10 Best Mandolins 2025 in the United States

The Eastman MD615 is an F-style acoustic-electric mandolin that stands out for its quality craftsmanship and classic design. Its body features a maple back and sides, which generally provide bright, clear tones and good projection—great for players looking for that traditional mandolin sound. The top is made of a combination of ebony, maple, and spruce, which offers a balanced blend of warmth from spruce and clarity from maple and ebony. This mix of woods should appeal to someone wanting a versatile tone.

Eastman instruments typically have comfortable necks suitable for both beginners and experienced players. The mandolin is also equipped for acoustic-electric play, making it useful for live performances or studio work where amplification is needed. Weighing around 8.5 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, which might affect comfort during long sessions. Customer reviews are very positive, praising its sound quality and build.

This mandolin is a solid choice for players seeking a traditional F-style model with a distinctive wood combination and reliable performance, especially if they plan to use amplification.

The Washburn 8-String Mandolin in Trans Wine Red is an attractive option for mandolin enthusiasts, particularly those who favor acoustic instruments. The body style and finish are visually appealing, with the wine red color giving it a distinctive appearance. The top wood is solid carved European spruce, which is known for its excellent tonal quality, while the back and sides are made from solid carved Canadian maple, contributing to a robust and durable construction.

The neck is also maple, which is a reliable choice for stability and strength. The fretboard is made of rosewood, adding warmth to the playability and sound of the mandolin. The ebony bridge system is a higher-end feature that ensures precise intonation and added durability. With a scale length suitable for comfortable playing, this mandolin is designed to meet the needs of intermediate to advanced players.

However, the weight of the instrument, at 10.45 pounds, may be a bit heavy for some users, especially if they plan to play for extended periods. The combination of quality materials and craftsmanship makes this Washburn mandolin a solid choice for those looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing acoustic mandolin.

The Kentucky KM-750 is an 8-string mandolin that stands out with its beautiful sunburst finish and high-quality materials. The solid German spruce carved top provides a crisp and bright tone, making it ideal for clean articulation. The solid flamed Alpine maple back and sides add extra projection and depth, giving the instrument a rich and resonant sound.

The slim Alpine maple neck ensures effortless playability, allowing for comfortable and easy action. Additionally, the Santos Rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth and responsive playing experience, which is important for more advanced techniques and extended playing sessions. The high-gloss sunburst finish adds a touch of classic beauty to the instrument, making it visually appealing.

However, it is important to note that the Kentucky KM-750 is a manual operation mandolin, which may not be suitable for beginners looking for an electric option. With an item weight of 1.7 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle, but the overall length of 27.63 inches might be slightly cumbersome for younger players or those with smaller hands. Despite its higher price point, the quality of materials and craftsmanship make the Kentucky KM-750 a great option for intermediate to advanced mandolin players looking for a traditional and well-crafted instrument.