An electric mandolin is fashioned after the traditional acoustic mandolin. It is made with a pick-up for converting string vibrations into electrical audio signals. Played by strumming or plucking the strings with the fingers, they are popularly used in western swing, country, blues, and jazz music.
Types of Electric Mandolins
Kinds of Electric Mandolins include the following:
Four-string electric mandolin
A four-string electric mandolin is made up of four steel strings, a basswood body shaped in f-style, a rosewood fretboard, and a maple neck.
It usually has tone and volume control knobs, a lipstick pickup, and a radiused fretboard.
Five-string electric mandolin
A five-string electric mandolin is made up of five steel strings, a rosewood, cherry, or walnut fretboard, and a maple neck.
Its body is usually made of poplar.
It comes with an adjustable neck, a tunable bridge, and tone and volume controls.
Eight-string electric mandolin
An eight-string electric mandolin is made up of eight steel strings, a basswood body shaped in f-style, a rosewood fretboard, and a maple neck.
It usually has tone and volume control knobs, chrome hardware, and a bolt-on neck.
Choosing Electric Mandolins (Buying tips)
Materials used: If you want to get a warm sound, choose a solid electric mandolin made of mahogany. Look for one made of maple to get a bright sound.
Bolt-on neck: Choose an electric mandolin with a bolt-on neck that allows you to adjust or replace it.
Wide fretboard: If you have large hands, choose an electric mandolin with a wide fretboard for easier handling.