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Hobgoblin Catalogue - MANDOLINS
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Mandolin Background

The Mandolin evolved from earlier lute family types of fretted instrument, in Italy during the last century, and reached a peak in popularity around 1895. Most of these examples were made in Naples, and the Neapolitan style has a deep bowl back constructed from thin ribs of wood.

In the late 19th century, American instrument makers developed the flat backed style. Gibson's carved models, and Martin's flat tops are the best known of these. These designs give a more open sound, which projects well, and they also have the advantage of being much more comfortable to hold. Most modern styles of playing use these flat back instruments.

Occassionally seen are twelve string instruments, sometimes favoured because the tremelo is easier, sometimes tuned with a set of strings sounding one octave below the rest.

Sherwood Mandolins

The Sherwood style E family of instruments are made for us in England, continuing the existing Sherwood ethic of a good sound, all solid materials, and a simple but attractive design. The Mandolin, Octave Mandola, and Bouzouki are all constructed with a solid spruce top, solid sycamore body and neck, and rosewood fingerboard. The neck is particularly well shaped, and a pleasure to play on. They are very competitively priced, and look set to continue the success of the longer established Sherwood style S models.

Please read the rest of this article, and much more, on our FAQ page.