BANJO MANDOLIN Meaning and
Definition
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A banjo mandolin, also known as a banjolin, is a stringed musical instrument that combines the characteristics and construction methods of a banjo and a mandolin. It typically features a banjo-like body and a mandolin neck and tuning system.
The main body of the banjo mandolin resembles a banjo, possessing a round pot or resonator made of wood or metal with a vellum or synthetic head stretched tightly across it. This construction allows for a bright and resonant sound production. Resting on top of the pot is a bridge, similar to that of a banjo, which supports the strings and transfers vibrations to the head, creating sound.
The neck of the banjo mandolin is similar to that of a mandolin, typically featuring frets and a set of tuning pegs. It is usually shorter than a full-sized banjo neck but longer than a mandolin neck, offering a comfortable compromise for players familiar with either instrument.
The banjo mandolin is typically played by plucking or strumming the strings with either a plectrum or fingers. It produces a tone that is a blend of the banjo's twangy and percussive sound, enhanced by the banjo pot, and the mandolin's bright and melodic characteristics from the neck and strings.
Banjo mandolins are often used in folk, country, and traditional music genres, providing a distinct sound and unique versatility. They are commonly used in ensembles or bands that require the bright timbre of a mandolin combined with the rhythmic drive and volume of a banjo.
Etymology of BANJO MANDOLIN
The word "banjo mandolin" is a combination of two separate musical instruments, the banjo and the mandolin. The term "banjo" is believed to have its origins in West Africa. The instrument's immediate precursor, known as the "banjar" or "banza", was a stringed instrument brought to the Americas by enslaved Africans. The word "banjo" itself is thought to have derived from the Kimbundu term "m'banza" or "m'banza di nkici", meaning a musical instrument made from a gourd.On the other hand, the term "mandolin" has its roots in Italy. The instrument's ancestry can be traced back to the lute-like instruments of the Middle East. The word "mandolin" is derived from the Italian word "mandolino", which means "little mandola" or "little almond", referencing the mandolin's shape.
