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Mandolin For Beginners

10 Best Mandolin For Beginners 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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Vangoa

Vangoa LEFT-HANDED Mandolin Musical Instrument, Acoustic 8 String Mandolin A Style for Left Hand Beginners, Sunburst

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8% OFF

Chosen by 1138 this week

#2

10.0 score

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Vangoa

Vangoa Mandolin Musical Instrument A Style, Acoustic Mandolin Instrument Kit Italian 8 String for Professional Beginners Adults Teens Youth Kids, Sunburst, Glossy

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12% OFF
#3

9.9 score

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adm

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

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#4

9.8 score

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Vangoa

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

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#5

9.6 score

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Donner

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

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Up to 34% off

#6

9.5 score

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Vangoa

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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15% OFF
#7

9.2 score

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Kmise

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

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20% OFF
#8

9.0 score

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Vangoa

Vangoa Mandolin Instrument A Style, Acoustic Mandolin Musical Instrument Solid Spruce Top 8 String for Beginners, Adults, Teens, Dark Brown

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5% OFF
#9

8.7 score

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Vangoa

Vangoa Mandolin Instrument A Style with Ukulele 23" Adult Beginner

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17% OFF
#10

8.5 score

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Batking

Batking Mandolin 8 Strings Acoustic Electric Mandocaster Instrument for Beginner Adults(Black)

Type of Mandolin: Electric
Body Material: Basswood
Neck and Fingerboard: Rosewood
Action and Setup: Requires adjustment
Sound: Bright and resonant tone

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Our Top Picks

#3

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

9.9  score

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

9.9  score

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Rating
9.9
Body Material
Sound

Most important from
212 reviews

Body Material
Fantastic craftsmanship and a beautiful blue-teal color.
Sound
Far exceeded my expectations with solid construction and sound quality.

The ADM Acoustic Mandolin Instrument Kit is a comprehensive package designed for those new to playing the mandolin, offering everything needed to start playing right away. Crafted from quality maple wood, this 8-string, A-style mandolin features a striking blueburst finish and polished look. The sound produced is described as ethereal and crisp, which is excellent for beginners who want a pleasing tonal experience from the start. The right-hand design and 20 frets make it accessible for both beginners and more experienced players.

It's also lightweight, which is convenient for younger players or students who might need to transport it frequently. The inclusion of chrome-plated open gear tuners ensures easier tuning and better tuning stability, which beginners will appreciate. Moreover, the kit includes a gig bag, strap, extra strings, digital clip-on tuner, EQ, hanger, and polishing cloth, making it a good value for money.

However, it's important to note that while the instrument is durable, some more advanced players may find the action and setup not as refined as higher-end mandolins. The instrument's package dimensions and weight are manageable, making it suitable for players of all ages, from children to adults. Consider this mandolin if you're a beginner looking to get started with a reliable and complete setup.

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Rating
9.9
Body Material
Sound

Most important from
212 reviews

Body Material
Fantastic craftsmanship and a beautiful blue-teal color.
Sound
Far exceeded my expectations with solid construction and sound quality.

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.

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