Good Acoustic Mandolins Under $500
Kentucky Artist KM 252 Mandolin
Welcome! If you are just starting your search for information on mandolins, you should read about the mandolin; learn what to look for in one that is well made, and how to spot a good value, which is not necessarily the same as the price. A good value on a mandolin (or anything else for that matter) is getting good quality at a lower price than others of the same quality. Also along the way, you need to decide what YOU need, and want. If you are a serious beginner,and you are willing to spend the time to learn to play a mandolin, you don't want to just get the cheapest one out there, but rather one that sounds good, feels good to play, and is well made, so that it retains its value for a long time.
If you already have a mandolin, and want to upgrade your instrument and are not sure which model to choose, first spend some time understanding why you want or need a better one. What is it about the one you currently have that falls short? Once you identify those specifics, you can start looking for mandolins that meet those requirements.
On this site I try to address the needs of those people looking for a good quality beginner mandolin, and those reasonably priced models with good value that are also suitable for more experienced players who fly solo or play with a group. I have not reviewed the high end brand models (over$600), as yet. When I was trying to decide which acoustic mandolins to recommend to you that were under $500, I found that the best mandolins I knew of were all considerably lower cost than $500. These are the mandolins I know are solid, good choices for the mandolin player from beginner to intermediate, and suitable for performing.
If you already have a mandolin, and want to upgrade your instrument and are not sure which model to choose, first spend some time understanding why you want or need a better one. What is it about the one you currently have that falls short? Once you identify those specifics, you can start looking for mandolins that meet those requirements.
On this site I try to address the needs of those people looking for a good quality beginner mandolin, and those reasonably priced models with good value that are also suitable for more experienced players who fly solo or play with a group. I have not reviewed the high end brand models (over$600), as yet. When I was trying to decide which acoustic mandolins to recommend to you that were under $500, I found that the best mandolins I knew of were all considerably lower cost than $500. These are the mandolins I know are solid, good choices for the mandolin player from beginner to intermediate, and suitable for performing.
I have to admit, that I am partial to the Kentucky brand mandolins, especially the KM-272 which really stands out for me in value (quality vs price). Currently selling at under $400 at Amazon. Check out the discount pricing on the Kentucky line of mandolins here.
Oscar Schmidt OM10 Mandolin
I think the Oscar Schmidt OM10 is one of the best mandolins under $160. I almost put it in the Beginners section, but it's much better in quality for that. It's hard to find any mandolin player who has anything bad to say about it, but from Oscar Schmidt, that's not surprising. They have been making stringed instruments since the 1800's, and selling them at prices far below their value AND it has a lifetime warranty. Be sure and check on the Ovankol fret board option in case the Rosewood option is not in stock.
Savannah F Style: A Very Good Acoustic Mandolin Under $200
Savannah F Style Mandolin
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An Excellent Mandolin Starter Pack
Washburn M1-K Acoustic Mandolin
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