Electric Mandolins
Welcome to our electric mandolin roundup! Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll be featuring some of the top electric mandolins on the market, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
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Reviews
Oscar Schmidt OM10EWH A-Style Mandolin: Acoustic-Electric Hybrid for Modern Sound
The Oscar Schmidt OM10EWH Acoustic Electric A-Style Mandolin is a beautifully crafted instrument that's perfect for live music without feedback. With a handcrafted selection of premium woods, quality hardware, and a modest price point, it offers exceptional value for musicians of all levels. The OM10E features passive electronics, including volume and tone control, ensuring a clean and crisp sound during performances. Its sleek white finish and classic design give it a professional look that sets it apart from other mandolins on the market. It may weigh a little more at 8 lb, but it's well worth the extra weight for its superior sound and craftsmanship.
Fender Sunburst Acoustic-Electric Mandolin
Experience the rich, powerful sound of the Fender FM-52E Acoustic-Electric Mandolin, a perfect blend of style and function. With its sunburst finish, nato body, and rosewood fingerboard, this mandolin delivers a smooth, elegant playing experience. The special design single-coil pickup and electronics make it easy to plug in and play, while the included case and accessories ensure easy storage and transportation. Despite a few minor imperfections, this mandolin has impressed many players and is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the world of electric mandolins.
Washburn M3SWETWRK Florentine Electric Mandolin with Transparent Wine Red Finish
Experience the perfect blend of electric and acoustic with the Washburn M3SWETWRK Florentine Electric Mandolin, offering a beautiful Trans Wine Red finish and outstanding sound quality. A top-tier musical instrument, the M3SWETWRK boasts 4.1-star ratings and 25 positive reviews. This exceptional electric mandolin is loved for its easy playability and powerful sound, catering to both traditionalists and modern musicians alike. Own it today and broaden your sonic palette!
Electric Mandolin with Cream Gloss Finish for Left-Handed Players
Strum up a storm with the Gold Tone GME-4/L, a superb 4-string electric mandolin. Featuring a solid alder body and a stacked humbucking pickup for robust sound, this mandolin boasts a cream gloss finish and comes with a compensated metal bridge for precision intonation. The maple neck and integral fretboard ensure smooth playability, while the two-way adjustable truss rod and die-cast tuners round out the package. Includes a padded gig bag for added convenience.
Ortega Americana Series Whiskey Burst Acoustic-Electric Mandolin
Experience the perfect blend of tradition and innovation with the Ortega A-Style Acoustic-Electric Mandolin. Featuring a classic whiskey burst finish, this mandolin boasts a bright, focused tone from its maple body and spruce top. The built-in passive piezo pickup ensures interference-free sound with seamless volume control, making it the ultimate choice for modern mandolin players. With Ortega, you'll enjoy a broad range of high-quality instruments tailored for both right and left-handed users, perfect for any musical endeavor.
Oscar Schmidt A Style Electric-Acoustic Mandolin in White
Experience the authentic sound of the Oscar Schmidt OM10EWH, an A-style acoustic electric mandolin. This elegant instrument features passive electronics for easy volume and tone control, making it perfect for live music without feedback. Crafted with precision and care, each mandolin is inspected and adjusted by a skilled technician, ensuring smooth fret ends, low action, and resonant sound quality. Embrace true craftsmanship and exceptional value with the Oscar Schmidt OM10EWH.
Affordable 8-String A-Style Electric Mandolin with Premium Features
Experience the timeless sound of the Ibanez Brown Sunburst M510BS A-Style Mandolin. This beautiful instrument is perfect for both beginners and experienced musicians, offering an exceptional balance of craftsmanship and affordability. With an Sapele body, Mahogany neck, and Purpleheart fingerboard, it delivers rich, low tones and pristine sustain. The 20 frets and Chrome Mandolin Tuners make it a versatile choice for various playing styles. Its sleek finish and quality components make it a worthy addition to any instrument collection.
Ortega F-Style Electric Mandolin
The Ortega RMFE40SBK Mandolin brings traditional sound to a modern stage, with a built-in piezo pickup and user-friendly volume and tone controls. Enjoy the rich, balanced tone from a Spruce top combined with Maple back and sides. The Mandolin's 8 strings and cutaway make reaching difficult frets a breeze, while the deluxe Ortega gig bag ensures safe transport to your performances.
Ortega A-Style Series Black Acoustic Electric Mandolin with Deluxe Gig Bag
Experience the perfect blend of traditional sound and modern craftsmanship with the Ortega RMAE40SBK-L A-Style Acoustic Electric Mandolin. With a maple back and sides, this left-handed instrument boasts a rich and balanced tone, perfect for jigs, reels, or orchestral ensembles. The sculpted rosewood fretboard ensures smooth transitions between chords and melodies, while the hollow body and arched back deliver unrivaled projection. Take your musical adventures to the next level with the built-in passive pickup system, volume control, and free deluxe gig bag.
Seagull S8 Electric Mandolin Sunburst EQ
Experience exceptional sound and comfort with the Seagull S8 Mandolin Sunburst EQ. This acoustic/electric mandolin boasts a solid sitka spruce top, a hand-finished neck, and a custom polished finish for outstanding tone and feel. New for 2017, it features a Seagull proprietary preamp with volume and tone controls conveniently placed on the mandolin, making it perfect for stage performances. With a high-fidelity pickup system, the Seagull S8 Mandolin Sunburst EQ provides excellent intonation and adjustable truss rod for top-notch playability. Perfect for ensemble work or beginners, this mandolin's compact size and robust construction make it lap-friendly and easy to handle.
Gold Tone GME-6 Electric Mandolin for Musicians
The Gold Tone GME-6 offers a unique blend of guitar and mandolin, with a folkternative design that's perfect for those seeking something different in their music. The electric solidbody 6-string boasts a cream gloss finish, dual-rail mini humbucker for a sweet, clear sound, and a compensated metal bridge for excellent intonation. Whether you're strumming chords or playing solos, the GME-6 is sure to stand out and provide an unforgettable playing experience.
Eastwood Mandocaster 12 Sunburst Electric Mandolin
Introducing the Eastwood Mandocaster 12 Sunburst, a unique blend of electric guitar and mandolin tones that delivers a 12-string octave experience. Hailed as one of the top selling electric mandolins since 2005, this 2014 model offers an innovative octave guitar configuration. With familiar guitar chord shapes and a longer, more manageable scale length, this instrument is perfect for studio use and unleashes a fresh sound to your music endeavors.
Washburn M3Ek F-Style Electric Mandolin Starter Pack - Sunburst
Embark on your mandolin journey with this comprehensive starter package. Featuring a Washburn M3E mandolin, this kit includes everything you need to master the 8-string folk instrument, from a gig bag to an instructional booklet. With its piezo pickup and volume and tone knobs, the M3E mandolin is perfect for bluegrass, celtic, and rock players looking to broaden their sonic palette. Crafted with a spruce top, maple back and sides, and a maple neck, this mandolin boasts a stunning appearance and delivers rich, resonant sound. Its traditional F holes, bound rosewood fingerboard, and 13.75" scale ensure optimal playability, while its chrome tailpiece and tuning machines provide smooth tuning. Available in a sunburst finish, this Washburn M3Ek mandolin package offers excellent value for money and comes highly recommended by satisfied users.
Ortega F-Style Electric Mandolin
Experience the fusion of tradition and innovation with the Ortega RMFE90TS F-Style Electric Mandolin. Featuring a maple back and sides with a Tobacco Sunburst Gloss Finish, it's equipped with D'Addario EXP74 strings for rich, vibrant tones. The maple neck boasts a tobacco sunburst gloss finish, along with a rosewood fretboard and bridge. With a 2-way truss rod, 24 frets, and a one-piece die cast tailpiece, this mandolin is ready for any performance. The Ortega S1T preamp/pickup system with built-in tuner completes the package, making this a reliable and versatile instrument for any player. Plus, it comes with a free deluxe gig bag and mandolin strap.
Buyer's Guide
Electric mandolins have become increasingly popular in recent years, as musicians seek to expand their musical horizon and explore new sounds. These instruments offer a unique blend of traditional mandolin tones and the versatility of electric instruments. In this buyer's guide, we will discuss the essential features, considerations, and general advice for electric mandolins, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the right one for your needs.
Important Features
When selecting an electric mandolin, consider the following features to ensure you choose the right instrument for your musical style and preferences. These features include construction, pickups, tone controls, and more. Understanding these aspects will help you make the best possible purchase and enjoy playing your new electric mandolin.
Considerations
Several factors should be taken into account when purchasing an electric mandolin. These factors include your skill level, the type of music you play, your budget, and the instrument's compatibility with other gear. By considering these elements, you can ensure that your electric mandolin meets your specific needs and preferences.
General Advice
To get the most out of your electric mandolin, be sure to follow these general tips and recommendations. These include proper storage, regular maintenance, learning techniques for playing the instrument, and more. By adhering to these guidelines, you will be well on your way to mastering the electric mandolin and incorporating its unique sound into your musical endeavors.
Types of Electric Mandolins
Understanding the various types of electric mandolins available on the market can also help you make a well-informed decision. These include solid-body electric mandolins, hollow-body electric mandolins, and semi-acoustic electric mandolins. Each type offers its own unique tonal characteristics and playing capabilities, so it's essential to research and understand the differences between them before making a purchase.
FAQ
What is an electric mandolin?
An electric mandolin is a stringed instrument that is a variation of the traditional mandolin. It is equipped with an electric pickup system, allowing it to be connected to an amplifier, producing a louder and more powerful sound. This innovation has made the mandolin more versatile for various music genres, ensembles, and performance settings.
What are the benefits of playing an electric mandolin over an acoustic model?
The electric mandolin offers various advantages over its acoustic counterpart. Primarily, its built-in pickups enable the instrument to be amplified, producing a louder and fuller sound. This feature is perfect for live performances, sessions, or rehearsals where a large volume is needed. Additionally, the electric mandolin allows for more precise control over tone and sound through adjustment of the amplifier settings.
Furthermore, the electric mandolin generally has a wider sound range, enabling it to more easily emulate the tones of other stringed instruments. Its ability to handle various sound textures, including distortion and other special effects, makes it more versatile for a diverse range of music genres. As a result, these instruments are incredibly appealing to musicians who are looking to expand their creativity.
Can I play traditional mandolin tunes on an electric mandolin?
Yes, many traditional mandolin tunes are easily adaptable to the electric mandolin. Electric mandolins often come with selectable pickup positions, which help tailor the sound to that of a traditional acoustic mandolin when desired. This allows players to continue playing their favorite tunes without the need for a completely different instrument.
Alternatively, the versatility of the electric mandolin means that traditional tunes can be given a fresh, modern twist through manipulations of amplifier settings and the incorporation of various on-board effects. Hence, the electric mandolin presents a perfect blend of innovation and tradition, catering to the ever-evolving tastes of music enthusiasts.
How different are the playing techniques of acoustic and electric mandolins?
While the basic fingerboard layouts and general playing techniques are quite similar between acoustic and electric mandolins, there are a few differences due to the unique features of electric instruments. Most notably, the pickup selector on an electric mandolin may need to be adjusted whenever a player switches between chordal and melody playing. This is because different pickup positions can produce varying tones that may be more appropriate for different playing styles.
In contrast, an acoustic mandolin only requires the player to adjust their playing technique to account for the specific acoustic characteristics of the instrument. While the mandolin’s timbre and volume can be altered through playing style, achieving a perfect, balanced tone is more dependent on the player’s skill and understanding of the instrument rather than the pickup selector.
What type of amplifier should I choose for an electric mandolin?
When choosing an amplifier for an electric mandolin, a solid understanding of the various options available is crucial. One option is to use a guitar-specific amp. These models are designed to provide a wide range of tones and effects, making them suitable for both acoustic and electric mandolins. However, mandolinists may find that certain models offer a more natural-sounding acoustic response, which can be quite beneficial in capturing the warmth and character of a traditional mandolin sound.
Alternatively, instrument-specific mandolin amps may also be considered. These amps are tailored to provide the perfect balance between the instrument’s natural acoustic timbre and the capabilities of the built-in electronic effects. Many musicians opt for these types of amplifiers, as they result in a more pleasing and authentic mandolin sound, regardless of the genre of music being played.
Are there any accessories that I should purchase with my electric mandolin?
With an electric mandolin, there are several accessories that can greatly enhance the playing experience and the instrument’s capabilities. These include an amplifier, a plectrum (pick), and a case or gig bag. An amplifier is necessary to produce sound, while a plectrum provides the necessary support for plucking the strings and generating sound. Meanwhile, a case or gig bag offers protection from external elements and is essential for storage and transportation.
Additionally, other accessories such as a mandolin stand or a tuner can be beneficial. A stand keeps the instrument upright and stable when not in use, freeing up valuable space, while a tuner ensures that the mandolin is always kept in perfect pitch. In summary, while these accessories are not strictly necessary for playing the electric mandolin, they do provide additional convenience and help ensure optimal performance and sound quality.
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