Mandolins in Fretted Instruments & Accessories(176)

How do I know what mandolin body style to get?

F-style mandolins are most often ornate and have body points on the lower side for resting on the thigh when playing. If you'll be sitting frequently while playing, an F-style is a good choice. The A-style is teardrop shaped or oval and has an arched back like a violin making it easy to hold when standing to play. Bowl back mandolins have a bowl-shaped back and thinner neck that can make it more difficult to play. However, it is a popular choice for playing jazz and classical music.

Do all shapes of mandolins produce the same sound?

The tone of the three shapes does differ. A- and F- shape mandolins have a similar tone, and the bowl-back produces a deeper sound than the A and F styles.

How do I choose my first mandolin?

You can select your mandolin by looks, sound, or the style of music you're playing. A-style mandolins are mostly used for Celtic and folk music. F-style mandolins are for bluegrass. Bowl back mandolins are almost exclusively for classical music.