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 Kentucky KM-670 Mandolin is a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality instrument with a classic look and warm, rich tone. One of its main strengths is its top wood made of solid German spruce, which contributes to its exceptional note clarity and volume. Additionally, the solid Alpine maple back and sides offer extra projection, making it a great option for live performances or recording sessions.

The slim Alpine one-piece maple neck ensures comfortable playability, while the radiused rosewood fingerboard with polished nickel silver frets offers a smooth playing experience. The high-gloss sunburst finish adds to its traditional beauty and luster, making it visually appealing as well. The mandolin comes with a bag, which is a handy addition for transportation and protection.

It's important to note that the high-gloss finish might show fingerprints and smudges easily, and the instrument's weight of 1.5 pounds is relatively light, which could affect its durability over time. The Kentucky KM-670 Mandolin is best suited for intermediate to advanced players who are looking for a quality instrument with great tone and classic aesthetics.

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.