10 Best Mandolins 2025 in the United States

The Kentucky KM-150 Standard A-model Mandolin is a solid choice for mandolin enthusiasts. It features a solid German spruce top that delivers a crisp, bright tone, ideal for clean articulation. The solid Alpine maple back and sides add power and projection, making your music stand out.

Its slim Alpine maple neck is designed for comfortable and easy play, which is great for both beginners and more experienced players. The fingerboard made of choice tonewood offers a smooth playing experience, ensuring you can glide your fingers effortlessly. Aesthetically, the high-gloss sunburst finish gives the mandolin a timeless and elegant appearance, adding visual appeal to its musical prowess.

On the downside, at 5 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, particularly during prolonged playing sessions. Additionally, while the mandolin is manual and straightforward, those looking for advanced features might find it somewhat basic. The scale length of 13.88 inches is standard, suitable for most players, but might not be ideal for those with specific preferences for longer or shorter scales. This mandolin ranks decently within its category, making it a reliable choice for most mandolin players.

The Loar LM-110-BRB Honey Creek A-Style Mandolin features a hand-carved solid spruce top, which contributes to a rich and resonant sound, ideal for a variety of playing styles. The maple back and sides add durability and a bright tone, making it a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced players. The maple neck with a thin 'V' profile is designed to provide comfort and ease of play, especially for those who are still developing their mandolin skills. Its 1-1/8” nut width is standard and should be comfortable for most players. The satin brownburst finish gives it a classic and attractive look while reducing potential glare from stage lights.

Weighing only 2.8 pounds, this mandolin is relatively lightweight, making it easy to hold and play for extended periods. However, the manual operation mode might require some initial learning and adjustment, particularly for complete novices. The instrument's dimensions (25.5 x 9.75 x 2 inches) make it compact and portable, suitable for travel and gigs. The phosphor bronze strings are known for their durability and bright sound, but some players might prefer to switch them out for their preferred string type.

In summary, the Loar LM-110-BRB is a well-rounded mandolin that offers quality materials and sound at a reasonable weight and size, though its traditional manual mode might require some getting used to for beginner players.

The Loar LM-310F-BRB Honey Creek F-Style Mandolin is a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate players looking for a quality instrument that won't break the bank. One of its standout features is the hand-carved solid spruce top, which offers a bright and resonant sound—important for any mandolin. The maple back and sides contribute to its durability and enhance tonal quality, making it suitable for various musical styles, including bluegrass and folk.

The neck profile features a thin 'V' shape, which is comfortable for many players, especially those with smaller hands. The 1-1/8" nut width provides enough space for easy finger placement, making it less challenging for newcomers to grasp the chords. The satin brown burst finish not only gives it an attractive appearance but also adds to its overall playability.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. At 4 pounds, it may feel a bit heavy for extended playing sessions, which could be a drawback for some users. Also, while the quality is commendable, some players might find that it lacks the rich, complex tones of higher-end mandolins. The instrument's manual operation mode means that it requires a bit of care and skill to maintain, which could be a turn-off for absolute beginners. This mandolin is well-suited for players seeking a reliable and aesthetically pleasing instrument, especially those who are still developing their skills and want something that offers a good balance of affordability and quality.