How many strings do mandolins have?
A standard mandolin has eight metal strings grouped into four courses, or pairs. These four courses are tuned in ascending perfect fifths (G–D–A–E), the same as standard violin tuning.
Mandolins
Do mandolins come in different sizes?
Mandolins come in many different shapes and sizes. Three of the most common builds include flat-backed (common in Brazilian and English folk), round-backed or Neapolitan (common in European classical music), and carved-top (common in American bluegrass and folk). Beyond the standard eight-string model, you can also find mandolins with four, six, 10, and 12 strings.
What is an acoustic-electric mandolin?
Acoustic-electric mandolins include onboard electronics, allowing you to plug into an amp or PA for louder settings. Prefer to stay unplugged? Resonator mandolins trade traditional soundboards for metal cone resonators to produce a more cutting tone in the acoustic domain.
Are there different mandolin models?
The mandolin family includes piccolo, alto, tenor, bass, and even contrabass models. Still, the standard (and most common) mandolin is the soprano model, with a scale length typically around 14 inches.
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About Mandolins
In the United States, the mandolin is known as a back-porch instrument used in bluegrass, Americana, and folk music. But many enjoy the bright, nimble tone of the mandolin; Beethoven wrote for it, and composers such as Mahler, Stravinsky, Vivaldi, and Mozart worked it into their scores. A member of the lute family, the modern mandolin traces its roots to the 16th-century European mandore. Today, the mandolin is played worldwide in countless traditions: Irish jigs, American blues, rock, classical, Brazilian folk, and more.
Shop for Mandolins by Brand
Sweetwater carries a broad selection of mandolins for beginners, seasoned hobbyists, professional musicians, and everyone in between. Explore mandolins from popular manufacturers including Eastman, Gold Tone, The Loar, Washburn, Ibanez, Epiphone, and Gibson Custom. Sweetwater also carries mandolin accessories such as cases, tuners, straps, mandolin strings, stands, and more. If you want to expand your stringed repertoire, then step back into history with the distinctive tone of a mandolin.
Get Started with a New Mandolin
Ready to purchase your first or next mandolin? Sweetwater makes it easy. If you don’t know where to begin, then reach out to our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They’ll help you choose the right mandolin for you. Prefer to shop online? Sweetwater’s website has tools to narrow down your mandolin choices by brand, price, body shape, and more. Select your preferred specs in our convenient product filter and explore your options.
What are the most popular brands for Mandolins on Sweetwater.com?
What are the most popular Mandolins on Sweetwater.com?
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Eastman Guitars MDO305 A-style Octave Mandolin - Classic
5 out of 5 stars 6 reviews
$1,099.00 -
The Loar LM-310F-BRB Honey Creek F-style Mandolin - Satin Brownburst
4.5 out of 5 stars 6 reviews
$429.99 -
Eastman Guitars MD615 F-style Acoustic-electric Mandolin - Goldburst
5 out of 5 stars 2 reviews
$2,049.00 -
Ibanez M510 Mandolin - Dark Violin Sunburst High Gloss
4 out of 5 stars 10 reviews
$199.99 -
The Loar Honey Creek A-style Mandolin - Satin Brownburst
4.5 out of 5 stars 7 reviews
$379.99
Why shop Mandolins at Sweetwater.com?
With a massive selection of Mandolins, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support - and more - Sweetwater gives you more than any other retailer! If you have any questions about Mandolins, make sure to give your personal Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
