The best beginner mandolins are great instruments for aspiring musicians looking to embark on their musical journey. A beginner mandolin should offer a combination of quality, playability, and affordability.
In this article, we will explore and recommend some of the best beginner mandolins available on the market. By considering factors such as craftsmanship, sound quality, and overall value for money, we aim to assist beginners in making informed decisions that will set them on the path to musical success.
Kentucky KM-150
The Kentucky KM-150 is widely regarded as one of the top choices for beginners. This A-style mandolin offers exceptional craftsmanship at an affordable price point. The solid spruce top, combined with the maple back and sides, produces a warm and balanced tone that is pleasing to the ears. The instrument’s neck is comfortable to play, allowing beginners to learn and practice for extended periods without discomfort. Furthermore, the Kentucky KM-150 stays in tune remarkably well, a significant advantage for novice players who are still mastering their tuning skills. With its great build quality and impressive sound, the Kentucky KM-150 is a reliable choice for beginners seeking an instrument that will grow with them as their skills progress.
Eastman MD305
The Eastman MD305 is another highly recommended mandolin for beginners. This F-style instrument offers superb value for its price, making it an attractive choice for those looking to invest in a quality mandolin without breaking the bank. The solid spruce top and maple back and sides result in a rich and vibrant tone that captures the essence of the mandolin’s unique sound. Craftsmanship is impeccable, ensuring excellent playability and durability. The Eastman MD305’s versatility makes it suitable for various playing styles and genres, allowing beginners to explore different musical avenues as they progress. For those who appreciate both aesthetics and sound quality, the Eastman MD305 is an instrument that delivers on all fronts.
Ibanez M510E
Ibanez is a top musical instrument maker from Japan, and has produced quality products for decades.
The Ibanez M510E is an excellent choice for beginners seeking an entry-level mandolin with the option to go electric. This A-style mandolin features a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, producing a warm and resonant sound that is a pleasure to hear. The built-in pickup and preamp system enable beginners to amplify their sound when performing live or recording, expanding the instrument’s versatility. The Ibanez M510E’s comfortable playability and exceptional value for money make it an attractive option for musicians who want to explore different performance opportunities as they progress on their musical journey.
Rogue RM-100A
For those on a tight budget or unsure about committing fully to the mandolin, the Rogue RM-100A is a fantastic option for beginners. This A-style mandolin offers surprising quality at an incredibly affordable price, making it an accessible entry point into the world of mandolin playing. While it may lack some of the finer details of higher-end models, it still produces a decent sound and is comfortable to play. The Rogue RM-100A provides beginners with a reliable instrument to test the waters and gauge their interest before investing in a more expensive model. For its price range, this mandolin offers exceptional value and acts as a stepping stone to more advanced instruments.
Washburn M1K
Washburn has been around for decades. It has a reputation for producing quality instruments that have been popular as they offer an ideal balance of price and quality.
The Washburn M1K is an excellent entry-level mandolin known for its playability and sound quality. This A-style mandolin features a spruce top with maple back and sides, resulting in a bright and balanced tone that showcases the instrument’s versatility. The Washburn M1K’s comfortable neck and quality build make it an ideal choice for beginners, enabling them to focus on developing their skills without any hindrances. Additionally, the Washburn M1K comes with a gig bag, picks, and a strap, providing added value for aspiring musicians who are starting from scratch. This bundled package equips beginners with the necessary accessories to kickstart their mandolin journey.
Fender Concert Tone A52E
Fender is among the best-known names in musical instrument manufacturing. It comes as no surprise that this legendary company also produces quality mandolins.
The Fender Concert Tone A52E is an excellent option for beginners seeking a versatile and visually appealing mandolin. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, offering a rich and resonant tone. The instrument comes equipped with a Fishman pickup and preamp system. This provides a excellent amplified sound quality for live performances or recording. In short, one of the best beginner mandolins on the market today.
Gretsch G9350 Park Avenue F-Mandolin
The Gretsch G9350 Park Avenue F-Mandolin is an excellent choice for beginners looking for an instrument with a vintage vibe. With a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, it produces a bright and punchy tone. The craftsmanship is outstanding, providing a comfortable playing experience. The Gretsch G9350 is a visually striking instrument that combines quality and style.
This instrument comes with the reputation and tradition that Gretsch is known for. With fantastic durability, you are all but guaranteed years of enjoyment with this mandolin.
Savannah SF-100
The Savannah SF-100 is a well-crafted A-style mandolin that provides a great starting point for beginners. It features a solid spruce top and maple back and sides, delivering a warm and balanced tone. The instrument’s playability and comfortable neck make it suitable for beginners who are learning the ropes of mandolin playing.
Selecting the best beginner mandolins sets the foundation for an aspiring musician’s musical journey. The ones above all offer a combination of quality, playability, and affordability. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preferences, budget constraints, and musical aspirations. Visit music stores, try out different models. Seek advice from experienced players to find the instrument that resonates with them the most. With the right mandolin in hand, beginners can unleash their creativity. This will allow you to explore the world of music, and embark on a fulfilling musical adventure.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. However, this list is curated by our team and we only recommend products we truly believe are the best and might use ourselves.
