Definitions Deconstructed

Mandolin

S. G. Lacey

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Definition:

1:  A musical instrument of the lute family that has a usually pear-shaped body, fretted neck, and four to six pairs of strings.
2:  A kitchen utensil with a blade for slicing and shredding.  [REF]

 

Deconstruction:

There are many similarities between these two definitions.  Both are physical objects, with slots in the middle, made primarily from wood and metal.  Skilled craftsmanship, and deft manipulation of both hands, is required to effectively wield each tool.
That’s where the similarities end. 

The word phonetics and functional origins can be traced back to 18th century Europe, more specifically Italian and French respectively.
 

The aptly named musical instrument is actually part of the lute lineage, a diverse group of plucked string noise makers with a long, thin, solid neck and large, round, hollow base.  
 

The mandolin is the soprano member of a family of the same name that contains the alto mandola, tenor octave mandolin, baritone mandocello, and bass mandobass.  This classification format is similar to the various types of violins, which includes the viola and cello.
 

Traditionally, these beautiful instruments were meticulously carved from a single block of wood.  More recent construction methods use heated and formed strips of laminate.  The craftsmanship required to assemble high-end mandolins is comparable in skill to the accomplished musicians who wield them.
 

There’s a wide variety of different body shapes, all of which exhibit different sound properties.  Even for larger resonance cavities, due to the taunt strings and narrow opening, sound tends to decay quickly, which is why a rapid picking technique is often used to create a steady, constant note.

Modern mandolins typically have four pairs of doubled metal strings, tuned to perfect 5ths: G3, D4, A4, and E5.  10 & 12 string versions also exist which offer additional intricacy for the trained operator.  Again, parallels to the better-known violin offerings are evident.
 

There are several categories of mandolins based on their contribution to key types of music.  The traditional Neapolitan-style, incorporating a large bowl shape which allows execution of the soothing notes required for European Classical.  The archtop version, drawing inspiration from modern guitar styling, is a staple in American Bluegrass bands.  The flatback model, resembling a drum on a stick, these Portuguese-based models personify Brazilian Folk.  Clearly, the mandolin’s unique sound plays in a wide range of genres.  
 

This breadth elicits a well-known joke often espoused in the country music industry. 
 

What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle?
 

One has a red neck!
 

The other type of mandolin, a cooking utensil, which is more rarely used in modern lexicon, is designed to cut firm fruits and vegetables into thin slices quickly.  This approach is more consistent than a traditional knife, and debatably safer, if used correctly.
 

The similar name comes from the hand motion used when cutting, which evokes the strumming of a lute.  The more common spelling of the kitchen contraption uses an “e” at the end, due to the French language of origin.
 

While the business edge of the blade is typically made from sharpened metal, the rest of the body can be constructed of essentially anything, from plastic to ceramic to wood.  Corrugated, adjustable width, and multiple knife iterations of this tool are all available to satisfy specific culinary needs.
 

Regardless of the mandolin type being wielded, make sure to operate carefully to avoid ending up with a sore finger.  Time to throw on some Irish folk tunes and start slicing potatoes for a cheesy au gratin.