Bandola

The Bandola is a small pear-shape chordophone found in Venezuela and Colombia. It is related to the Bandurria.

There are 3 main types of Bandolas:

Bandola Llanera - These have 7 Frets and 4 strings and are said to be the oldest. Special ones have also been made with 10 frets used by Prof. Saúl Vera and a 14 fret version used by Prof. Moisés Torrealba.
Bandola Andina Colombiana - This one has 6 courses. They are made in four different styles: 12 string versions where each course is doubled. 14 string versions where the first two courses are tripled and the rest are doubled. 16 string versions where the first four courses are tripled and the last two are doubled. Finally, there is an 18 string version with 6 triple courses.
Bandola Oriental - This one is like the Bandola Lianera but with a deeper body and 4 double courses with 8 strings in all.