Ann Coleman, age 14, of Chester, Pa., for her question:

WHEN WAS THE MANDOLIN FIRST USED?

A mandolin is a stringed musical instrument that was derived from the lute about 1700 in Italy. It is shaped like a pear cut in half lengthwise.

A mandolin has four or five double strings of wire, a fretted neck and a flat headpiece with turning screws. The player produces a tone with a rather stiff plectrum or pick, which he holds between his right thumb and forefinger.