Which 3-syllable word can either refer to a music instrument or a kitchen tool?

Mandolin

If you will allow a slight difference in spelling, I could be listening to you playing the mandolin - a four stringed instument related to the harp - as I sliced cabbage, carrots, turnips and potatoes with my mandoline - which features two adjustable stainless steel blades, designed particularly for slicing said vegetables.

(The Reader's Digest Reverse Dictionary; The Concise Larousse Gastronomique)

American Heritage Dictionary allows that slight difference in spelling. And their definition of the kitchen utensil is broadly identical to yours. "Utensil consisting of a base into which adjustable blades are set, used to slice or cut fruits and vegetables". So it's yay for the shady shaker.

OK so you can't link to the "Brainteasers" chatboard. If you look at my old "If You Can't Stand the Heat..." puzzle you'll see what I mean.

Slight technical objection: The commonest mandolin is the Neapolitan which has four courses of strings, but actually has eight strings as they are doubled. The Milanese mandolin has six single strings. The flat-back mandolin is strung like the Neapolitan. I play the Neapolitan type (and the banjo strung the same way as well - mandolin banjo or occasionally banjolin). And it ain't related to the harp except in that it's got strings - it's a mini-lute and related therefore to the Arabic ud or oud.

Come on Baloo! You're just stringing us along!

Now would I do that? I just plucked up my courage to enlighten the unmusical out there.... Mind you, my instrument bag does contain two shakers - egg shaped ones.