AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best The Loar Mandolins 2026
The top pick is The Loar LM-310F Honey Creek F-Style Mandolin ($400). The Loar LM-110 Honey Creek A-Style Mandolin gives you the most for the money at $300. The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style Mandolin leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The Loar LM-310F Honey Creek F-Style Mandolin
LM-310F-BRB · The Loar
26 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale349 mm (13.74")
- Frets20 frets
This Honey Creek mandolin sounds great for bluegrass because of its solid spruce top and maple body. The 20 frets make it easy to play fast solos without getting stuck. It is a classic choice for players who love traditional sound but misses out on modern electronics. Ideal for picking sessions, though heavy players might need to check the weight first.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, punchy attack for bluegrass picking.
- Maple body construction ensures a strong, resonant low-end response.
- Ebony bridge provides a solid foundation for clear string vibration.
Cons
- No specific weight listed makes handling unknown for larger players.
- F-Style shape is generally larger and bulkier than modern designs.
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$400 now$400€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Loar LM-110 Honey Creek A-Style Mandolin
LM-110 Honey Creek BRB · The Loar
16 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale353 mm (13.9")
- Frets20 frets
This mandolin plays like a 1920s instrument with a warm, resonant voice perfect for bluegrass ensembles. The solid spruce top and maple body deliver a punchy sound, while the thin V neck makes it easy to play. It suits traditional players who want classic tone without extra electronics.
Pros
- Hand-carved spruce top for authentic vintage resonance
- Thin V neck profile offers comfortable playability
- Solid maple back and sides for strong projection
Cons
- No weight specification listed in description
- Lacks electronic pickups for amplified use
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Loar LM-590 Contemporary F-Style Mandolin
LM-590-MS · The Loar
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale349 mm (13.74")
- Frets20 frets
This mandolin sounds great with its bright spruce top and solid maple body. The extra frets help you play harder, but it needs no electricity to work. It fits well in bluegrass groups where acoustic presence matters most.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, clear top-end response for bluegrass cutting
- Solid maple back and sides provide strong projection and sustain
- 20 frets offer extended reach for complex fingerstyle patterns
Cons
- Full-size body may feel heavy for smaller players on the road
- Lacks electronic outputs or pickup systems for amplification needs
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$612 now$612€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Loar LM-520 Performer F-Style Mandolin
LM-520-VS · The Loar
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
This mandolin has a bright, cutting tone thanks to its solid spruce top and maple body. The V-Profile neck feels easy to play, but there are no built-in pickups or tuners. It suits players who want a traditional, acoustic instrument without extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, cutting bluegrass tone
- Arched back and sides provide strong resonance and projection
- V-Profile neck offers comfortable playability for fingers
Cons
- No pickup installed requires external electronics for amplification
- Heavy solid wood construction may strain smaller hands
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$646 now$646€579 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style Mandolin
LM-700 F-Mandolin VS · The Loar
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets29 frets
This mandolin sounds bright and lively thanks to its solid spruce top and maple body. The vintage-style hardware keeps it looking classic while staying easy to tune. It's perfect for players who love traditional bluegrass and want a warm, resonant voice without extra electronics.
Pros
- AAA-grade spruce top for bright, responsive tone
- AAAA-grade flamed maple adds strong visual appeal
- Vintage brass machine heads ensure smooth tuning
Cons
- Floating bridge can be harder to adjust than fixed
- No electronic pickups for amplified playing options
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Mandolins by the numbers
Measured across all 65 models we track, not a sample.
median of 62 models · 345 mm (13.58")–353 mm (13.9")
median of 53 models · 20–24
most common · 30 models
median of 24 models · 30 mm (1.18")–44.4 mm (1.75")
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 7 mandolins from the Thomann catalogue (of 65 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What should I look for when buying mandolins?
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
How much should I spend on mandolins?
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Are expensive mandolins worth the investment?
Higher-priced mandolins typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
What are the best brands for mandolins?
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Should I buy mandolins online or in-store?
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
