Mandolin Store: How to Choose Your Perfect Mandolin Store

How to Choose Your Perfect Mandolin Store

Thinking about buying a new mandolin? The search can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. With so many brands, styles, and price points to consider, finding the right instrument is a challenge in itself. But before you even decide on an F-style or A-style, or what kind of tone you're looking for, there's an even more critical first step: choosing the right mandolin store.

A great mandolin store is more than just a place that sells instruments. It's a partner in your musical journey, a source of expert knowledge, and a place that ensures you get an instrument that is truly ready to play. As co-owner and CEO of The Acoustic Shoppe, Jeremy Chapman has dedicated his life to acoustic instruments. With over 36 years of experience, he has had the privilege of playing thousands of mandolins, from a humble $89 "Savannah" to an iconic $189,000 "Gibson Lloyd Loar." His experience has taken him from performing on the Grand Ole Opry to authoring the "Do It Yourself Mandolin" book for Hal Leonard and teaching over 500 private students. This passion for these instruments is the foundation of The Acoustic Shoppe. We live and breathe acoustic instruments, and our commitment is to help you find the perfect mandolin for your needs, no matter your skill level or budget.

So, how do you sort through the sea of options and find a mandolin store that you can trust?

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What is the most important service a mandolin store can offer?

When you're looking to buy a mandolin, the most critical service a store can provide is expert knowledge and setup. This is a topic that is often overlooked by first-time buyers, but it is, without a doubt, the single most important factor in how an instrument plays and sounds. A "setup" refers to a series of adjustments made by a qualified luthier or technician to ensure the instrument is performing at its best. This includes setting the action (the height of the strings over the fretboard), adjusting the truss rod, filing the nut slots, and intonating the bridge.

Think about it this way: a mandolin with a poor setup can be incredibly frustrating to play. High action can make the strings feel like they're a mile high, making it difficult to fret chords and play melodies cleanly. This is a common issue with many instruments right out of the factory. Many online retailers or big-box stores ship instruments directly from the manufacturer without ever inspecting or adjusting them. At The Acoustic Shoppe, we believe this is a disservice to the player. Every mandolin that leaves our shop undergoes a meticulous, expert inspection to confirm setup meets ours and the manufacturer's specs, what we call our "Ready to Play" inspection. We do this to ensure your mandolin is an instrument you'll love playing from day one, not one that you'll have to take to a local luthier for costly repairs just to make it playable.

What should you look for in a mandolin store's expertise?

A reputable mandolin store should have a deep understanding of the instruments they sell. This goes beyond just knowing the brand names. They should know the differences in tonewoods, the nuances of different builders, and the specific setups required for various playing styles. For example, a bluegrass player might prefer a different setup than a classical player.

At The Acoustic Shoppe, our expertise is built on decades of hands-on experience. We've seen it all, from vintage Gibson F-5's to modern Eastman mandolins. In fact, our passion for Eastman instruments led us to become the #1 Eastman Mandolin and Guitar dealer in the world. This isn't just a title; it's a testament to our deep relationship with the brand, one that allows us to provide direct feedback to the builders and even collaborate on new designs. When you buy from us, you're not just getting an instrument; you're getting the accumulated knowledge of a team that has helped shape the instruments themselves.

Why does a store's return policy matter?

Even with the best setup and most knowledgeable staff, sometimes an instrument just isn't the right fit. A transparent and player-friendly return policy is a hallmark of a great mandolin store. It shows that the store stands behind its products and is committed to your satisfaction. Our Dread-Not Guaranty is a testament to this philosophy. 

Ready to Play Mandolins

• A-Style Mandolins: These instruments are often the most affordable and are perfect for beginners. They typically have a rounder, more mellow tone and are an excellent entry point into the world of mandolin.

• F-Style Mandolins: With their iconic scroll and points, F-style mandolins are a staple in bluegrass music. They generally produce a louder, more punchy sound, making them ideal for cutting through a jam session.

• Acoustic-Electric Mandolins: For the performing musician, an acoustic-electric mandolin offers the best of both worlds. These instruments are equipped with a pickup, allowing you to plug into an amplifier for live performance or studio recording.

Can you find a quality mandolin store online?

Absolutely. The digital age has made it possible to access incredible instruments from around the globe. The key is to find an online mandolin store that operates with the same principles as a top-notch local shop. Look for a store that:

• Provides high-quality, detailed photos of the exact instrument you will receive.

• Offers an "in-hand" description or video review of the specific instrument.

• Has a dedicated customer service team that is easy to reach and is staffed by knowledgeable musicians.

• Ships instruments safely and securely, with proper insurance.

• Offers a strong return policy, like our Dread-Not Guaranty.

We believe that our online presence is an extension of our physical store. That's why we create in-depth videos for many of our instruments, showcasing their unique tone and features. We want you to feel as if you're holding the mandolin in your hands, even when you're thousands of miles away.

What about the people behind the store?

The most valuable asset of any mandolin store is its people. The staff should be passionate musicians themselves, people who understand the joy of playing and the challenges of learning. The journey of Jeremy Chapman and his brothers with the mandolin began over three decades ago and has taken him from local stages to national ones. This passion for music and instruments is what led the Chapman brothers to found The Acoustic Shoppe. We're not just business owners; we're players, teachers, and luthiers who love what we do. Our team is here to share that passion and ensure you have an exceptional experience, from your very first mandolin to your next heirloom instrument.

Ready to find your perfect mandolin?

Choosing the right mandolin store is the first and most important step in finding an instrument you'll cherish for a lifetime. At The Acoustic Shoppe, we’ve built our business on the foundation of expertise, quality, and a genuine love for acoustic instruments. From our renowned "Ready to Play" inspection to our no-hassle Dread-Not Guaranty, we are committed to making your mandolin buying experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We invite you to explore our unmatched selection of new and used mandolins, including our extensive inventory of Eastman Mandolins, and see why musicians around the world trust us with their passion.