A mandolin is a small fretted instrument with eight strings in four tuned pairs, pitched G-D-A-E like a violin, and heard most in bluegrass, folk and country.
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About Mandolins
The mandolin is a compact eight-string musical instrument, strung in four paired courses and tuned G-D-A-E like a violin. Its bright, percussive chop and rapid tremolo made it a staple of bluegrass, folk and country, and it turns up everywhere from Celtic sessions to pop and rock recordings.
SWAMP stocks Artist mandolins that come with a pickup fitted and a hard case included, so you can play acoustically or plug straight into an amp or PA. The range is rounded out with wooden hard cases for teardrop and scroll style bodies, mandolin straps and replacement mandolin strings. After something else compact and fretted? Browse our ukuleles or explore the full instruments range.
Mandolin FAQs
What is the difference between A-style and F-style mandolins?
A-style mandolins have a plain teardrop body, while F-style mandolins add a decorative scroll near the neck and points on the lower bout. The differences are mostly cosmetic; A-styles typically cost less, which makes them a popular starting point.
How is a mandolin tuned?
Standard mandolin tuning is G-D-A-E, the same as a violin. The eight strings are arranged in four pairs, with each pair tuned in unison, giving the mandolin its distinctive shimmering double-string tone.
Can I plug a mandolin into an amp?
Yes, if it has a pickup fitted. The Artist mandolins we stock include a pickup, making them acoustic electric mandolins that can run into an amplifier, PA system or audio interface, while still playing naturally as an acoustic instrument.
