Stringed instruments are musical instruments that produce sound from one or more vibrating strings. Some of the most common instruments in the string family are the violin, cello, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, bouzouki, and the harp. The three most common techniques for playing vintage stringed instruments are plucking, bowing, and striking.

The modern day banjo is based on gourd-bodied instruments commonly played in Africa. Slaves, living in Appalachia, created a stringed instrument like those played by their ancestors. Today the banjo is most notably associated with American Bluegrass and country music.

The ukulele, often called the “uke”, was first produced in Hawaii in the 19th century and is designed after the braguinha, a small travel guitar carried by Portuguese immigrants. The ukelele’s petit size makes it the ideal musical companion for travelling. Its unique sound fascinates both musicians and non-musicans.

A mandolin is a stringed instrument from the lute family that is either plucked or strummed. The mandolin has a unique soundboard, which, in many cases have a round or characteristic tear-drop shape. Mandolins, in their modern form, originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18^th century.

The bouzouki is a stringed instrument also from the lute family, with a Greek origin. The instrument has a flat front body and is often heavily inlaid with mother of pearl. The bouzouki is a core element of modern Greek music, and it produces a sharp metallic sound that is indicative of a mandolin, however, with a lower pitch.

At VintageandRare.com, we have a large selection of vintage stringed instruments, including banjos, ukuleles, mandolins, bouzoukis, and many others. If you are in the mood for a real musical adventure, then check out our selection of Lutes. This renaissance instrument is most often used as a vocal accompaniment. Our dealers offer many high-quality vintage string instruments. However, if you cannot find the instrument that you are looking for, check back soon, since we are constantly updating and expanding our inventory of vintage stringed instruments.

Please scroll down and have a look at our collection of stringed instruments.