So, you can’t understand the guitar or the mandolin without first knowing a little bit about the lute. These light strings make it very easy to play. After all, choosing one instrument to master would be convenient to your part. Lute comes with not only strong strings that give new players a hard time, but also the technology behind it is so complicated, making it hard to learn. For example, strings GG, DD, AA, and EE. They were created when lutes were noble, and players with mandolin skills were seen like talent lords.however, the incision and rise of guitar and other stringed instrument paced the popularity of lutes during the end of the baroque period. They originated in the 18th century in Germany and Italy, and they flourished in the 19th century and beyond. Formerly called Bandurria and Laud. The Lute is also much bigger than the mandolin. Lutes tend to be much larger in size than the mandolin. Lute. Mandolins have eight strings, while banjos can have four to six strings, the most common of which is six. The Mandolin has 8 strings while the Lute has 15. Mandolin is a fragile stringed instrument. Mandolins are more streamlined and flat. Let’s learn more about the mandolin and the lute: the differences, similarities, and which one is easier to play for … Read more Mandolin vs. Lute – (What’s The Difference?) While both the lute and mandolin are classified as chordophones, musical instruments that make sound through the plucking of a stretched string, many musicians find themselves drawn to the sound of one over the other. The Bandurria and Laud are found in many music ensembles, giving a different color to the music palette. They both have metal strings used for playing different notes. The scale length is also within the standard mandolin scale; between 13 inches (330 mm) and 13-7/8 inches (352 mm). // Leaf Group Lifestyle, Mandolin Serenade: A Brief History of the Mandolin, The Lute Society of America: General Information. Most lute-makers, or luthiers, make lutes for specific customers, so try before you buy is quite rare. A lute is similar to a middle-eastern oud in sound and is often used for classical, new age or Celtic sounds. Mandolins and lutes are both under the classification of a chordophone, which means they make music through the plucking of strings stretched against the wood. The electric model, it has a body completely massive and must be amplified. Older posts. Lutes are commonly used to produce more classical, Celtic, and new-age music. I think the mechanics of playing the mandolin may be slightly easier than the mechanics of playing the guitar (but not as easy as the ukulele). Page 1 Page 2 Next → Recent Posts. It's important to find an experienced player who can help you find a quality instrument with a reinforced neck that does not bow when played. The lute’s number of strings varies by model. Just like with ukuleles, there are different types of mandolins, like the electric mandolin (right on the picture). Origin and Popularity The mandolin is an eight-stringed instrument that descends from the lute family. The fret board of the mandolin … The mandolin is actually a descendent of the lute. Mandolin vs. Lute – (What’s The Difference?) Interesting Facts About Musical Instruments, Difference Between a String Bass & a Double Bass, How to Put a Strap on an "A" , "F" or "T" Style Mandolin, Seagull Mini Jumbo Vs. Dreadnought Guitars. Lutes have one circular hole in the center of the instrument, while mandolins tend to have two f-shaped holes like a violin. Mandolins have a pear-shaped body, while banjos have exclusively round bodies. It is always easy to learn when guided by someone who already has the experience. Staying true to your style will make the whole experience a seamless one, and with no time, you can join the professional bandwagon. Mandolin being necked box lutes; two main types include a curved top mandolin and flatback mandolins. Mandolin vs. The lute is an ancient instrument steeped in history. Mandolins have four sets of double strings, while a lute can have as many as 24 strings total. You may opt for a lute instead of Mandolin because of the advanced technology. In reality, the mandolin maintains the lute’s pear shape, which can differ from the guitar’s waisted form. Difference Between Lute And Guitar Classification. It evolved in the eighteenth century in Italy and Germany from the sixteenth-century mandora. Lutes can have a various number of string courses, depending on the historical period. Lute; Mandolin; Builders; Weymann and Son: The Weymann Mandolute was one of the products sold under Weymann, the Philadelphia-based brand of Weymann and Sons, established 1864. The feature that sets this model apart from most others is the angle on the soundboard. So, which one is better than the other, and which one should you buy as a newbie in the music industry? So, you should start by learning how to play Mandolin before you proceed to the advanced lute. The instrument’s modern structure and proportions were firmly influenced by the maker Pasquale Vinaccia of Naples. The first group includes tools like the violin and cello, which are primarily performed with a bow. Mandolins have often found a place with jigs and reels, especially when paired with the guitar. A lute can have anywhere from fifteen to twenty-five strings! A mandolin’s tuning pegs stick out to the side like a violin’s, while the lute has backward-facing tuning pegs. The lute is the predecessor of many stringed instruments, most notably the guitar and the mandolin. Guitar: Which Is The Easier To Play. ), Types Of Mandolins (Guide To Understanding Mandolins! This design alone is enough to provide pleasant sound when playing the instrument. This should not be confused with the electro-acoustic mandolin since the latter is an acoustic model with a built-in microphone. Mandolin comes with very straightforward learning tips; hence you won’t need a trainer to find your way through. Mandolin vs. Ukulele: Differences & Which One Is For You? In this lesson, world renowned mandolin player, Caterina Lichtenberg (http://bit.ly/catmandolin), demonstrates the correct way to hold a mandolin pick. 5 Best Mandolins Under $500 – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews, A vs. F Style Mandolin (Differences & Which One Is Better? Both the lute and the mandolin have been popular stringed instruments for musicians over the course of many years. In modern music, a mandolin is commonly used for country, old-time music, bluegrass and folk. As time passed, mandolins began to take shape similar to that of a lute, distinguished by the following features: Relatively short, but broader, fingerboard and neck; A shallower curve on the body ; Today, one of the most common mandolin styles is the Neapolitan, which originated in the 18th century. No, the lute is neither a guitar nor a mandolin, so it would seem to be an odd way to begin this article. When tuning it, ensure you keep it under lower touch to ensure no harm and other destructors get to it. I hope I have provided some clarity on the subject so you can decide which is best for you! Mandolins have to be paired with its strings upon plucking. However, selecting the correct mandolin for your needs is a complex task. With this soundhole style, it makes the musical instrument much easier to play and produce good music as compared to other instruments such as lute. The specific question that we should tackle here is which between the instruments is the easier to play. It has four pairs of steel strings that are tuned by a machine head to a violins pitch. Both the lute and mandolin are fretted and have strings set in courses called pairs, but the number of pairs is different between the two. The strings in mandolin are suspended over the soundboard and the neck then passes over a floating bridge. In modern music, a mandolin is commonly used for country, old-time music, bluegrass and folk. As far as Mandolin is better when it comes to sound production and ease of playing, it doesn’t match its counterpart lute when it comes to technology. Considering the fact that Mandolin is easy to play than lute, it will be easier for you to learn if you start with the simplest. The mandolin has more strings than the guitar but the strings are tuned in pairs which should make the left-hand fingering role easier than on the guitar. The bridge remains in contact with the soundboard due … The lute was used in medieval times and brought joy to many people, but its mandolin brother is a modern adaptation of the historic instrument. Mandolin vs. Lute – (What’s The Difference?) Mandolins have often found a place with jigs and reels, especially when paired with the guitar. The mandolin descends from the lute family, but it is a unique instrument entirely. Mandolins have shorter necks than banjos. On the other hand, the mandolin string pairs are slightly harder to pick with the right hand than the guitar. The mode of turning is an important factor for your instrument. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Mandolins are more streamlined and flat. It has a void cavity with a body opening. This instrument produces sound through the vibrations of the strings. I've searched on the Net for Info but it doesn't really show any differences between the two. Unlike the Mandolin, the lute has very stiff steel strings, thus forcing the use of an inexpensive electronic tuner. A lute is similar to a middle-eastern oud in sound and is often used for classical, new age or Celtic sounds. Even though the Lute and the Lyre harp are both stringed instruments they are quite different. The ukulele is a plucked lute that originated from Hawaiian musical traditions brought there in 19th century by Portuguese immigrants.it is in the 20th century that the instrument became famous in America and elsewhere around the globe. It was evident that the soundhole in the Mandolin musical instrument is used to project the music effectively. The instrument has straightforward learning tips to help you to play even if you are a beginner. Let’s learn more about the mandolin and the lute: the differences, similarities, and which one is easier to play for a better understanding of which one to pick up and learn. Lutes are very strong; they have a small resonator. The ukulele originated in the 19th century as a Hawaiian interpretation of a small guitar-like instrument brought by Portuguese immigra… The main difference between Mandoline and Mandolin is that the Mandoline is a cooking utensil used for slicing and for cutting juliennes and Mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family (plucked, or strummed). The inappropriate choice of Mandolin will affect your music performance as well. Capozza also published the novel "The Sum of Her Parts" in 2010 and edits for Needlerat Press. The number of strings on a lute varies by model. Post navigation. Note: The mandolin is similar to the guitar and it is important to note that there are some great guitar … However, several features make these musical instruments differ from one another. Piano Vs Guitar 2021: Top Full Review, Guide. Mandolinmasters.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Not all mandolins are good, play wisely when it comes to choosing your instrument, and you will have an easy time playing. Ben compares a mandolin, a mandola, an octave mandolin, a bouzouki, and a mandocelloOn our website at:http://www.fiddlersgreenmusicshop.com Thus, it’s a far younger tool than the lute or the guitar. Their pattern normally consists of strings GG, DD, AA, and EE consecutively. Early mandolins had six double courses of strings, and were tuned similarly to the predecessor, the soprano lute. The original instrument was the mandore, which evolved in the fourteenth century from the lute. For instance, Mandolin has oval sound holes which provide the required sound when playing. Unlike the strong strings in the lute, which make it to be technical to play, Mandolin has very light lines. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t find a professional trainer. A lute is played like a guitar with your fingers and has frets. Although it's easier to find an old mandolin, most of the ones that are easily found are not well made. This hurdle is mainly for people with large fingers because the mandolin frets are narrow for large fingers to operate comfortably.