TNA Pear Shaped Mandolin with sunburst body M-02-SSB-03 This is a pear-shaped mandolin, a plucked string instrument characterized by its pear-shaped body with a flat, and a f-hole soundhole. These instruments originate from Italian lute-style designs, which feature eight steel strings arranged in four pairs (courses) and offer a warm, resonant tone popular in folk and classical music. This is a good looking instrument that plays well and comes with a soft case.