Ozark 'Army/Navy' mandolin

The Ozark 2250 is a superb-value mandolin featuring a solid mahogany top with a natural finish.

This distinctive flat-back design with a shallow body still delivers impressive volume and a full, warm tone. The mandolin is fitted with quality chrome-plated machine heads and tailpiece, along with an adjustable bridge for precise setup.

• Solid mahogany top
• Mahogany neck
• Adjustable bridge
• Chrome plated hardware
• Scale length: 350 mm

• Scale length: 350mm

The Army/Navy style mandolin refers to an A-style flat-top, flat-back mandolin originally designed in the early 1900s as a rugged, simple instrument for soldiers (hence the name). It’s less ornate and lighter than carved-top instruments, and this Ozark version takes that traditional design and offers it at an entry-level price.

📌 Key Features

Mahogany body and neck: Solid mahogany top and neck give a warm, mellow tone and a natural aesthetic finish.

Flat-back, shallow body: The Army/Navy shape tends to be lightweight, comfortable to hold, and projecting sound without the depth of carved mandolins.

Adjustable bridge: This allows you to tweak action and intonation to your preference.

Chrome hardware: Simple but durable tuning machines and tailpiece for reliable tuning stability.

Scale length ~350 mm: Typical A-style length, comfortable for beginners and intermediate players.

👍 Pros

💰 Great Value Entry-Level Mandolin
This Ozark model is priced attractively for beginners or casual players who want something affordable but with solid wood construction. You often see it recommended as a starter mando that still gives a pleasing tone and feel compared to cheaper laminated instruments.

🎵 Warm, Balanced Tone
Mahogany tends to emphasize warmth and midrange richness, so this model generally sounds full and balanced — good for folk, old-time, or traditional music styles. Most retailer descriptions highlight its resonant, pleasing sound for the price range.

🪕 Comfortable for Beginners
The shallower, flat body style can be more comfortable than deeper mandolins for beginners and is easier to hold for longer practice sessions.

🎨 Classic, Attractive Look
With a satin natural finish and simple pearloid dot inlays, it has a vintage aesthetic that many players enjoy.

👎 Cons

📣 Not Super Loud or Punchy
Army/Navy style mandolins — by design — don’t project as powerfully as carved-top A or F-style mandolins. So if you’re looking for big bluegrass projection, this model might feel quieter or less brilliant in a band or session.