A mandolin with a price tag hangs in front of a vintage television set, surrounded by warm wooden decor and blurred musical instruments in the background.

Mandolins

Q: What is the difference between A-Style and F-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. Because F-Styles are harder to build, an A-Style often gives you more mandolin for your money.

Q: Does my mandolin come with a professional setup?

Yes! Unlike big box stores, 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.

Q: Do you include a case with your mandolins?

Most of our mandolins come with a hard shell case or a high-quality padded gig bag. Please check the individual product listing for specifics. If a case is not included, we stock a full selection of TKL and Travelite cases.

Q: What is the Dread-Not Guarantee?

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.

Shop the World’s Best Selection of Mandolins

Welcome to The Acoustic Shoppe, the premier destination for mandolin players worldwide. Whether you are looking for a beginner A-style, a professional F-style bluegrass cannon, or a custom-built heirloom, every instrument we sell includes our exclusive 23-Point Professional Setup and Dread-Not Guarantee.

We are the #1 Worldwide Dealer for Eastman and proudly stock new and used elite brands like Gibson, Bourgeois, Northfield, Weber, KLOS, and Bulas. Browse our inventory below to find the perfect mandolin that speaks to you.

Dread-Not Certified Used

A close-up of a light brown mandolin with black f-shaped sound holes, metal tailpiece, and six tuning pegs, lying on a textured, dark surface.

Why Buy Your Mandolin from The Acoustic Shoppe?

Unlike "box house" retailers that ship instruments untouched from the factory, we are a team of professional pickers and luthiers. We understand that a mandolin is an intricate instrument that requires precise setup to sound its best.

The 23-Point Setup: Every mandolin, regardless of price, is inspected and adjusted for optimal action, intonation, and playability before it ships.
The Dread-Not Guarantee: We offer the industry's best protection, including a 30-day trial period and a 1-year trade-in policy.

Choosing the Right Mandolin

If you are new to the instrument, navigating the options can be overwhelming. Here is a quick guide to help you start:

A-Style vs. F-Style: A-Style mandolins are pear-shaped and generally more affordable, offering excellent tone for the price. F-Style mandolins feature the iconic scroll and points, favored by bluegrass musicians for their cutting projection. Learn more in our guide on A-Style vs. F-Style Mandolins.
Top Brands: We carry the finest builders in the industry. Check out our Eastman Mandolins for incredible value, or explore boutique options from Bulas and Weber.
Accessories: Don't forget to protect your tone. We highly recommend upgrading your instrument with a Tone-Gard to instantly improve volume and resonance.

Still undecided? Read our full Mandolin Buying Guide or watch our comparison videos below.

Hear The Difference: Mandolin Demos & Advice

A-Style vs F-Style: Who Wins?

Comparison: Every F-Style in the Shop

We Played Every Eastman Mandolin

Battle: Loar LM-700 vs Eastman MD315

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between A-Style and F-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."

Does my mandolin come with a professional setup?

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.

What is the best mandolin for a beginner?

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.

Do you include a case with your mandolins?

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.

What is the Dread-Not Guarantee?

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.

Four people sit around a wooden table with microphones, laughing and talking in a cozy, rustic studio. Musical instruments and vintage decor are visible in the background, including a large sign that reads TAS.