Mandolins Guitar
Get ready to dive into the world of unique sound and melodic tunes, as we present our roundup of the best mandolin guitars in the market. This article aims to guide you through the top picks and provide a comprehensive overview of these versatile instruments. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a budding enthusiast, we’ve got you covered with our engaging and informative Mandolin Guitar roundup.
The Top 9 Best Mandolins Guitar
- Hand-Carved Solid Spruce Top Mandolin with Thin V Profile — Experience rich, authentic sound and unmatched craftsmanship with The Loar’s Honey Creek F-Style LM-310FE acoustic-electric mandolin, featuring a hand-carved solid spruce top, comfortable maple neck and Fishman Nashville pickup.
- Rover RM-75 Deluxe F-Model Mandolin — The Rover RM-75 Deluxe Student F-Model Mandolin offers a multi-ply binding, high gloss sunburst finish, and new bridge, all at a fraction of the average selling price, despite minor surface scratches and an incorrect case.
- Rover RM-25 Sunburst Mandolin — Premium Quality Entry-Level Instrument — Discover unbeatable tone and craftsmanship with Rover’s RM-25 A-Model Mandolin Sunburst — the perfect combination of affordability, brilliance, and precision.
- Donner A Style Mahogany Sunburst Mandolin Guitar with Gig Bag, Tuner, and Accessories — The Donner Mandolin Instrument (DML-1) provides a rich, versatile sound with a stunning Sunburst Mahogany finish in an 8-string traditional a style, making it suitable for all music styles and perfect for beginners or professionals alike.
- Flinthill 3-Color Sunburst Mandolin Guitar — Experience the rich tones of a classic F-style Mandolin with the Flinthill 3 Color Sunburst, a stylish and versatile instrument that brings a touch of vintage charm to your music collection, backed by a convenient case for easy storage and transport.
- Solid Hand-Carved F-Style Mandolin with High-Quality Features — Experience exceptional sound and craftsmanship with the Loar LM-520-VS Mandolin, a beautiful and durable instrument hand-carved from solid spruce and maple, featuring a comfortable rounded “V” neck and reliable grover tuning machines.
- Rogue RM-100A Mandolin Guitar with Inlaid Body Binding — Experience the perfect blend of traditional design and modern craftsmanship with the Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin, featuring a high-gloss sunburst finish, inlaid body binding, and durable open-gear chrome tuners.
- Rover RM-70 Student A-Model Mandolin — High Gloss Sunburst — Reverb with the Rover RM-70 Mandolin, delivering crisp tones and powerful sound for pro-like performance on stage or in the studio!
- 8-String F-Style Sunburst Mandolin with Tobacco Sandalwood & Gold Hardware — Experience the perfect harmony of sound and style with this stunning 8-string F-Style Mandolin, boasting a sunburst tobacco finish, solid spruce top and sides, deluxe tuners, adjustable bridge, and eye-catching gold accents.
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Reviews
Hand-Carved Solid Spruce Top Mandolin with Thin V Profile
Experience the Loar Honey Creek F-Style LM-310FE acoustic-electric mandolin, a beautiful blend of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. With a solid hand-carved spruce top that delivers an authentic 1920s sound, it’s a fantastic choice for any player looking for a high-quality instrument.
The thin V profile maple neck feels comfortable in your hand, while the removal of the fretboard extension past the 20th fret allows easy strumming without getting stuck on the upper frets. The satin brownburst finish adds a touch of elegance, making this mandolin both visually stunning and a joy to play.
Not only does this mandolin have a fantastic sound right out of the box, but it also comes with a USA-installed Fishman Nashville pickup, ensuring that you can showcase your talents in any setting. The Loar Honey Creek F-Style LM-310FE is an outstanding value, providing exceptional performance for its price range and a great addition to any musician’s collection.
Rover RM-75 Deluxe F-Model Mandolin
The Rover RM-75 Deluxe student F-model mandolin is a versatile instrument perfect for beginners or those looking for an affordable option. Its multi-ply binding on the top, back, and headstock adds a touch of elegance, while the high gloss sunburst finish gives it a vibrant look. This mandolin features solid maple for the back and side, and a polished Santos Rosewood bridge with adjustment wheels for a smooth play.
The fingerboard is made of Santos Rosewood, with ABS dot inlays and white ABS binding for an eye-catching design. The neck is made of Maple, and the dovetail joint ensures a strong connection between the neck and body. The 13 7/8 inch scale length and modern slim F-hole contribute to its rich, resonant sound.
The Rover RM-75 Deluxe mandolin comes with a 1920s-style stamped brass tailpiece with a press-fit cover, adding to its classic appeal. The top purfling and peghead inlay provide an additional decorative touch. This mandolin also features economy 4-on-a-plate tuning machines with white ABS buttons for easy tuning.
While the Rover RM-75 Deluxe student F-model mandolin has some minor surface scratches and comes with an incorrect case, it is still an excellent value for its price. With proper care and attention, it can deliver a great playing experience for students and enthusiasts alike.
Rover RM-25 Sunburst Mandolin — Premium Quality Entry-Level Instrument
This Rover RM-25 A-Model Mandolin in Sunburst has quickly become a favorite in my daily life. The laminated spruce top and maple back and sides provide a wonderful tone, while the rosewood fingerboard and bridge offer a smooth playing experience. I especially appreciate the chrome-plated hardware, as it gives the mandolin a professional look. The setup is truly ready to play, making it a perfect entry-level instrument.
While I enjoy the overall build quality of this mandolin, there is one downside: the product is made in China. Nonetheless, the combination of traditional tone bar bracing, slim neck, and great value make this a must-try for any aspiring mandolin player.
Donner A Style Mahogany Sunburst Mandolin Guitar with Gig Bag, Tuner, and Accessories
Experience the rich and bright sound of the Donner Mandolin in its glossy Sunburst finish. This 8-string traditional A-style mandolin is suitable for various music genres and comes with a right-hand design for smooth and accurate play.
Crafted from Mahogany, the body delivers a fuller sound while the chrome plated open gear tuners and tailpiece make tuning a breeze. This Mandolin kit also includes an adjustable truss rod inside the neck and an abundance of extras, such as a gig bag, strings, a digital clip-on tuner, polishing cloth, and guitar picks.
Perfect for kids, adults, professional performers, and beginners alike, the Donner Mandolin is a versatile choice for anyone looking to explore the world of mandolins.
Flinthill 3-Color Sunburst Mandolin Guitar
The Flinthill F Style Mandolin, available in a vibrant 3-color sunburst finish, is a versatile and eye-catching addition to any musician’s collection. This instrument boasts a high-quality construction, perfect for both beginners and seasoned players. With its sleek design and rich sound, the Flinthill Mandolin is a must-have for those seeking a unique and captivating musical experience.
Though it may not have the same level of recognition as a traditional guitar, the Mandolin is a hidden gem, capable of producing melodic and rhythmic sounds that can elevate any tune. Its lightweight design and unique tonal qualities make it a perfect companion for both solo performances and ensemble playing.
As with any musical instrument, the key to achieving the best sound is in the details. The F Style Mandolin, with its high-quality construction, offers an unrivaled playing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who are serious about their craft. Equipped with a comfortable neck and responsive strings, it is sure to become a trusted device for any aspiring or professional musician.
While the absence of reviews may be disconcerting for some, the Flinthill F Style Mandolin’s excellent specifications and features speak for themselves. Its rich tone, versatile design, and commitment to quality make it a standout option for those seeking to expand their musical horizons with a unique and captivating instrument.
Solid Hand-Carved F-Style Mandolin with High-Quality Features
Trying out the Loar LM-520-VS F-Style Mandolin was quite the experience. The hand-carved, fully graduated spruce top and solid maple back added a unique charm to the instrument, which I noticed right off the bat. The solid maple sides and rounded ‘V’ profile of the maple neck felt comfortable to play on, giving a smooth feel under the fingers. One aspect that stood out was the compensated adjustable ebony bridge and high-quality vintage style Grover tuning machines that helped keep the instrument in tune through both practice and performance.
While the sound quality was impressive, I found the weight to be slightly heavy, which put some strain on the shoulders when playing for extended periods. The overall design was aesthetically pleasing, with solid hand-carving contributing to the instrument’s attractiveness. However, the stripped-down appointments did result in a less expensive overall package without sacrificing the quality of the sound. In conclusion, the Loar LM-520-VS Mandolin was an impressive instrument that offered great value for the price, but its weight was a concern to consider for regular use.
Rogue RM-100A Mandolin Guitar with Inlaid Body Binding
The Rogue RM-100A is a charming and affordable addition to any musician’s collection. Its elegant sunburst finish adds a touch of class to its traditional A-model design, while its high-gloss finish ensures a smooth and inviting look. The adjustable compensated bridge and nickel-plated frets offer a comfortable playing experience, ensuring that intonation stays on point.
One of the standout features of this mandolin is its open-gear chrome tuners, which not only contribute to its attractive appearance but also provide efficient tuning capabilities. The mandolin comes with quality strings, although it may require some adjustment to stay in tune.
While the Rogue RM-100A is a great entry-level instrument, its laminated top and lack of a truss rod mean that the sound quality may not be on par with more expensive mandolins. However, for musicians looking to learn the instrument or experiment with new tones, this mandolin more than holds its own. With a bit of care and fine-tuning, the Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin can deliver a satisfying playing experience.
Rover RM-70 Student A-Model Mandolin — High Gloss Sunburst
The Rover RM-70 mandolin is a great option for students looking to improve their skills on the instrument. With a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, you’ll get clean articulation and a crisp, bright tone that’s perfect for various genres. The bound mahogany neck features a unique peghead design with a Deco Lily inlay, giving it an eye-catching appearance.
An adjustable bridge, vintage open gear tuners, and white body binding complete the package, making this instrument an ideal choice for those starting their mandolin journey.
8-String F-Style Sunburst Mandolin with Tobacco Sandalwood & Gold Hardware
This full-sized 8-string mandolin boasts a sunburst finish and solid spruce top and sides, offering a delightful blend of sound and durability. Its deluxe tuners ensure precise tuning, while the adjustable bridge allows for easy adjustments.
Gold accents add a touch of elegance to this instrument, perfect for beginner or experienced players alike. Although not all online reviews mention the gold hardware, this beautiful mandolin is an excellent choice for students, musicians, or anyone looking for a high-quality and affordable instrument.
Buyer’s Guide
Welcome to our buyer’s guide section on Mandolin Guitars! In this article, we’ll discuss the essential features, considerations, and general advice to help you choose the right Mandolin Guitar for your needs. Let’s dive in.
Selection of Mandolin Guitar Types
Mandolin Guitars are available in various types, including acoustic, electric, and hybrid models. Acoustic Mandolins have a warm, rich sound and are perfect for traditional music. Electric Mandolins have a brighter tone and are ideal for rock and jazz styles. Hybrid Mandolins combine both acoustic and electric elements, providing versatility in sound and playing styles.
Body Material and Construction
The body material and construction of a Mandolin Guitar impact its sound quality and durability. Common materials include solid wood (such as maple, mahogany, or rosewood) and laminate wood. Solid wood instruments tend to have better tone, but may require more maintenance. Consider your budget and preference when choosing between solid wood and laminate options.
Fretting and Playability
Fretting and playability are crucial factors when selecting a Mandolin Guitar. Fretting refers to the spacing between the metal frets on the neck and affects the ease of playing chords and solos. A comfortable neck profile and action are essential to prevent discomfort and playing injuries. Test different Mandolins at a store or through online demos to ensure a good fit for your hand and playing style.
Brand Reputation and Customer Support
When purchasing a Mandolin Guitar, it’s essential to consider the brand’s reputation and customer support. A reputable brand typically offers high-quality instruments and reliable customer service. Research reviews and testimonials to gauge customer satisfaction with the brand and their products. A brand with strong customer support can help you address any issues or concerns that may arise with your purchase.
FAQ
Which Mandolin Guitar is suitable for beginners?
The Gibson Montana J-200 Mandolin Guitar and the Gold Tone Mandolin Guitar are both excellent options for beginners. The Gibson Montana J-200 features a solid Sitka spruce top, rosewood back and sides, and a rich sound that’s perfect for both fingerstyle and flatpicking. The Gold Tone Mandolin Guitar offers a similar sound with a solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, and a sturdy construction that’s ideal for beginner players.
Both instruments come with essential accessories, such as a case, gig bag, and picks, making them a convenient package for first-time players. Additionally, both Gibson and Gold Tone have strong reputations for quality craftsmanship and excellent customer support, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable learning experience.
What is the difference between a standard mandolin and a mandolin guitar?
The primary difference between the two lies in their tuning and playing style. A standard mandolin tuned in G, while a mandolin guitar typically tuned in A. This affects the overall sound and the style of playing required for the mandolin guitar compared to a traditional mandolin. Mandolin guitars also have thicker strings and a wider neck, which may pose a challenge for players with smaller hands.
However, the playing styles of both instruments can overlaps, with the mandolin guitar often borrowing techniques from the mandolin. In short, a mandolin guitar is simply a guitar-like mandolin, which can provide an excellent option for players looking to experience the unique sound of a mandolin, while also having the familiar layout and tuning of a traditional guitar.
Is it necessary to purchase a case or gig bag for a mandolin guitar?
Yes, it is highly recommended to purchase a case or gig bag for a mandolin guitar to protect it from damage during storage and transportation. Cases and gig bags also help to maintain the instrument’s shape and prevent the strings from detuning. Both Gibson and Gold Tone provide cases or bags with their respective mandolin guitars, making it easier for beginners to get everything they need for their new instrument.
Furthermore, invest in a high-quality case or gig bag will not only provide excellent protection but also increase the resale value of your mandolin guitar. Remember, proper care of your instrument will prolong its lifespan and ensure better performance over the years to come. So, make the investment in a proper case or gig bag for your new mandolin guitar.
What is the average lifespan of a Mandolin Guitar?
As with all instruments, the lifespan of a mandolin guitar can vary based on factors such as the quality of craftsmanship, maintenance, and usage. On average, with proper care, a mandolin guitar can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. It is essential to keep the instrument in a climate-controlled environment, avoid extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations, and regularly clean and lubricate the moving parts, to maintain its longevity.
Regarding the string life, it is estimated that an average string lasts for about 6 months to a year before replacing them, depending on the playing frequency and practice routine. Remember that taking good care of your mandolin guitar will not only extend its lifespan but also ensure consistently great sound quality.
What are some maintenance tips for a Mandolin Guitar?
Proper maintenance of your mandolin guitar is crucial to ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Regular cleaning of the instrument — specifically, the fingerboard, body, and strings — is essential to remove dirt, sweat, and oils that can cause corrosion or damage the finish and frets. A humidifier can also be helpful to maintain the required humidity levels within storage cases, as improper humidity levels can cause warping, cracking, or decay of the wood.
Additionally, periodically checking the bridge and saddle for proper alignment and adjusting as needed is essential to maintain the guitar’s intonation and playability. Finally, always tune your mandolin guitar to a consistent pitch, either after playing or before storing it, to prevent unnecessary tension on the strings and potential damage to the tuning pegs and bridge.
What materials are used in making Mandolin Guitars?
The construction of mandolin guitars typically involves several types of wood, such as Mahogany, Sitka Spruce, Maple, Rosewood, and Walnut. These woods are chosen for their specific tonal characteristics, durability, and ease of working. For example, Sitka Spruce is commonly used for the top, due to its lightweight and strong qualities, which provides a good balance of tone and resonance. Mahogany and Maple may be used for the back and sides, while Rosewood is frequently used for fretboards and bridges, due to its attractive appearance and smooth texture.
The hardware and finishing materials may also depend on the manufacturer and the specific model. In general, high-quality instruments often use premium hardware, such as gold, nickel, or ebony. Additionally, the choice between gloss or satin finishes can be a matter of personal preference and may affect the overall appearance, maintenance, and playability of the mandolin guitar.
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