mandolin

Ah, the mandolin – not the kitchen gadget that juliennes your carrots, but the stringed instrument that makes bluegrass and folk music sing. It typically has 8 strings arranged in 4 courses, tuned to G-D-A-E, much like a violin. Originating from Italy, it's known for its bright, resonant tone and rapid tremolo picking. Prices in Australia for a decent mandolin start around $300 AUD for beginners and can climb well above $3,000 AUD for professional models. Used instruments can be found on Classifieds like Tradingpost or CarShowroom, often offering bargains for the musically inclined. For the full symphony of specs and playing techniques, check out official music resources or instrument makers.