Neapolitan mandolin; Italy, c. 1900.

Neapolitan mandolin; Italy, c. 1900.
Wood and mother-of-pearl marquetry.
Measurements: 60 x 17 x 5,5 cm.
The best known mandolin makers of the late 19th and early 20th century were of Neapolitan origin and followed the Neapolitan style of the time. Much of the development of the mandolin revolved around the soundboard (the top). Early instruments were silent, strung with gut strings and plucked with fingers or a feather. However, modern instruments are louder and use metal strings, which exert more pressure than gut strings.