Getting Started Playing Classical Mandolin

So, you've decided you would like to play classical music on the mandolin. Well, first you've got to get an instrument. Have an instrument, already? Then skip down to the next section. Meanwhile, here are some thoughts on getting started.

If you are able to, beginning players would do well to seek the advice of experienced classical players. However, if you have no access to such a player, then we would suggest that you buy a mandolin from a recognized mandolin dealer such as Elderly, Gryphon, etc. These shops will not send out an instrument that is not properly set up.

Buying a mandolin through Ebay, Craigslist, etc. has pitfalls for an inexperienced player, so we would advise using great caution if you go this route.

As to the specific brand of mandolin to buy, that is a hotly debated topic even among experienced players, and comes down to a matter of personal taste. There are different styles of mandolin: American A style, F style, historical American instruments, historical and modern bowlbacks, bandolims, and so on. Do some research, ask some experienced players and, if possible, try out some instruments to try and narrow it down. You’ll learn a lot along the way, and ideally will find a reasonably priced instrument that will serve you well as you start out to learn to play.