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10 Best Mandolins 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Kentucky, 8-String Mandolin, Vintage Sunburst (KM-1050)
The Kentucky KM-1050 is an 8-string mandolin that stands out with its vintage sunburst finish and high-quality build. It features a solid handcarved Adirondack spruce top, which ensures superior note clarity and impressive volume. The back and sides are made from solid carved flamed Michigan maple, providing an extra punch to the sound. This combination of quality woods makes for a robust and sonorous instrument well-suited for a variety of playing styles.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,296
Finish
Most important from
16 reviews
#2
Eastman Guitars MD615 F-style Acoustic-electric Mandolin - Classic
The Eastman MD615 is an F-style acoustic-electric mandolin that stands out for its quality craftsmanship and classic design. Its body features a maple back and sides, which generally provide bright, clear tones and good projection—great for players looking for that traditional mandolin sound. The top is made of a combination of ebony, maple, and spruce, which offers a balanced blend of warmth from spruce and clarity from maple and ebony. This mix of woods should appeal to someone wanting a versatile tone.
#3
Kentucky KM-670 Standard Oval Hole F-Model Mandolin – Vintage Sunburst – Solid Spruce Top & Maple Back – Smooth Playability for Beginners & Professionals
The Kentucky KM-670 Mandolin is a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality instrument with a classic look and warm, rich tone. One of its main strengths is its top wood made of solid German spruce, which contributes to its exceptional note clarity and volume. Additionally, the solid Alpine maple back and sides offer extra projection, making it a great option for live performances or recording sessions.
Top 10 Best Mandolins 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Kentucky, 8-String Mandolin, Vintage Sunburst (KM-1050)
Kentucky, 8-String Mandolin, Vintage Sunburst (KM-1050)
Top Wood: Adirondack spruce
Back and Sides Wood: flamed Michigan maple
Neck Profile: slim flamed maple
Finish: high-gloss lacquer
Chosen by 1296 this week
Eastman Guitars MD615 F-style Acoustic-electric Mandolin - Classic
Eastman Guitars MD615 F-style Acoustic-electric Mandolin - Classic
Body Style: F-style
Top Wood: Ebony, Maple, Spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Maple
Kentucky KM-670 Standard Oval Hole F-Model Mandolin – Vintage Sunburst – Solid Spruce Top & Maple Back – Smooth Playability for Beginners & Professionals
Kentucky KM-670 Standard Oval Hole F-Model Mandolin – Vintage Sunburst – Solid Spruce Top & Maple Back – Smooth Playability for Beginners & Professionals
Body Style: F Model Mandolin
Top Wood: Solid German Spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Solid Alpine Maple
Neck Profile: Slim one-piece maple neck
Finish: High-gloss sunburst
Kentucky KM-750 Deluxe F-model Mandolin - Sunburst
Kentucky KM-750 Deluxe F-model Mandolin - Sunburst
Top Wood: German spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Alpine maple
Neck Profile: slim
Finish: high-gloss sunburst
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Eastman MD305 A-Style Mandolin With Case
Eastman MD305 A-Style Mandolin With Case
Body Style: A-Style
Top Wood: Spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Maple
Finish: Satin
Kentucky KM-950 Master A-Model Mandolin – Sunburst, Solid Carved Adirondack Spruce Top, Flamed Maple Back & Sides, Ebony Fingerboard, Slim Maple Neck, High-Gloss Finish
Kentucky KM-950 Master A-Model Mandolin – Sunburst, Solid Carved Adirondack Spruce Top, Flamed Maple Back & Sides, Ebony Fingerboard, Slim Maple Neck, High-Gloss Finish
Top Wood: Adirondack spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Michigan maple
Neck Profile: slim
Finish: high-gloss lacquer sunburst
Eastman Spruce/Maple A-Style Mandolin Classic Finish
Eastman Spruce/Maple A-Style Mandolin Classic Finish
Body Style: A-Style
Top Wood: Spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Maple and Ebony
Neck Profile: Comfortable
Scale Length: Standard
Finish: Classic and simple
#10
Kentucky KM-150 Standard A-Model Mandolin – Vintage Sunburst – Solid German Spruce Top & Alpine Maple Body
Kentucky KM-150 Standard A-Model Mandolin – Vintage Sunburst – Solid German Spruce Top & Alpine Maple Body
Body Style: A-model
Top Wood: Solid German Spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Solid Alpine Maple
Neck Profile: Slim Alpine Maple
Scale Length: 13.88 inches
Finish: High-gloss Sunburst
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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.