The mandolin, a vibrant and historically rich instrument, continues to captivate musicians across genres. From its resurgence in country music, echoing the Nashville sound era with neo-traditionalist movements, to its prominent place in rock, think of the acoustic textures in Rod Stewart and Led Zeppelin classics, the mandolin’s appeal is undeniable. Today, with the growing popularity of unplugged sessions and singer-songwriter performances, the mandolin shines brighter than ever. For guitar players looking to expand their sonic palette, exploring mandolins at Guitar Center opens up a world of musical possibilities.
Mandolins present themselves in diverse forms, each with unique sonic characteristics. The Neapolitan or bowl-back mandolin, reminiscent of a lute with its rounded, multi-wood strip back and typically uncarved top, offers a distinct, resonant tone. Another style incorporates a banjo-style body, creating a brighter, punchier sound. However, it was Orville Gibson, founder of the Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Manufacturing Company in 1902, who revolutionized the instrument with the archtop mandolin. Gibson’s designs evolved into two iconic styles: the F-style and the A-style mandolin.
F-style mandolins are instantly recognizable by their elaborate Florentine design, featuring a decorative scroll near the neck, two points on the lower body, and often an ornate headstock. A-style mandolins, in contrast, boast a simpler, pear-shaped body, lacking points and typically featuring a less embellished headstock. Both A-style and F-style mandolins commonly feature either f-shaped soundholes, similar to a violin, or a single oval soundhole positioned beneath the strings, each contributing to the instrument’s unique voice.
While F-style mandolins are deeply intertwined with bluegrass music, embodying its energetic and virtuosic spirit, the A-style mandolin enjoys broader appeal across various genres, though it too remains a staple in bluegrass. The more intricate craftsmanship of the F-style mandolin generally results in a higher price point, reflecting its detailed construction and aesthetic flourishes. When considering adding a mandolin to your collection, Guitar Center offers a wide selection of both A-style and F-style mandolins, allowing you to explore these differences firsthand.
For the modern musician, the electric mandolin provides another avenue for sonic exploration. Available with four or five courses of strings, electric mandolins allow players to venture into amplified soundscapes, fitting seamlessly into contemporary music styles. Whether your musical journey leads you to bluegrass, rock, folk, or beyond, a mandolin is an invaluable addition to any guitarist’s instrumental collection. Explore the range of mandolins available at Guitar Center and discover the perfect instrument to enrich your musical expression.
