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Top-10 Mandolin For Beginners
Loved in the USA

Handpicked for quality & trusted by thousands of customers
#1
Top Rated in the USA
Vangoa LEF
Vangoa

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

Fast Delivery
10.0
534 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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1 242 bought in past month
#2
Vangoa F-S
Vangoa

Vangoa F-Style Mandolins Instrument 29-Fret, 8 String Acoustic Mandolin With Protective Plate, for Beginner Adults, Sunburst

5%OFF

Fast Delivery
10.0
32 reviews

Item still has Pre-Tariff price

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1 140 bought in past month
Last Purchases
Wi***am
San Francisco, CA
2d ago
Je***er
San Francisco, CA
2d ago
Jo***ph
Orlando, FL
1d ago
#3
Vangoa Man
Vangoa

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

9%OFF

Fast Delivery
10.0
534 reviews

Item still has Pre-Tariff price

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1 038 bought in past month
Very satisfied with what I got for the price.
ThomasPhoenix, AZ
#4
Vangoa Man
Vangoa

Vangoa Mandolin Instrument Mahogany Acoustic Electric A Style Mandolin Musical Instrument for Beginner Adults Teens Kids, Black

Fast Delivery
9.9
879 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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936 bought in past month
Curated products trusted bytrust us brands
#5
Donner A S
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

Fast Delivery
9.8
923 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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834 bought in past month
#6
Vangoa Man
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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9.6
19 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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732 bought in past month
#7
Mandolin,K
Kmise

Mandolin,Kmise A style Mandolins Instruments 8 String Spruce Musical Instrument with Tuner Strings Gig Bag Strap Picks for Adults Beginner

11%OFF

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9.3
42 reviews

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630 bought in past month
#8
ADM Acoust
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, Sunbrust

Fast Delivery
9.1
216 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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528 bought in past month
#9
Sunsmile A
Sunsmile

Sunsmile A-Style 8 String Acoustic Mandolin Guitar Instrument with Spruce Top F Holes Body Okoume Neck Rosewood Bridge for Beginners with Gig Bag, Cable, Tuner, Strings, Strap, Picks and Polish Cloth.

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8.8
7 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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426 bought in past month
#10
GUGY Mando
GUGY

GUGY Mandolin Instrument - A Style 8-Strings Mandolin Musical Instrument 27 Inch Mandolin for Beginners Mandolin Starter Kit with Gig Bag, Spare Strings, Digital Tuner, Capo, 3 Picks, Strap

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8.6
2 reviews

Solid Value from a Trusted Brand

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324 bought in past month

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Bluegrass
Music Sales

Bluegrass Mandolin - Instruction Book | Mandolin Sheet Music with Tablature and Classic Tunes | Learn Fingerwork and Techniques from Bluegrass Legends | Beginner to Advanced Mandolin Songbook

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

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

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,242
Sound
Body Material
Action and Setup

Most important from
534 reviews

Sound
The Vangoa mandolin boasts a magnificent sound, reminiscent of professional studio quality, which is remarkable for its price range.
Body Material
Beautifully crafted with classic looks and harmonious wood choices, this mandolin is a pleasure both visually and audibly.
Action and Setup
While setup might require some experience, the mandolin comes with good starting materials, making it a solid choice for those eager to explore mandolin music.

The Vangoa LEFT-HANDED Mandolin is specifically designed for left-handed beginners, offering a thoughtful approach to learning this instrument. Its traditional A-style body is made from mahogany, which gives it a warm and rich tone, ideal for various music genres. Although the tone is described as mild, it's also crisp and clean, making it suitable for different playing styles. The mandolin features 8 phosphor bronze strings, contributing to its ethereal sound.

This acoustic instrument is fairly lightweight at 3 pounds, with dimensions that make it portable and easy to handle. The considerate design includes anti-rust ABS top on the bridge, ensuring durability and longevity of the strings and bridge. Its simple structure and small size make it an inviting option for beginners who are ready to explore music without getting overwhelmed.

A distinct advantage is the all-in-one beginner kit, which includes picks, a strap, a tuner, an extra string set, a padded bag, and a pick-up. This comprehensive package ensures that new players have everything they need to get started without additional purchases. However, left-handed players specifically will appreciate this model, while right-handed players will need to look for alternatives. Some might find the tone not as powerful as higher-end mandolins since it's designed with beginners in mind. The action and setup are likely to be standard for entry-level instruments, which might require some adjustments for optimal playability.

The Vangoa LEFT-HANDED Mandolin is a great choice for left-handed beginners looking for a user-friendly, durable, and portable instrument that comes with a complete starter kit.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,242
Sound
Body Material
Action and Setup

Most important from
534 reviews

Sound
The Vangoa mandolin boasts a magnificent sound, reminiscent of professional studio quality, which is remarkable for its price range.
Body Material
Beautifully crafted with classic looks and harmonious wood choices, this mandolin is a pleasure both visually and audibly.
Action and Setup
While setup might require some experience, the mandolin comes with good starting materials, making it a solid choice for those eager to explore mandolin music.
#2

Vangoa F-Style Mandolins Instrument 29-Fret, 8 String Acoustic Mandolin With Protective Plate, for Beginner Adults, Sunburst

Rating
10.0
Tuning Machines
Action and Setup
Sound

Most important from
32 reviews

Tuning Machines
The tuners adjust easily and stay in tune well.
Action and Setup
The action feels a bit high, leading to quicker finger fatigue compared to other mandolins.
Sound
The mandolin features a beautiful finish and a bright sound.

The Vangoa F-Style Mandolin is an attractive option for beginner adults. Its F-style design with a polished sunburst finish and decorative scrollwork make it visually appealing. The body is made from AAA mahogany, which contributes to a tone that is both clear and warm. This is ideal for beginners who want a rich sound without complex adjustments.

The 29-fret, 8-string setup, combined with the alloy steel strings, ensures good resonance and action, making it easier for new players to produce a pleasant sound. The mandolin comes with a pre-installed pickguard, which is a thoughtful addition for protecting the instrument from scratches and damage during play. The open-style tuning pegs allow for easy adjustments, which is beneficial for beginners still getting the hang of tuning their instrument.

However, the manual craftsmanship, while offering a unique touch, might lead to inconsistencies compared to factory-made models. This can result in some variation in quality. Additionally, at nearly 5 pounds, it may be slightly heavy for some users. The all-in-one kit included with the mandolin is a great starter pack, making it convenient for new players. This mandolin is well-suited for beginners who appreciate a good balance of aesthetics, sound quality, and ease of use.

Rating
10.0
Tuning Machines
Action and Setup
Sound

Most important from
32 reviews

Tuning Machines
The tuners adjust easily and stay in tune well.
Action and Setup
The action feels a bit high, leading to quicker finger fatigue compared to other mandolins.
Sound
The mandolin features a beautiful finish and a bright sound.
#3

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

Rating
10.0
Sound

Most important from
534 reviews

Sound
The Vangoa Mandolin boasts a magnificent sound, capturing the essence of professional studio quality despite its affordable price.

The Vangoa Mandolin is a beginner-friendly instrument that combines quality and accessibility. It is designed in an A-style with a glossy sunburst finish, and it's crafted using AAA-grade mahogany for the neck and basswood for the body. This choice of materials offers a rich and warm tone, making it suitable for new players who are looking for a pleasant sound and durable construction.

The mandolin's lightweight design, coupled with a padded gig bag, makes it easy to transport, catering to beginners and musicians on the go. The instrument is accompanied by a beginner kit, which includes everything from a chord chart to a tuner, making it convenient for someone starting out. The open-style metal tuning pegs contribute to straightforward tuning, and the adjustable walnut bridge allows for low action, enhancing playability.

It is important to note that while basswood is an affordable and decent material, it may not produce the most resonant sound when compared to higher-end tonewoods. Some users may find the instrument's action requires adjustment for optimal comfort. Although the mandolin is marketed as suitable for both beginners and experienced players, seasoned musicians might seek a more advanced model with superior tonal quality and features.

Rating
10.0
Sound

Most important from
534 reviews

Sound
The Vangoa Mandolin boasts a magnificent sound, capturing the essence of professional studio quality despite its affordable price.

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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