10 Best Mandolin Instruments 2025 in the United States

The Kentucky KM-656 8-String Mandolin in Transparent Brown is designed with traditional aesthetics and quality materials. The solid German spruce top ensures a clean, bright tone with excellent articulation, which is ideal for both beginners and experienced players looking for a crisp sound. The solid Alpine maple back and sides add to the instrument's punchy sound, enhancing volume and projection.

The high-gloss finish not only looks beautiful but also provides added durability. The Santos Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability, making it comfortable to navigate the frets. Weighing 6.07 pounds, it's manageable to handle for most players.

It's important to note that the mandolin is manually operated, so it may require tuning and regular maintenance by the user. This mandolin could be a great fit for someone who values traditional craftsmanship, quality materials, and a bright, punchy sound.

The Kentucky 8-String Mandolin in Transparent Amber offers several notable features that make it a solid choice for mandolin players. The solid German spruce carved top provides clean articulation and a bright, crisp tone, making it well-suited for a variety of musical styles. The solid flamed Alpine maple back and sides add extra punch to the sound, perfect for producing strong, resonant notes. The slim one-piece flamed maple neck ensures comfortable playability, which is ideal for prolonged playing sessions, while the Santos Rosewood fingerboard contributes to a smooth playing experience.

Additionally, the high-gloss transparent amber finish gives the mandolin a traditional and visually appealing look. Weighing just 3.15 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport. On the downside, the Kentucky KM-752 is a manual operation mandolin, requiring tuning and maintenance, which might be less convenient for beginners.

This mandolin is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who appreciate quality craftsmanship and are looking for a reliable, aesthetically pleasing instrument to enhance their musical performance.

The Washburn Americana Series 8-string mandolin is crafted for those who appreciate traditional design and quality sound. With its F-style body and F-holes, this mandolin is designed to project sound effectively, making it ideal for bluegrass and folk music enthusiasts. The use of solid carved European spruce for the top and solid mahogany for the back and sides ensures a warm, resonant tone that many traditional players will admire. Its vintage sunburst color combined with the matte finish gives it a classic, appealing look, while the distressed hardware adds a touch of rustic charm.

The inclusion of D'addario J73 light gauge strings is beneficial for players looking for smooth playability and clear sound. Additionally, the ebony fretboard provides a smooth and comfortable playing surface. The mandolin is relatively lightweight at under 10 pounds, making it easy to handle and transport, and the provided hardshell case offers protection during transit.

This mandolin might not appeal to those looking for more modern features or electronics, as its operation is entirely manual. The vintage-style tuners, while aesthetically pleasing, might require more frequent adjustments to maintain tuning stability. It's also worth noting that this is a niche instrument, ranked #19 in mandolins, which suggests it may not be the first choice for all players, especially beginners who may benefit from a more versatile, entry-level instrument.

The Washburn Americana Series mandolin is a strong contender for players focusing on traditional styles who value craftsmanship and authentic sound. Its high-quality materials and vintage aesthetic offer a satisfying experience for seasoned mandolin players.