Beginner's Guide to Buying a Mandolin

There are many things to take into consideration when buying a first instrument of any kind. What is your budget? What do you expect from your instrument? Will you buy locally or online?

Now as to the mandolin particulars, there are several things to consider. Do you want acoustic or electric? Do you want a mandolin, or a mandolin offspring, such as a mandola or a banjo mandolin? Do you want a loud or a soft sound?

Ideally the best way to begin the mandolin selection process is to borrow a mandolin. If someone can lend you an old Gibson A model then you are well on your way to understanding how a solid, well-made ‘A style’ can sound. But even the loan of a poor-quality mandolin will help you learn what to avoid when you make your own purchase.

Another thing to try is to find a friend who plays a mandolin and take them to your local music shop. You and your friend should play as many mandolins as you have time for. Play outside your price range, on both the low and high side.

Ask lots of questions of your friend and of the music store owner. What do they like best in your price range and why? What is most popular with other beginners and why? Which ones are easiest to play and why? Which ones are most durable and why? Try a lot of different picks, as mandolins react differently to each type.

Does it matter to you if the mandolin is made in North America or in a different country? The cheapest instruments are mostly made in Asia, particularly Korea and China. You might be able to lower your price by one hundred dollars or more if you ask questions about where the mandolin is manufactured. Still you will probably be looking at a price of at least several hundred dollars for anything that sounds halfway decent and is reasonably comfortable to play. Remember to allow an extra fifty to one hundred dollars for the 'set up' of a new instrument from a music shop.

The first big question you face when selecting a mandolin is: ‘A style’ or ‘F style?’ You will immediately notice there is a significant price difference between the two. You can spend about a thousand dollars less by sticking with the ‘A style’ mandolins. The ‘A style’ mandolins are tear drop shaped and are the favorite of old-time musicians. The ‘F style’ mandolins are more ornate, and have the signature scroll shape. Bluegrass mandolin players prefer the ‘F style’ mandolins.

Now what about the sound hole? You can get either f-shaped or oval-shaped sound holes in both ‘A’ and ‘F’ style mandolins. What is the difference in these two sound holes? There are many opinions about which is better and why, but it is generally agreed that if you want more projection, choose the f-shaped sound hole. If you want better tone, then choose the oval shaped sound hole. You will see little to no difference between an ‘A style’ or ‘F style’ in music quality.

Unlike most other entry-level instruments, Kentucky mandolins have a convex rather than a flat fret board. The convex fret board of Kentucky mandolins makes them more ergonomic and easier to play than mandolins with flat fret boards. The truss rod of Kentucky mandolins gives them ample longevity. Kentucky mandolins are smaller than a typical mandolin and also lighter in weight. The compact design of a Kentucky mandolin makes it easier to play and many beginners choose a Kentucky mandolin for their first instrument.

Pay more attention to how the mandolin sounds and its ease of playing, rather than model numbers or brand names. Higher cost does not always mean better. The more instruments you try out before you buy, the more satisfied you will be with your choice. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to know what different mandolins feel and sound like, and to decide what is important to you.

Take your time with your selection. If you are lucky enough to have a local music shop, find out when the jam sessions are and attend. Talk to the mandolin players and get their advice. You might even find a nice used beginner’s mandolin for sale that way.

If you choose to buy online, choose a website that is connected to a ‘brick-and-mortar’ store that offers warranties, guarantees, and has a written return policy.

Enjoy yourself as you begin a new musical journey. There is joy in trying out many mandolins and then finding the one that ‘speaks to you.’

To all beginners, the best advice I can give is to ask questions, try out a lot of mandolins of all styles, manufacturers, models, and price ranges. Then choose the one that plays easily, sounds good to you, and is one that you can afford.