The mandolin is one of the oldest stringed instruments still commonly played today. Mandolins are similar to guitars and other stringed instruments in many ways, but they also offer their own unique sound.

Just as an acoustic guitar features a hollow body for increased resonance, a mandolin has a bowl or box-shaped body with a stringed neck. This instrument’s strings are usually arranged in pairs and in most cases, musicians pluck mandolin strings with a pick.

Popular Body Materials for Mandolins

There are a few options for the variety of wood used in your mandolin. Each type offers not only its own look and visual appeal but a unique sound quality as well. In fact, wood variety is so influential in your instrument’s sound that it’s often referred to as the “tonewood.”

Maple

Maple mandolins feature high-definition sound with impressive projection. When you want clarity and volume from an instrument, this dense and strong wood is a strong choice. Maple is also a very attractive wood grain. You’ll often find flamed and quilted patterns on maple mandolins.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a very hard wood, so it offers reliable definition, fantastic projection, and overall brightness across all notes. Mahogany also imparts a unique warmth that many musicians prefer.

Number of Strings

While eight-string mandolins are the most common, you can find instruments with as few as four strings or as many as 12. Strings are usually set in pairs, so tuning your mandolin can be a challenge.

Number of Frets

The number of frets on a mandolin ranges from 17 to 24. You can also find specialized fretless mandolins.

Acoustic or Electric Mandolins

Thanks to the shape found in most mandolin bodies, traditional acoustic versions produce plenty of sound without amplification.

If you prefer a more modern sound, consider a mandolin with active electronics and pickups. Electric mandolins also work well for recording sessions.

An electric mandolin usually offers the most flexibility. Unlike electric guitars, most electric mandolins do have a hollow body so you can play them acoustic, too.

Choosing the Ideal Mandolin

Whether you prefer a traditional natural wood look for your instrument, or you like a sleek black or brown mandolin, you can look to leading brands like Ibanez, Ortega Guitars, Washburn, and Luna for their attractive options. With a superior tone, timeless style, and beautiful decorative elements like inlay and etched tailpieces, these trusted companies carry an impeccable design through to every important detail.