The mandolin is a musical instrument in the lute family and is usually plucked with a pick. It commonly has four courses of double metal strings tuned in unison (8 strings), although five (10 strings) and six (12 strings) course versions also exist. The round-back mandolin has a deep bottom, constructed of strips of wood, glued together in a bowl. The carved-top mandolin has a much shallower, arched back, and an arched top, both carved out of wood. The flat back instruments are commonly used in Irish and Brazilian folk music.
Woody Allen is a well-known mandolin player.
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