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10 Best Mandolin For Beginners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Vangoa F-Style Mandolins Instrument, Solid Spruce and Maple, 29-Fret, Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge, 8 String Acoustic Mandolin, for Beginner Adults and the higher stages players, Classic Sunburst
The Vangoa F-Style Mandolin is a solid choice for beginners and more advanced players alike. Its high-quality solid spruce top and mahogany body contribute to a rich and vibrant sound, making it suitable for various music styles. The instrument's 29 frets and ebony fingerboard provide smooth playability and easy access to higher notes, which is great for more intricate music and solos.
Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,387
Type of Mandolin
Tuning Machines
Action and Setup
Most important from
25 reviews
#2
Donner A Style Mandolin Instrument Black Beginner Adult Acoustic Mandolin Musical Instrument Mahogany 8 String, Bundle With Tuner String Bag Guitar Picks, DML-100B
The Donner A Style Mandolin is designed with beginners in mind, featuring an 8-string setup and a mahogany body that promises durability and a rich, warm sound. The mahogany material ensures a stable performance and longevity, making it a reliable choice for those new to the mandolin. The glossy black finish adds an attractive aesthetic, enhancing its visual appeal.
Rating
9.6
Sound
Most important from
909 reviews
#3
Vangoa LEFT-HANDED Mandolin Musical Instrument, Acoustic 8 String Mandolin A Style for Left Hand Beginners, Sunburst
The Vangoa LEFT-HANDED Mandolin is specifically designed for left-handed beginners, offering a thoughtful approach to learning this instrument. Its traditional A-style body is made from mahogany, which gives it a warm and rich tone, ideal for various music genres. Although the tone is described as mild, it's also crisp and clean, making it suitable for different playing styles. The mandolin features 8 phosphor bronze strings, contributing to its ethereal sound.
Rating
9.4
Sound
Body Material
Action and Setup
Most important from
525 reviews
Top 10 Best Mandolin For Beginners 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
9.8 score
Vangoa F-Style Mandolins Instrument, Solid Spruce and Maple, 29-Fret, Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge, 8 String Acoustic Mandolin, for Beginner Adults and the higher stages players, Classic Sunburst
Vangoa F-Style Mandolins Instrument, Solid Spruce and Maple, 29-Fret, Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge, 8 String Acoustic Mandolin, for Beginner Adults and the higher stages players, Classic Sunburst
Type of Mandolin: F-Style
Body Material: Mahogany
Neck and Fingerboard: Ebony fingerboard
Tuning Machines: Vintage-style
Action and Setup: Needs adjustments
Sound: Rich and vibrant
Chosen by 1387 this week
Donner A Style Mandolin Instrument Black Beginner Adult Acoustic Mandolin Musical Instrument Mahogany 8 String, Bundle With Tuner String Bag Guitar Picks, DML-100B
Donner A Style Mandolin Instrument Black Beginner Adult Acoustic Mandolin Musical Instrument Mahogany 8 String, Bundle With Tuner String Bag Guitar Picks, DML-100B
Type of Mandolin: A Style
Body Material: Mahogany
Tuning Machines: Chrome open gear tuners
Action and Setup: Adjustable bridge
Sound: Rich, warm sound
Vangoa LEFT-HANDED Mandolin Musical Instrument, Acoustic 8 String Mandolin A Style for Left Hand Beginners, Sunburst
Vangoa LEFT-HANDED Mandolin Musical Instrument, Acoustic 8 String Mandolin A Style for Left Hand Beginners, Sunburst
Type of Mandolin: A-style
Body Material: Mahogany
Action and Setup: standard entry-level
Sound: warm, rich, mild, crisp, clean
Vangoa Mandolin Musical Instrument A Style, Acoustic Mandolin Instrument Kit Italian 8 String for Professional Beginners Adults Teens Youth Kids, Sunburst, Glossy
Vangoa Mandolin Musical Instrument A Style, Acoustic Mandolin Instrument Kit Italian 8 String for Professional Beginners Adults Teens Youth Kids, Sunburst, Glossy
Type of Mandolin: A-style
Body Material: basswood
Neck and Fingerboard: mahogany
Tuning Machines: open-style metal pegs
Action and Setup: adjustable bridge, low action
Vangoa Mandolin Musical Instrument A Style Acoustic Electric, 8 Strings Mahogany for Beginner Adults Teens, Red Burst
Vangoa Mandolin Musical Instrument A Style Acoustic Electric, 8 Strings Mahogany for Beginner Adults Teens, Red Burst
Type of Mandolin: Electric
Body Material: Mahogany
Neck and Fingerboard: Mahogany
Tuning Machines: Closed pegs, 18:1 ratio
Action and Setup: Adjustable bridge, low action
Sound: Rich and warm
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ADM Acoustic Mandolin Instrument Kit Music A Style for Kids Students Adults Wood Mandolins Beginner Set With Bag, Tuner, EQ, Strap, Strings, Picks and Hanger, Blue
ADM Acoustic Mandolin Instrument Kit Music A Style for Kids Students Adults Wood Mandolins Beginner Set With Bag, Tuner, EQ, Strap, Strings, Picks and Hanger, Blue
Type of Mandolin: A-style
Body Material: Maple
Tuning Machines: Chrome-plated open gear
Mandolin,Kmise A style Mandolins Instruments 8 String Spruce Musical Instrument with Tuner Strings Gig Bag Strap Picks for Adults Beginner
Mandolin,Kmise A style Mandolins Instruments 8 String Spruce Musical Instrument with Tuner Strings Gig Bag Strap Picks for Adults Beginner
Type of Mandolin: A style
Body Material: Spruce
Tuning Machines: Open chrome-plated
Action and Setup: Adjustable action, truss rod, bridge
Sound: Bright and resonant
Vangoa Mandolin Instrument A Style, Acoustic Mandolin Musical Instrument Solid Spruce Top 8 String for Beginners, Adults, Teens, Dark Brown
Vangoa Mandolin Instrument A Style, Acoustic Mandolin Musical Instrument Solid Spruce Top 8 String for Beginners, Adults, Teens, Dark Brown
Type of Mandolin: A Style
Body Material: Basswood
Tuning Machines: Chrome open-gear tuners
Vangoa Mandolin Instrument A Style with Ukulele 23" Adult Beginner
Vangoa Mandolin Instrument A Style with Ukulele 23" Adult Beginner
Type of Mandolin: A Style
Body Material: Spruce top, Mahogany back
Tuning Machines: Chrome open-gear tuners
#10
7.7 score
generic Mandolin Instrument Basswood 8 String A Style Mandolin Adjustable Bridge Fretboard Mandoline for Beginners Music Lover Gift Green
generic Mandolin Instrument Basswood 8 String A Style Mandolin Adjustable Bridge Fretboard Mandoline for Beginners Music Lover Gift Green
Type of Mandolin: A-style
Body Material: Basswood
Neck and Fingerboard: Rosewood
Action and Setup: Adjustable bridge
Sound: Nice sound
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Buying Guide for the Best Mandolin For Beginners
Choosing the right mandolin as a beginner can be a fun and rewarding experience. The key is to find an instrument that is comfortable to play, sounds good, and fits your personal preferences. There are several important specifications to consider when selecting a mandolin, and understanding these can help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specs to look at and how to navigate them to find the best fit for you.Type of MandolinMandolins come in different types, primarily A-style and F-style. A-style mandolins have a teardrop shape and are generally simpler in design, making them more affordable and suitable for beginners. F-style mandolins have a more ornate design with a scroll and points, often preferred by bluegrass players. As a beginner, an A-style mandolin is usually a good choice due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, if you are drawn to the aesthetics and plan to play bluegrass, you might consider an F-style.
Body MaterialThe body material of a mandolin affects its sound and durability. Common materials include spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides. Spruce tops provide a bright, clear tone, while maple backs and sides offer a balanced sound with good projection. For beginners, a mandolin with a solid spruce top and laminated back and sides can offer a good balance of sound quality and affordability. If you are looking for a richer tone and are willing to invest a bit more, a mandolin with all solid wood construction might be worth considering.
Neck and FingerboardThe neck and fingerboard of a mandolin are crucial for playability. The neck should be comfortable to hold and not too thick, allowing for easy finger movement. Common fingerboard materials include rosewood and ebony, both of which are durable and smooth. As a beginner, look for a mandolin with a neck that feels comfortable in your hand and a fingerboard that allows for smooth playing. Trying out different mandolins in person can help you find the right fit.
Tuning MachinesTuning machines, or tuners, are important for keeping your mandolin in tune. Good quality tuners will make tuning easier and more stable. Look for mandolins with sealed gear tuners, as they are more reliable and require less maintenance. As a beginner, having a mandolin that stays in tune will make your learning experience much more enjoyable, so prioritize good quality tuners.
Action and SetupAction refers to the height of the strings above the fingerboard. A mandolin with high action can be difficult to play, especially for beginners. A proper setup, which includes adjusting the action, can make a big difference in playability. When choosing a mandolin, check if the action is comfortable for you. Many music stores offer setup services, so if you find a mandolin you like but the action is too high, ask if they can adjust it for you.
SoundThe sound of a mandolin is a personal preference and can vary widely between instruments. Listen for a tone that you find pleasing and that suits the style of music you want to play. As a beginner, you might not have a specific sound in mind yet, so try out different mandolins to see which one resonates with you. Pay attention to the volume, clarity, and sustain of the notes.