#1.Eastman MD515 F-Style Mandolin
For those who are interested in the best mandolin under 1000, the Eastman MD515 comes to our attention first. This is an incredibly beautiful mandolin with the best quality you will find at this target price point and below. If you want below 1000 retail price, it doesn’t get better than this.
Best Mandolin Under 1000
- #1.Eastman MD515 F-Style Mandolin
- #2.Seagull S8 Mandolin SG
- #3.The Loar LM-500-VS Contemporary Mandolin
- #4.Kentucky KM-272 Artist Oval Hole Mandolin
- #5.Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin
#1.Eastman MD515 F-Style Mandolin
When it comes to the best mandolin under 1000, we highly suggest that you try out the Eastman MD515. It is one of the better mandolins that you can get that fits this criterion. We really like that it is crafted with an aged spruce top and maple back and sides. It also has a maple neck that has a solid ebony fingerboard and an ebony fronted headstock.
Eastman is a brand that we all know and love and the MD515 is definitely a top-tier mandolin without completely breaking the bank. And trust us, the sky is the limit in terms of high-end mandolins. All in all, this is an absolutely beautiful instrument and allows you to finger chords quite naturally. The only issue is that it needs some minor setup adjustments.
#2.Seagull S8 Mandolin SG
Next up, we have the Seagull S8, which is the best mandolin under 1000 if you want something more towards the lower end of that range without sacrificing too much quality. With the S8, you get a maple neck through the body with a solid Sitka spruce top. There’s also a hand-finished neck, rosewood fingerboard, and Graph Tech tusq nut.
All in all, we really like both the craftsmanship and the sound that it produces. It is small yet large sounding and we think for the entry-level price point, you won’t find a better deal. Also, it is just such a joy to play with and its low action makes it easy to play even at high positions. Overall, the Seagull S8 is definitely worth it.
#3.The Loar LM-500-VS Contemporary Mandolin
Another really nice mandolin when it comes to the best mandolin under 1000 is the Loar LM 500 VS. This is a contemporary mandolin that straddles the middle of this range more or less. It has this beautiful hand-carved, hand-graduated solid spruce top along with solid maple back and sides. It has this retro-modern look adding modern-day technology to an old design.
Overall, the craftsmanship is pretty amazing that its price point, and the LM-500’s maple neck has a comfortable rounded V profile that many people really like. It is comfortable, very enjoyable to play on, easily adjustable, and sounds great no matter what your skill level is. What more do you need?
#4.Kentucky KM-272 Artist Oval Hole Mandolin
The Kentucky KM-272 Artist Oval Hole Mandolin is yet another solid instrument you should consider if you want to limit yourself to under 1000 dollars retail. Many people really like it because it strikes a great balance between affordability, performance, and quality. It is the perfect middle-of-the-road mandolin.
It has a nice and popular size, it also has a very unique voice and is pretty optimal for a wide range of musical styles. Furthermore, it sports an oval design hole, and vintage designs, and uses some of the best wood materials to get that nice tone.
#5.Rogue RM-100A A-Style Mandolin
Lastly, we have the Rogue RM-100A, which is an A-Style Mandolin that more than fits most people’s budgets. It is well under the 1000-dollar benchmark, to say the least. The Rogue RM 100A is great for those who want a dirt-cheap mandolin either to learn on or practice with. Professionals should definitely steer clear.
The materials and craftsmanship are definitely not the best, but for beginners’ most of them won’t be able to really tell a huge difference. The real difference is in price and this one is very agreeable. All in all, it is what it is and the Rogue RM 100A certainly holds a tune and plays well. Just don’t expect anything great out of it.
