We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Mandolins 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Vangoa Mandolin Musical Instrument A Style Acoustic Electric, 8 Strings Mahogany for Beginner Adults Teens, Red Burst

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,271
Neck Profile
Finish

Most important from
872 reviews

Neck Profile
Playability is smooth and comfortable, aided by a well-set neck and adjustable bridge that keeps string action low without buzzing.
Finish
The craftsmanship stands out with high-quality build and a beautiful finish, making it a perfect balance of price and workmanship for beginners.

The Vangoa Mandolin A Style is a solid choice for beginner and advancing players looking for an acoustic-electric mandolin with good build quality. Its body is crafted entirely from AAA-grade mahogany, including the top, back, sides, and neck, which typically offers a warm, rich tone with good resonance — something often missing in cheaper models that use basswood. This wood choice enhances the instrument’s sound depth and durability. The neck is comfortable with rounded fret ends, and the scale length is standard for easy playability. The adjustable walnut bridge helps keep the string action low, making it easier to play, especially for newcomers. With 8 stainless steel strings and closed tuning pegs with an 18:1 gear ratio, tuning is stable and precise.

The built-in pickup adds versatility, allowing you to switch between acoustic practice and amplified performance without extra equipment. The mandolin also comes in a visually appealing red burst finish. While the mandolin is designed for beginners, the electric features provide additional options for those interested in amplified sound. The included bundle—picks, tuner, strap, chords, cable, extra strings, and a protective gig bag—offers great value, enabling players to start playing right away.

This Vangoa mandolin is well suited for those starting out or developing their skills, particularly if the option to plug in during performances is desired.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,271
Neck Profile
Finish

Most important from
872 reviews

Neck Profile
Playability is smooth and comfortable, aided by a well-set neck and adjustable bridge that keeps string action low without buzzing.
Finish
The craftsmanship stands out with high-quality build and a beautiful finish, making it a perfect balance of price and workmanship for beginners.
#2

Kentucky, 8-String Mandolin (KM-950)

Rating
9.8
Finish

Most important from
5 reviews

Finish
The KM-950 boasts great craftsmanship and an excellent finish.

The Kentucky KM-950 8-String Mandolin is a well-crafted instrument that caters to both beginner and experienced players. Its solid carved Adirondack spruce top ensures superior note clarity and ample volume, making it suitable for various playing styles. The solid flamed Michigan maple back and sides add extra punch to its sound, enhancing its resonance and projection.

The slim maple neck offers comfortable and easy action, which is ideal for those who prioritize playability. The radiused premium ebony fingerboard not only provides durability but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the mandolin. The high-gloss lacquer sunburst finish gives it a vintage look that many players will appreciate.

It is worth noting that the mandolin is made in China, which might be a consideration for those who prefer instruments manufactured in traditional mandolin-making regions. With a weight of just 1 pound and dimensions of 27 x 10 x 2.5 inches, it is lightweight and easy to handle. The phosphor bronze strings contribute to a warm and bright tone. This mandolin could be a great choice for those looking for a high-quality instrument with a classic look and robust sound, though it may not be the top choice for market-leading performance.

Rating
9.8
Finish

Most important from
5 reviews

Finish
The KM-950 boasts great craftsmanship and an excellent finish.
#3

The Loar LM-700-VS Supreme F-Style Mandolin

The Loar LM-700-VS Supreme F-Style Mandolin is a beautifully crafted instrument that appeals to both beginners and more experienced players. One of its standout features is the solid hand-carved AAA spruce top, which contributes to its exceptional sound quality, providing bright and resonant tones. The flamed maple back and sides add not only to its aesthetic appeal but also enhance its tonal richness. The one-piece maple neck with a rounded 'V' profile gives a comfortable grip, making it easier to play for longer periods.

The bound ebony fretboard is a nice touch, offering smooth playability and a luxurious feel under the fingers. The hand-buffed nitrocellulose lacquer finish in a vintage sunburst gives it a classic look that many musicians appreciate. With a scale length of about 14 inches, this mandolin strikes a good balance between playability and tone.

This mandolin might feel a bit heavy for some players, especially during extended playing sessions. Additionally, while its manual operation mode is perfect for those who enjoy traditional play, it might not suit players looking for more modern, electronic features. In terms of suitability, this mandolin is ideal for folk, bluegrass, and classical music enthusiasts, providing a rich sound and professional quality that can cater to various playing styles. If you're looking for an instrument that combines craftsmanship with outstanding acoustic performance, the Loar LM-700-VS could be a great choice for you.

Buying Guide for the Best Mandolins

Choosing the right mandolin can be a rewarding experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player. The key to finding the best mandolin for you is to understand the different specifications and how they affect the instrument's sound, playability, and overall quality. By considering your personal needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision and select a mandolin that will bring you joy for years to come.
Body StyleThe body style of a mandolin significantly influences its sound and playability. The two main styles are A-style and F-style. A-style mandolins have a teardrop shape and produce a balanced, mellow tone, making them suitable for various music genres. F-style mandolins have a more ornate design with a scroll and points, offering a brighter, more focused sound, often preferred in bluegrass music. Choose an A-style if you want versatility and a more straightforward design, or an F-style if you prefer a distinct look and a sharper sound.
Top WoodThe top wood, or soundboard, of a mandolin greatly affects its tone and resonance. Common choices include spruce and cedar. Spruce is known for its bright, clear sound and strong projection, making it ideal for players who need volume and clarity. Cedar, on the other hand, offers a warmer, richer tone with a quicker response, suitable for more intimate playing styles. If you play in a band or need your mandolin to cut through other instruments, spruce is a good choice. For solo playing or a softer sound, consider cedar.
Back and Sides WoodThe wood used for the back and sides of a mandolin also impacts its sound. Maple is a popular choice for its bright, punchy tone and strong projection, making it great for bluegrass and other genres that require a loud, clear sound. Mahogany provides a warmer, more mellow tone with a smooth midrange, suitable for folk and classical music. Rosewood offers a rich, complex tone with deep bass and sparkling highs, ideal for a wide range of styles. Choose maple for brightness and volume, mahogany for warmth and smoothness, or rosewood for a balanced, rich sound.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile of a mandolin affects its playability and comfort. Common profiles include V-shaped, U-shaped, and C-shaped. A V-shaped neck has a pronounced ridge, providing a firm grip and is often preferred by players with larger hands. A U-shaped neck is thicker and rounder, offering a comfortable grip for most hand sizes. A C-shaped neck is the most common, with a shallow curve that suits a wide range of players. Consider your hand size and playing style when choosing a neck profile. If you have larger hands or prefer a firm grip, a V-shaped neck may be best. For a more comfortable, versatile option, a C-shaped neck is a good choice.
Scale LengthThe scale length of a mandolin refers to the distance between the nut and the bridge, affecting string tension and playability. Standard scale length for mandolins is around 14 inches. A longer scale length increases string tension, resulting in a brighter tone and more volume, but can be harder to play, especially for beginners. A shorter scale length reduces string tension, making the mandolin easier to play and producing a warmer tone. If you're a beginner or prefer a softer, warmer sound, a shorter scale length may be more comfortable. For more experienced players or those seeking a brighter, louder tone, a standard or longer scale length is suitable.
FinishThe finish on a mandolin not only affects its appearance but also its sound. Common finishes include gloss, satin, and matte. A gloss finish provides a shiny, polished look and can enhance the instrument's durability, but it may slightly dampen the sound. A satin finish offers a more natural look and feel, allowing the wood to resonate more freely for a richer tone. A matte finish provides a rustic, understated appearance and can also enhance the instrument's resonance. Choose a gloss finish for durability and a polished look, a satin finish for a balance of appearance and sound quality, or a matte finish for maximum resonance and a natural look.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now