The mandoloncello, also known as the modern and singable lute, mandocello in English-speaking countries, is often revisited for its ease of use and beautiful timbre, able to catch the attention of guitarists looking for something more experimental than usual. It is larger than the mandolin and represents the baritone of the family, although we should...
The sitar is a musical instrument originating from India that has conquered the world with its captivating melody and unique beauty. It is also considered the most famous and well-known of the Indian musical instruments. Have you ever wondered how it’s played or what its origins are? In this article, you will discover everything you...
The violone is one of the oldest instruments in the string family. It is a form of viola da gamba with six strings, often considered the precursor to all modern six-string instruments. Its origin is uncertain, but from the 16th century onwards, it became one of the most popular instruments in concert orchestras, ballrooms, and...
The mandolone, almost exclusive to the Neapolitan tradition, has undergone a gradual and inexorable decline. This is because the pieces written for its players are few and not uniquely attributable. Almost all ancient transcriptions for mandolone are part of arrangements made for mandolins orchestras, and thus the bass version of the mandola is not considered...
The berimbau or birimbao is an acoustic musical instrument of African origin, specifically from the regions of Angola, where it has other tribal names. Its fame is linked to its widespread use in street music, particularly in Brazil, where it was brought by African slaves. It is used as an accompaniment for singing in some...
Few instruments, like the Celtic harp, are surrounded by such an almost esoteric aura: the Celtic harp boasts two thousand years of history and a thousand years of written tradition, along with a unique social meaning. This musical instrument differs from a regular harp due to its small levers, called levers, replacing the classic pedal...
The ukulele is an extraordinary instrument, with a fascinating history and an impressive sound. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a unique and fun way to entertain themselves or others.We will talk about the history of the ukulele, its characteristics, the sound it produces, and how to play it. What is the Ukulele? A musical...
The koto is a chordophone derived from the Guzheng, an ancient traditional Chinese instrument. Its history is fascinating and intricate, and its design is highly elegant. It was introduced to Japan during the Nara period, between 710 and 784. Since then, the instrument gained immense popularity in the country and quickly became a recurring element...
The baritone guitar is essentially a guitar with a longer scale length, allowing it to be tuned lower than traditional guitars. Visually, it doesn’t differ much from a regular acoustic or electric guitar, but sonically, it provides a deeper register, bridging soul-blues and classical music. Iconic for its sound in spaghetti western films, the baritone...
The mandola is a musical instrument, similar to the guitar, belonging to the chordophone family, specifically the lutes, and it boasts a fascinating history and unique sound. It Is also called tenor mandola. Used across various cultures and musical genres, it spans from classical to folk music. In the following sections, we’ll explore the history...
