10 Best Mandolins 2025 in the United States

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 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 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.