A bandolón is a musical instrument from Mexico. It is a guitar sized instrument, resembling a flatback mandolin with 18 strings, arranged in 6 courses, three strings per course, and played with a pick. It is associated with the típica orquestra (typical orchestra) in Mexico, especially the 1884 Orquesta Típica Mexicana (Mexican Typical Orchestra), first organized by Carlo Curti. Pictures such as the 1901 Mexican Typical Orchestra at the Pan American Exposition show another variation, an instrument with 12 strings (one less string per course).