The long, proud history of the mandolin

Mandolins have been around for centuries. But it’s only in the 20th century that this great instrument was transformed from a ladies’ parlor instrument to a full-fledged member of the stringed instrument family — suitable for use en ensemble, as a solo or lead instrument, or in an electrified rock band.

This old Italian instrument was given a new lease on life thanks to American ingenuity and willingness to ignore convention and make improvements on an old classic.