Top 10 Best Mandolins in 2023

• The high-quality woods used, and high-gloss finish makes this A-style mandolin stand out from the competition. Not only is this instrument beautiful, it is functional, with every feature and material designed for maximum playability.
• The Kentucky KM-150 Standard A-Model Mandolin comes to you already shop adjusted. So, you can play this mandolin right out of the box.
• The durability and ease of use of the Kentucky KM-150 make it a great mandolin for beginners.

• The Kentucky KM-150 mandolin does not come with a hard case. So, you will have to purchase the case separately. Beware, cases can get quite expensive.
• The floating bridge on the KM-150 can be hard to set-up correctly. In fact, Kentucky recommends taking the mandolin to a shop if you are concerned about setting up the floating bridge.

• The flamed maple back and sides make the Ibanez M522SBS F-Style Mandolin look stylish. Also, this all-wood construction is high-quality and durable. It will stand-up to even the most demanding playing schedule.
• The F-style body gives the M522SBS mandolin a class Bluegrass shape and sound. Thus, if you want to sound like Ricky Skaggs, then this is the mandolin for you.
• The bridge of the M522SBS mandolin allows you to adjust the height of the strings. Therefore, you can choose the level that fits your playing best. And, this feature makes the M522SBS an easy instrument to play.

• Although it may look electric, the M522SBS is an acoustic instrument. If you want an electric mandolin, you will need to look elsewhere.
• You will need to purchase your own case. Plus, the M522SBS needs to be tuned before you can play it.

• The maple and rosewood, all-wood design is durable and functional. Plus, the sunburst gloss finish makes the KM-270 look classically appealing.
• The use of East Indian rosewood for the fingerboard ensures easy playing. Plus, it feels amazingly smooth and soft under your fingers.
• The Kentucky KM-270 is a small mandolin and only weighs 2.75 pounds. However, this could be a major advantage for folk music players. The smaller size of the mandolin produces a traditional tone. 

• The Kentucky KM-270 needs to be set up by a shop after you receive it. So, you will not be playing this one right out of the box.
• Like many other mandolins on our top ten list, this product does not come with a case. That extra expense may be too much for some people.

• The Loar’s LM-520-VS mandolin comes with a compensate adjustable ebony bridge. So, you can modify the instrument based on your performance needs.
• All of The Loar’s products are hand-carved and all-wood. Also, the wood and finished used by The Loar’s designers create a beautiful and stylish mandolin.
• The LM-520-VS comes with Grover tuners, which ensure that your instrument stays in tune. So, it doesn’t matter hard or often you play your mandolin, it will always be in tune. 

• The LM-520-VS is a minimally appointed mandolin. Therefore, it does not include many modern extras. For the right player, this paired down approach is great. But, if you want a mandolin with all of the bells-and-whistles, you need to consider another product.
• Although the LM-520-VS is an affordable product, it is still not as affordable as some of the other mandolins on this list. Some players may need to think twice before they invest in it.

• The open pore gloss on the Ibanez M510BS keeps the instrument shiny and looking nice.
• Additionally, the combination of woods in this all-wood mandolin makes for a classic A-style look. Therefore, if you want to play an affordable but traditional mandolin, this is the product for you.
• The simplicity of the M510BS’ design means that this is a perfect instrument for beginners. So, no bells-and-whistles. But, just high-quality workmanship. 

• The strings that come with the Ibanez M510BS are not as high quality as the instrument. So, you would be best served to purchase your own strings for the mandolin.
• Also, the Ibanez M510BS will need be set-up by a professional before it will sound its best. Hopefully, you know of a good luthier shop near you, for you will probably need it.

• If you are looking for the best deal mandolin that you can find, then look no further. The Savannah SA-100-BK A-Model Mandolin is an extremely affordable, but still well-made instrument.
• The SA-100-BK comes with an adjustable compensated bridge. So, you can decide how to set up your own instrument.
• The maple and rosewood on this teardrop-shaped A-style mandolin create a dark and brooding instrument.

• The shipping of the Savannah SA-100-BK has not been great. And, there are many instances of the instrument arriving broken.
• Savannah has created a great student instrument. However, if you want a professional sounding and set-up mandolin, this is not the one for you.

• Comes with a choice of black, transparent red, and transparent blue gloss finishes. So, you can customize the color of the Americana M1SD Mandolin for your own style.
• Washburn has an over hundred-year history making quality mandolins. Therefore, you can be assured of the quality product s coming out of this American company.
• The tuning pegs turn smoothly and easily, which makes keeping your instrument in tune a breeze.

• Like other affordable mandolins, the sound of the Americana M1SD may not be for everyone.
• The finish on the Americana M1SD is a little simpler than some of the other mandolins on this list. So, you will not be turning any heads with this mandolin.

• The RM-100A mandolin has a thin, easy to play neck. Additionally, the adjustable bridge also makes learning to play this mandolin quite easy.
• Rogue has created a great finish and coloring on their RM-100A mandolin. It may not cost a fortune, but it does look professional.
• For the money, the sound of the RM-100A is clear and resonant. Therefore, beginners will benefit from the easiness of the mandolin while still playing with a good sound.

• The tone of the Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin is very bright. For players who want this timbre, the tone is fine. However, if you want a mellow mandolin, you need to look elsewhere.
• The case designed for the Rogue RM-100A is sold separately. So, buying the proper case may be out of the budget for some people.

• The open tuning peg style and metal construction of the pegs makes is easy to keep your mandolin in tune. So, you can play this instrument as much as you want. It will stay in tune.
• The sound of the Donner A-style mandolin is warm and vibrant. It sounds much better than the cost of the instrument would suggest.
• Donner has designed their mandolin to fit perfectly under your hand. Their hands-on production process ensures a comfortable fit.

• Like all mandolins, the Donner A-Style is susceptible to humidity and sun damage. Therefore, follow the company’s care suggestions carefully. You don’t want to void your warranty.
• The frets are mostly in tune but are not close enough for some musicians. Beginners will not struggle with the frets. But, if you are advanced or have perfect pitch, you may want a more accurate instrument.

• The Kentucky KM-256 is a traditional A-Style mandolin and has the expected oval sound hole. But, Kentucky has also included a set of f-shaped sound holes as well. This opens up the high pitches and brightens the tone of the KM-256.
• The all-wood design incorporates maple, spruce, and rosewood. And, the combination of these woods gives the KM-256 a highly desirable appearance.
• All of the wood on the KM-256 is hand-carved. So, you know that you are receiving a unique instrument designed to play beautifully.

• You will need to adjust the bridge when you receive the Kentucky KM-256. It is dangerous to ship the mandolin with the bridge installed because it could break. Therefore, if you are not comfortable with putting the bridge on yourself, you will need to take the instrument to a professional shop.
• The finish is easily scratched. So, make sure to handle the KM-256 with care.

• Body Style

Most importantly, your preferred body style will help you choose between mandolins. The long history of this instrument has meant that comes in a wealth of styles and types. You will find bowl-back, flat-back, flat-top, A-style, and F-style mandolins. Additionally, there are mandolas and mandocellos to choose from.

Our top ten list represents a large number of mandolin types. However, two body styles are the most common: F-style and A-style. The F in F-style stands for Florentine. This type of mandolin was developed in Florence, Italy. It has f-shaped sound holes—these will look like the sound holes on stringed instruments like the violin. Also, the F-style mandolin has a scroll-and-points silhouette.

On the other hand, A-style refers to any teardrop-shaped mandolin. The sound holes on A-style mandolins are oval. A-style mandolins are usually favored by mandolin orchestras musicians. But, F-style mandolins are often preferred by bluegrass players.

Why does shape matter, you ask? Well, the shape of the mandolin determines the timbre (tone color) of the mandolin. F-style mandolins have a more striking tone than A-style’s muted color.

• Electric Or Acoustic?

Like guitars, mandolins can be electric or acoustic. Most of the mandolins on our top ten list are acoustic. And, if you play in a mandolin orchestra, you will likely need to purchase an acoustic instrument. But, bluegrass and some other folk genres prefer electric instruments. Understanding the conventions of the mandolin genre you plan on joining will help you choose between electric and acoustic instruments.

Additionally, acoustic mandolins can be made electric. So, if you purchase an acoustic mandolin and need an electric one later, you can still have both. However, acoustic instruments made electric often do not have has good sound as purely electric mandolins.

• Tuning

In addition to the variation in body styles, mandolins come with different numbers of strings. Four, five, and eight stringed instruments are all common. And, the number of strings will determine the type of tuning system that is used.