The baroque mandolin evolved via a smooth transition from the discant/octave lute. The first sources in which the baroque mandolin is mentioned date back to the early 17th century of present-day Italy. From the middle of the 17th century onwards, the term mandolino became established. It appears to have been played (plucked) with the fingers.

The construction of my mandolins allows for playing with the fingers as well as with a quill.

Original spruce soundboards were usually made without an edge insert or with a parchment-bound edge. For practical reasons (edge protection, interior repairs), I recommend a discreet edge insert/binding.