We just had all this on another thread about mandola strings...

How great to read your post Bruce - it's time we got this name thing sorted once and for all, and people stopped buying the wrong instrument or the wrong strings by mistake!

This explains all - though I can't claim I'm right about any of it!!

But my understanding after detailed historical research is this:

Mandola = alto instrument, senior member of family, no qualification necessary. As viola: CDGA (from Mandora, meaning almond shaped - it's technically a lute, and predates even the violin).

Mandolin = little mandola. As violin: GDAE

Mandodello = tenor member of family. As Violincello CDGA (one octave below mandola and viola)

Mandobass = bass member. As Double bass / Bass viol and German Bass (true bass violin): EADG - the only one tuned in fourths.

Octave mandolin = Octave below mandolin, GDAE (often tuned GDAD though).

Octave mandola = mandocello, therefore no need for this name. Ever!

Tenor mandola = could be mandola AND/OR octave mandolin. Danger - confusion lurketh here. It's either one or the other, so why not call it by whichever name is unequivocal!

Tom

PS As it happens I do tune one of my mandocellos (the one I gig with) ADGC, so use the lower four strings shapes from the EADGBE guitar tuning (but up one fifth) with opportunities for drones. Works for me!