A mandolin is a stringed musical instrument in the lute family that is generally plucked with a pick. It most commonly has four courses of doubled strings tuned in unison, giving a total of eight strings. A variety of string types are used, with steel strings being the most common and usually the least expensive. Mandolins have a body that acts as a resonator, attached to a neck. The resonating body may be shaped as a bowl or a box. The mandolin is the soprano member of the mandolin family, as the violin is the soprano member of the violin family. Its scale length is typically about 13 inches (330 mm), and the strings in each of its double-strung courses are tuned in unison, using the same tuning as the violin: G3–D4–A4–E5.
In addition to the musical instrument, there is also a kitchen utensil called a mandoline slicer. It is a device made up of a flat surface fitted with a sharp blade that lets you slice vegetables and fruits quickly, precisely, and safely. By slicing the item at different angles, you can achieve all kinds of interesting bias cuts. Some models even dice and chop. Depending on your needs and budget, there are quite a few excellent mandolines on the market, from heavy metal adjustable French constructions to smaller, lighter, and much cheaper single-slice plastic options.
