A-Style Mandolins

The main difference is aesthetic. A-Style mandolins are pear-shaped, while F-Style mandolins feature an ornamental scroll and points. Tonally, they are very similar, though F-Styles are traditionally preferred by bluegrass players for their "cutting" power. Because F-Styles are harder to build, an A-Style often gives you "more mandolin for your money."

Yes! Unlike big box stores that ship factory boxes, every mandolin from The Acoustic Shoppe undergoes our exclusive 23-Point Professional Setup. We adjust the truss rod, nut height, bridge position, and fret leveling to ensure your instrument plays easily and sounds its best the moment you unbox it.

We recommend starting with a high-quality solid-wood instrument that won't hold you back. The Eastman MD305 and Kentucky KM-150 are widely considered the gold standards for entry-level mandolins. They offer professional tone and build quality at an accessible price point.

Most of our mandolins (including Eastman and Weber) come with a hard shell case or a high-quality padded gig bag included in the price. Please check the individual product listing for specifics. If a case is not included, we stock a full selection of TKL and Travelite cases to protect your investment.

We want you to be 100% happy with your purchase. Our Dread-Not Guarantee includes free shipping on most orders, a generous return policy, and our promise that your instrument has been inspected and set up by our team of pros. We also offer a 1-year trade-up policy on select instruments.