BEST MANDOLIN FOR BEGINNERS - HOW TO CHOOSE A MANDOLIN
Hey everyone, How do you choose the best mandolin for beginners? This is a question we often get from our students, and we are definitely looking forward to writing about how to choose the best mandolin. Most beginners find that they don't really know where to start when it comes to purchasing their first mandolin. Here is some starter information on how to choose the best mandolin for beginners.
MANDOLIN A STYLE VERSUS F STYLE
First things first, A-Style and F-Style mandolins have the same amount of strings, and they are tuned the same, so what is the difference between an A-Style Mandolin and an F Style Mandolin? Basically, how they look. There are fantastic A-Style and F-Style mandolins; on the other hand, there are some crappy ones too. Keep in mind that every instrument will look different, feel different, sound different, and play differently.
A-STYLE MANDOLIN
An A-style mandolin will be shaped more like a teardrop. Easy to remember this one because it has an A-shaped form.
F-STYLE MANDOLIN
You can remember which mandolin is the F Style because it has two F-holes. The F-style mandolin will also have two distinctive scrolls. Some may say it looks a little fancier.
WHICH IS BETTER A-STYLE OR F-STYLE?
Which one would be better for me? Well, there is really no answer to this. It's completely up to you which style you like better. We find that the more popular mandolin for bluegrass and country artists tend to use the F-Style. The old-timey and folk musicians seem to use the A-Style, but again, this isn't the rule. It is really based on preference, your preference. Which do you like better? You will have to feel it, touch it, hear it, and play it to really determine which is the best mandolin for you.
BEST MANDOLIN FOR A BEGINNER
We'll give you different levels of mandolins that would be appropriate to get you started in different price ranges. The first is the least expensive by far out of the three. This will have an upgrade of wood quality over the standard fair of cheap student china mandolin. This will sound a little better, play a little easier, and stay a little better in tune over most of your inexpensive under $100 mandolins.
F-STYLE MANDOLIN OPTIONS
Chuck plays an F-Style mandolin, so that is what we are gonna tell you about first.
F-STYLE OPTION #1
Ibanez F-Style Mandolin Dark Violin Sunburst This comes in at $330 and would be an upgrade over your basic model that is under $100 Beginner F-Style Mandolin
F-STYLE OPTION #2
The Loar Performer F-Style Mandolin
F-STYLE OPTION #3
Eastman F-Style Mandolin with F-Holes, with padded gig bag
F-STYLE OPTION #4
Eastman F-Style Mandolin, F-Holes, with hard case
A-STYLE MANDOLINS OPTIONS
A-STYLE OPTION #1
Dark Violin Sunburst Mandolin
This comes in at $170 and would be an upgrade over your basic model, which is under $100. Beginner Mandolin
A-STYLE OPTION #2
Eastman All Solid Wood A-Style Mandolin
The second one is quite a step up in quality and in price. It's hand-varnished, features an Engelman Spruce top, and is hand-varnished. The less expensive Made in China violins will have a lacquer finish. The lacquer finish is the same type of finish that might be used on a dining room table. It's hard and durable but doesn't allow the violin to vibrate as much as it needs to sound good. This is why cheap Chinese violins sound so tinny. The Engelman Spruce Top is also a huge upgrade in the quality of wood, upgrading the warmth of the tone coming out of the violin. This violin comes in at just under $900.
A-STYLE OPTION #3
Eastman Sitka/Maple A-Style Oval Hole Mandolin
The third opinion is the best option, as the grade of wood gets higher yet to Alpine Italian Spruce. What this means is that they've taken wood from a pine tree that only grows at a certain elevation on the mountainside. In this environment, the wood produces the best sound that comes from these types of woods typically. This is also the next step up in craftsmanship as well, as the wood is "graduated."
What this means is that the luthier spent the time to "tonally" carve the top, bottom, and sides so that the violin will have a complex depth of tone and, moreover, sound even as you make your way through the strings. Also, this violin is hand varnished. When you pair the features of high-quality wood, high-quality craftsmanship, and high-quality finish, you'll have a louder instrument that responds to your playing, allowing you the play better and faster.
OTHER ACCESSORIES YOU MAY WANT
STRINGS, TUNER, ARMREST BACK, GUARD STRAP
QUESTION OF THE DAY
What was the thing that happened to get you interested in learning to play the mandolin?
PRO TIP
Mandolin is a great instrument to learn to play. Playing music along with others is even better; no matter what level you are at, even if you only know one chord, start playing music with others. You will most likely progress faster by doing so.
Hopefully, this article on how to choose the best mandolins for beginners has been helpful. We really hope this helps depict what's available in the marketplace for students and gives you some background data on why they are priced as they are. This information should help you make a well-informed decision when you pick out your first or next mandolin. Keep pickin' and grinnin' Chuck and Sandi Millar
BUDGET UNDER $100 MANDOLIN RECOMMENDATION This mandolin will do the trick if your budget is under $100. Beginner Mandolin If you can squeeze a little bit more out of your budget, go with Mandolin Option #1.
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If you are interested in learning to play the mandolin, check out our Mandolin Courses or All Lesson Pros Courses.