Mike Marshall, John Reischman, Chris Thile, Joe K. Walsh all play Smart mandolas. We can't imagine a more ringing, or worthy endorsement roster.

It will come as no surprise that the mando players on staff are all very much smitten with this teardrop A mandola, the latest arrival from Lawrence Smart. Sonically, this mandola exudes that pillowy warmth that we love in Lawrence's instruments. It is super easy to play as well, with fiddle tunes taking on a new dimension, whether played in their original key (bumped over a string, on a longer scale, bigger instrument) or transposed down.

A wonderful instrument in sound and feel, it is equally pleasing in an accompaniment or low-lead melody role. If you didn't think you "needed" a mandola, this one will have you rethinking your mando-family priorities!