Irish bouzoukis – that for many, quibbling over categorization is a moot point. Luthier Stefan Sobell adopted the old, disused term "cittern" to name his modern, mandolin-based instruments. He originally used the term for short scale instruments irrespective of the number of their strings, but now uses "cittern" for all five-course instruments irrespective of scale length, and "octave mandolin" to all four-course instruments, leaving out bouzouki entirely. The name "cittern" is often, but not universally, used for 5-course instruments – especially those having a scale length between 20 and 22 inches (50 cm and 55 cm). Particularly citterns with a long scale length can occasionally be called "10 string bouzoukis". The fifth course is usually either a lowest bass course tuned to C or D (on a long scale cittern), or a highest treble course tuned to G or A (on a shorter scale cittern). Footnotes Notable players James Fagan Alec Finn Daoirí Farrell Andy Irvine Dónal Lunny Manus Lunny Jamie McMenemy Johnny Moynihan Beth Patterson Paul Brady See also Bouzouki Cittern Octave mandolin References Bibliography — An instructional guide, with accompanying CD or mp3 downloads. — A comprehensive chord dictionary. — A DVD instructional guide. — An instructional guide. — An instructional guide, with audio cassette tape. — A history of mandolin-family instruments. 1970 musical instruments Mandolin family instruments Necked lutes Irish musical instruments Celtic musical instruments