Mandocello Strings

The mandocello, also known as mandoloncello, Liuto cantabile, or liuto moderno in Italian, is a plucked string instrument belonging to the mandolin family. Serving as the baritone instrument within the family, it is larger than the mandolin and features eight strings arranged in four paired courses, with each course tuned in unison. The overall tuning of the courses follows fifths, starting from bass C (C2). Conceptually, the mandocello can be likened to the cello in relation to the violin.

In terms of construction, the mandocello shares similarities with the mandolin. Its body may be crafted with a bowl-shaped back, following designs from the 18th-century Vinaccia school, or with a flat (arched) back, popularized by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in the United States during the early 20th century. The scale length of the mandocello surpasses that of the mandolin. While Gibson examples typically have a scale length of 24.75" (62.87 cm), flat-back designs have been produced with varying scale lengths, ranging from significantly shorter to longer dimensions.

Internal bracing in mandocellos bears resemblance to that of the mandolin. Gibson's mandocellos often feature a single transverse brace below the oval soundhole on the top, while modern builders may incorporate X-bracing. Mandocellos are available with either a single oval soundhole or a pair of "F" soundholes, typically offering between 18 and 22 frets. Concert bowl-back instruments may feature additional frets, allowing for virtuoso passage work in the upper register.