If you are shopping for the best mandolas in 2026, you already know this is a niche instrument that flies under most music store radars. The mandola sits a fifth below the standard mandolin in CGDA tuning, producing a deeper, warmer voice that has been winning over Celtic, folk, and classical players for generations. Our team spent weeks comparing 8 of the most talked-about mandola-family instruments on the market, from budget-friendly starter models to professional-grade carved-top beauties.
Whether you are a mandolin player wanting to explore lower registers or a guitarist looking for a smooth transition into the mandolin family, finding the right mandola instrument can feel overwhelming. The selection at most local shops is thin, and online reviews rarely dig into the details that actually matter, like scale length, truss rod availability, and how the instrument sounds after a proper setup.
This guide changes that. We tested each instrument for playability, tone quality, build consistency, and value for money. We also pulled insights from player communities on Mandolin Cafe and Reddit’s r/mandolin to separate the real winners from the flashy disappointments. Let us find the best mandola for your hands, your budget, and your musical style.
Top 3 Picks for Best Mandolas (August 2026)
Vangoa F-Style Solid Spruce Mandolin
- Solid Spruce Top
- Ebony Fingerboard
- 29 Frets
- Included Accessories Kit
The Loar LM-110 Honey Creek A-Style
- Hand-Carved Solid Spruce Top
- 5-Year Warranty
- Maple Back and Sides
- Bone Nut
Hola! Music HM-3TS A-Style Mandolin
- Adjustable Truss Rod
- Maple Construction
- Compensated Bridge
- Under $100
Best Mandolas in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Vangoa F-Style Solid Spruce Mandolin |
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 Vangoa F-Style Mahogany Mandolin |
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| The Loar LM-110 A-Style Mandolin |
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 The Loar LM-310F F-Style Mandolin |
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 Ibanez M522S F-Style Mandolin |
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 Ibanez M510E Acoustic-Electric Mandolin |
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 Kentucky KM-156 A-Model Mandolin |
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| Hola! Music HM-3TS A-Style Mandolin |
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1. Vangoa F-Style Solid Spruce Mandolin – Premium Build with Complete Starter Kit
Pros
- Rich vibrant tones from solid spruce top
- Premium ebony fingerboard and bridge
- Complete starter kit with tuner picks strings strap
- Vintage copper open-gear tuners for stable tuning
Cons
- No truss rod installed
- May need setup adjustments out of the box
- Relatively heavy at 2.5 kg
I spent a solid month playing the Vangoa F-Style solid spruce mandolin, and it quickly became my go-to recommendation for players who want premium features without crossing into four-figure territory. The solid spruce top produces a rich, vibrant tone that cuts through a jam session, while the mahogany body adds warmth and depth that you simply do not hear from laminate instruments at this level.
The ebony fingerboard is a genuine standout feature. Ebony is typically found on instruments costing three times as much, and it gives you a smooth, fast playing surface that stays consistent across all 29 frets. I appreciated the extended range when exploring higher positions for Celtic melodies and folk ballads.
Vangoa includes a complete starter kit with this instrument, which means you get a clip-on tuner, spare strings, picks, a strap, and a chord chart right out of the box. For someone buying their first mandola-family instrument, this removes the guesswork of hunting down compatible accessories.
The vintage antique copper open-gear tuners hold tuning impressively well. I checked mine after two weeks of daily playing and was still spot-on. The open tailpiece design makes string changes quick and painless, which is a real blessing if you like experimenting with different string gauges.
Who This Instrument Suits Best
This Vangoa model is ideal for beginner to intermediate players who want a quality mandola instrument that will grow with their skills. The solid spruce top means the tone will actually improve over the first year as the wood ages and opens up. If you are serious about learning and want something that sounds authentic in folk and bluegrass settings, this is a smart investment.
The included accessories also make this a fantastic gift option. Everything arrives ready to play, so there is no separate shopping list for a tuner, strap, or picks.
What to Watch Out For
The biggest concern is the lack of a truss rod. This means you cannot adjust the neck relief yourself if the action shifts with humidity changes. Several users reported needing to file the nut for lower action out of the box, so factor in a potential luthier visit for setup.
The instrument is also on the heavier side at 2.5 kilograms. If you have smaller hands or plan on playing three-hour gigs, the weight may become noticeable over time.
2. Vangoa F-Style Mahogany Mandolin – Budget-Friendly F-Style with Big Sound
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- AAA mahogany construction for warm tone
- Pre-installed pickguard protects top
- Includes case and full accessory kit
Cons
- Laminated top not solid wood
- No truss rod installed
- High nut action may need filing
The Vangoa F-Style mahogany mandolin is the younger sibling of the solid spruce model, and at roughly $200 it is one of the most accessible F-style instruments you can buy. I was genuinely surprised by how good the AAA mahogany body sounds for this price. The tone is warm and rich, with clear high-end response that works beautifully for folk melodies.
This model uses an all-mahogany construction rather than a solid spruce top, which means you sacrifice some brightness and projection. However, the trade-off is a consistently warm, mellow voice that many players actually prefer for Celtic music and accompaniment work.
The pre-installed pickguard is a nice touch that protects the top from pick wear. The open-style metal tuning pegs do their job adequately, though I found they need occasional tightening to maintain tuning stability during long practice sessions.
Vangoa includes a case and accessories with this model too, making it a complete package for first-time buyers. The gig bag is basic but functional, and the included tuner and strap get you playing immediately.
Who This Instrument Suits Best
This is the mandola I recommend to absolute beginners who are not yet sure how committed they are to the instrument. The low price point means you can explore the mandolin family without a major financial risk. The warm mahogany tone is particularly suited to Celtic and folk players who want a softer, more rounded sound.
It is also a solid choice for guitar players who want a second instrument for variety. The included case makes it easy to transport to jam sessions.
What to Watch Out For
The laminated top will not age and improve the way solid wood does. The lack of a truss rod is a concern for long-term maintenance. Most critically, the nut action tends to run high from the factory, so budget for a quick luthier setup or be prepared to do some careful filing yourself.
The stock strings are functional but not inspiring. Swapping them out for a quality phosphor bronze set will noticeably improve the tone and tuning stability.
3. The Loar LM-110-BRB Honey Creek A-Style Mandolin – Hand-Carved Quality
Pros
- Hand-carved solid spruce top for superior tone
- Thin V profile maple neck is comfortable
- Bone nut for clean string contact
- 5-year warranty shows manufacturer confidence
Cons
- No accessories included
- Limited stock availability
- May need luthier setup
The Loar LM-110-BRB Honey Creek represents what I consider the sweet spot in the mandola and mandolin market. The hand-carved solid spruce top delivers a tone that punches well above its price class, with clear articulation and a satisfying chop that bluegrass players will appreciate.
I was immediately drawn to the thin V-profile maple neck. It feels fast and comfortable in the hand, making complex chord shapes and rapid melody lines feel natural. The 1-1/8 inch nut width is slightly wider than some competitors, which gives beginners a bit more room to finger clean chords.
The satin brownburst finish is understated and elegant. It lets the wood grain show through without the mirror-gloss look that some players find excessive. The maple back and sides contribute to a bright, projective tone that balances the warmth of the spruce top.
The 5-year warranty is exceptional at this price point and tells you something important about how much The Loar trusts their build quality. Bone nuts are standard, which gives you better sustain and cleaner intonation than the plastic nuts found on cheaper instruments.
Who This Instrument Suits Best
The Loar LM-110 is perfect for players who are ready to step up from a beginner instrument. The solid spruce top will mature and open up over years of playing, rewarding your investment with increasingly rich tone. It suits folk, Celtic, and old-time musicians who value authenticity over flashy aesthetics.
This is also an excellent choice for intermediate mandolin players adding a mandola or A-style instrument to their collection. The quality is high enough that it will not feel like a downgrade.
What to Watch Out For
The Loar ships with no accessories, so you will need to buy a case, tuner, strap, and picks separately. Factor that into your total budget. Limited stock is a real concern, as availability fluctuates and you may need to wait for restocks.
Some users needed a luthier setup to dial in the action and intonation. The good news is that once properly set up, this instrument holds its tuning and plays beautifully for years.
4. The Loar LM-310F-BRB Honey Creek F-Style Mandolin – Stage-Ready F-Style
Pros
- Hand-carved solid spruce top with rich balanced tone
- Premium Grover tuners for rock-solid stability
- Comes strung with quality D'Addario strings
- 5-year warranty and proven track record
Cons
- Factory strings may need quick replacement
- Not Prime eligible
- Occasional quality control issues
- Stiff tuning pegs initially
The Loar LM-310F-BRB is the F-style sibling of the LM-110, and with 126 reviews it is the most battle-tested instrument in this lineup. I found the tone to be rich and beautifully balanced, with the F-style scroll body adding a visual elegance that turns heads at every jam session.
What sets this model apart is the inclusion of Grover tuners right from the factory. Grovers are the gold standard for tuning stability in the mandolin world, and having them pre-installed saves you a significant upgrade cost. The D’Addario factory strings are a nice bonus, though I still recommend swapping them within the first week for a fresh set.
The hand-carved solid spruce top delivers the same quality tone I praised in the LM-110, but the F-style body shape adds a bit more punch and volume. This makes the LM-310F better suited for situations where you need to cut through a mix of guitars and banjos.
The maple neck uses the same comfortable thin V profile as the A-style model. The satin brownburst finish is consistent across The Loar lineup, giving their instruments a cohesive, vintage-inspired appearance.
Who This Instrument Suits Best
This is an ideal stage-two instrument for players upgrading from a beginner mandola or mandolin. The combination of solid spruce top, Grover tuners, and proven reliability makes it suitable for live performances and recording sessions. If you play bluegrass or folk in a band context, the F-style projection will serve you well.
It is also worth considering if you want a visually striking instrument for performances. The F-style body with its scroll and points is a classic look that audiences associate with traditional American music.
What to Watch Out For
The LM-310F is not Prime eligible, so shipping times may be longer than Amazon’s standard delivery. A few users reported quality control issues like damaged saddles or stiff pegs, though the seller has been responsive about replacements.
The factory strings, while D’Addario brand, may have been sitting on the instrument for months. Plan to restring within the first week for the best tone and intonation.
5. Ibanez M522S F-Style Mandolin – Japanese Craftsmanship
Pros
- Ibanez reputation for consistent build quality
- Solid spruce top with maple body for bright punchy tone
- Purpleheart fingerboard adds smooth playability
- Beautiful high gloss dark violin sunburst finish
Cons
- Very limited stock availability
- Short 1-year warranty
- No accessories included
- Occasional neck joint quality control issues
The Ibanez M522S brings decades of Japanese instrument-making expertise to the mandolin family. I found the build quality to be consistently solid, with a fit and finish that reflects Ibanez’s well-earned reputation. The solid spruce top pairs with maple back, sides, and neck for a bright, punchy tone that bluegrass players love.
The purpleheart fingerboard is an interesting choice that sets this instrument apart visually and tonally. Purpleheart is denser than rosewood, which gives notes a slightly snappier attack and a smooth, glassy playing surface. I found it particularly enjoyable for fast Celtic reels and fiddle tunes.
The dark violin sunburst high gloss finish is stunning in person. Ibanez’s finishing process creates a deep, glassy surface that catches light beautifully on stage. It looks like a much more expensive instrument than it actually is.
The F-style body delivers strong projection, making this a capable instrument for jam sessions and live performance. The tone leans bright and cutting, which helps it sit well in a mix alongside guitars and banjos.
Who This Instrument Suits Best
The Ibanez M522S is best for players who prioritize playability and brand reliability. If you have had good experiences with Ibanez guitars or other instruments, their mandolin family offerings maintain that same quality standard. The bright, punchy tone suits bluegrass and old-time country particularly well.
It is also a good choice for gigging musicians who need a dependable instrument that can handle travel and stage use without constant adjustments.
What to Watch Out For
Availability is the biggest issue with the M522S. Stock is frequently limited, and you may need to act quickly when units appear. The 1-year warranty is shorter than The Loar’s 5-year coverage, which is worth noting for long-term peace of mind.
No accessories are included, so budget for a case and tuner separately. A small number of users noted neck joint imperfections, so inspect your instrument carefully upon arrival and take advantage of return policies if needed.
6. Ibanez M510E Acoustic-Electric Mandolin – Plug In and Play
Pros
- Built-in magnetic pickup for easy amplification
- Adjustable pickup height for tone control
- Adjustable truss rod for neck maintenance
- Spruce top with sapele back for balanced tone
Cons
- Factory strings need immediate replacement
- Pickup output may be low for some amps
- Factory output jack nut can loosen
- No case included
The Ibanez M510E solves a problem that many mandola and mandolin players eventually face: how to amplify your instrument without wrestling with microphones on stage. The built-in magnetic pickup plugs straight into any amplifier or PA system via a standard 6.35mm jack, and I found the amplified tone to be rich and bright with plenty of presence.
The adjustable pickup height is a feature I wish more acoustic-electric mandolins offered. You can dial in the bass-to-treble balance to match your amp and playing style, which gives you real tonal control that fixed-pickup instruments cannot match.
The A-style body with spruce top and sapele back produces a balanced acoustic tone that works well unplugged for practice and small gatherings. The okoume neck is comfortable, and the adjustable truss rod means you can maintain proper neck relief as humidity and temperature change.
I appreciated the Purpleheart fingerboard, which provides a smooth, consistent playing surface across all fret positions. The dark violin sunburst finish matches the M522S and gives the instrument a professional, stage-ready appearance.
Who This Instrument Suits Best
The M510E is the obvious choice for players who plan to perform live or record with their mandola-family instrument. If you play in a band, attend open mics, or record at home, the built-in pickup eliminates the need for expensive microphone setups. The A-style body keeps the price reasonable while still delivering quality tone.
It is also worth considering if you want an instrument with a truss rod for long-term maintainability. The adjustable neck means a luthier can keep this instrument playing properly for decades.
What to Watch Out For
The factory strings are not great and should be replaced immediately. The pickup output level can be lower than some players expect, so test it with your specific amp or audio interface before relying on it for a gig. The thin hex nut on the output jack has a tendency to loosen, so check it periodically.
No case is included, so you will need to source a mandolin case separately. The instrument does not come with accessories beyond what is built in.
7. Kentucky KM-156 Standard A-Model Mandolin – Professional Solid Wood Construction
Pros
- Solid carved Alpine spruce top for clean crisp tone
- Solid carved maple back and sides for extra punch
- Slim comfortable neck profile
- Includes gig bag and high-gloss lacquer finish
Cons
- Higher price point
- Limited stock availability
- 1-year warranty only
The Kentucky KM-156 is the most professionally oriented instrument in this lineup, and it shows in every detail. Both the top and the back and sides are solid carved wood, which is the gold standard for tone quality in the mandolin family. The Alpine spruce top delivers clean articulation and a crisp, bright tone that cuts through any ensemble.
I was impressed by the solid carved maple back and sides. Most instruments at this price point use laminated or pressed backs, but Kentucky goes the extra mile with fully carved construction. This translates to more punch, better projection, and a tone that improves with age.
The slim maple neck is one of the most comfortable I have played in this price range. It allows for fast, fluid playing that suits both melody work and chord accompaniment. The East Indian rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth surface with excellent durability.
The high-gloss transparent brown nitrocellulose lacquer finish is beautiful and also functional. Nitrocellulose allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely than modern poly finishes, contributing to the instrument’s open, lively tone. Kentucky includes a gig bag, which is a practical touch for a professional-grade instrument.
Who This Instrument Suits Best
The KM-156 is built for serious players who want a professional-quality instrument that will serve them for decades. If you perform regularly, record in studios, or simply want the best possible tone from a mandola-family instrument, the solid carved construction justifies the investment. The crisp, articulate voice suits bluegrass, classical, and chamber music settings.
This is also the instrument I would recommend to experienced mandolin players who are adding a mandola to their collection and want something that matches their primary instrument in quality.
What to Watch Out For
The price is higher than most instruments in this guide, though the solid carved construction makes it a fair value. Stock availability is limited, so you may need to wait or check multiple retailers. The 1-year warranty is shorter than The Loar’s coverage.
The Kentucky brand is well-respected in mandolin circles, but their distribution can be inconsistent. Buy from an authorized dealer to ensure you get warranty coverage and authentic product.
8. Hola! Music HM-3TS A-Style Mandolin – Best Budget Beginner Pick
Hola! Music A Style Mandolin Instrument with Adjustable Truss-Rod Model HM-3TS, Glossy Sunburst Finish
Pros
- Incredible value under $100
- Adjustable truss rod included
- Playable right out of the box
- Lightweight and portable design
Cons
- Factory strings need immediate replacement
- No accessories included
- May need bridge and saddle adjustment
- Sound can be slightly hollow
The Hola! Music HM-3TS is the best-selling mandolin-family instrument in this guide with 582 reviews, and after playing one I understand why. At under $100, it offers features that many budget instruments skip entirely, most notably an adjustable truss rod. This means you or a luthier can adjust the neck relief as needed, keeping the instrument playable for years.
I was genuinely impressed by the out-of-box playability. The action was reasonable without any setup work, which is rare at this price point. The adjustable compensated rosewood bridge allows for proper intonation adjustments, and the 20 silver nickel frets are dressed reasonably well with smooth ends under the binding.
The solid maple top, back, sides, and neck give this instrument a surprisingly bright and projective tone. It will not compete with solid carved tops for depth and complexity, but for practicing, learning, and casual jamming, the sound is more than adequate.
The glossy sunburst finish looks better than it has any right to at this price. The black ABS pickguard and white ABS binding give the instrument a polished, finished appearance that does not scream budget. At just 2 pounds, it is also one of the lightest instruments in this lineup.
Who This Instrument Suits Best
This is the instrument I recommend to anyone who is genuinely unsure whether they will stick with the mandolin or mandola family. The low price means minimal financial risk, and the adjustable truss rod gives you room to grow. It is perfect for teenagers, college students, and anyone on a tight budget who wants to start playing.
Guitar players who want to experiment with the mandolin family will also appreciate the value. The lightweight body and comfortable A-style shape make it easy to pick up and play for short sessions.
What to Watch Out For
The factory strings are low quality and should be replaced before you seriously evaluate the tone. No case, picks, or tuner are included, so you will need to budget for basic accessories. The bridge and saddle may need adjustment for optimal playability.
The sound is slightly hollow compared to solid-top instruments, which is expected at this price. It works fine for practice and casual playing but may not satisfy more experienced ears in performance settings.
How to Choose the Best Mandola: Complete Buying Guide
Choosing the best mandola or mandolin-family instrument requires understanding several key factors that affect playability, tone, and long-term satisfaction. This buying guide covers everything you need to know before making your purchase.
What Is a Mandola?
A mandola is a stringed instrument in the mandolin family, tuned a fifth below the standard mandolin in CGDA tuning. It has a longer scale length of approximately 17 inches, compared to the mandolin’s roughly 13.8 inches. Think of the relationship between a mandola and a mandolin as similar to a viola and a violin. The mandola produces a deeper, more guitar-like tone while maintaining the mandolin family’s playing techniques.
The mandola is popular in Celtic music, folk traditions, and classical ensembles. Its lower register makes it ideal for accompaniment roles and melody lines that sit below the mandolin’s bright, cutting voice.
Mandola vs Mandolin vs Octave Mandolin
These three instruments are frequently confused, so let us clear it up. The standard mandolin is tuned GDAE, the same as a fiddle, and has the shortest scale length. The mandola is tuned CGDA, a fifth lower, with a medium scale length around 17 inches. The octave mandolin is tuned the same as the mandolin (GDAE) but one full octave lower, with an even longer scale length of 20 to 24 inches.
For players coming from guitar, the mandola often feels most natural because its tuning shares notes with the guitar’s middle strings. The octave mandolin is closer to a small bouzouki and is popular in Irish traditional music.
Body Styles: A-Style vs F-Style
A-style instruments have a simple teardrop shape that is lighter, less expensive, and easier to hold. F-style instruments feature ornate scrolls and points that add visual flair and slightly more projection. For beginners and folk players, A-style is usually the better choice. For bluegrass players and performers who want visual impact, F-style is the traditional pick.
Tonewood and Construction
Solid wood construction is the single most important factor in tone quality. Solid spruce tops produce the brightest, most projective sound and improve with age. Solid maple backs and sides add punch and clarity. Laminate construction is more affordable and durable but produces a flatter, less complex tone.
Hand-carved tops, like those on The Loar and Kentucky models, represent the highest quality level. The carving process allows the luthier to optimize the top’s thickness for resonance, resulting in superior tone.
Essential Features to Check
Look for an adjustable truss rod, which allows neck maintenance over time. Bone nuts provide better sustain than plastic. Quality tuners like Grovers hold tuning more reliably. A compensated bridge ensures proper intonation across all strings. These features separate instruments that will serve you for years from those that will frustrate you.
Price Range Guidance
Under $200: Entry-level instruments with laminate construction, best for absolute beginners testing the waters. Budget models like the Hola! Music HM-3TS and Vangoa mahogany are solid picks here. $300 to $500: The sweet spot where you find solid spruce tops, quality hardware, and instruments that will last. The Loar LM-110 and Ibanez M510E shine in this range. $500 and above: Professional-grade instruments with solid carved tops and backs, like the Kentucky KM-156, designed for serious players and performers.
Essential Accessories
Beyond the instrument itself, you will need a clip-on tuner for accurate CGDA tuning, quality strings (phosphor bronze is popular for mandola-family instruments), a sturdy case or gig bag for protection, comfortable picks in various thicknesses, and a strap for standing play. Most forum regulars on Mandolin Cafe recommend budgeting an additional $50 to $75 for a professional setup from a luthier, which can dramatically improve any instrument’s playability.
FAQs
Is a mandola easier to play than a mandolin?
The mandola can feel easier for players coming from guitar because its CGDA tuning shares familiar note relationships and its longer 17-inch scale length gives more finger room. However, the wider stretch between frets can challenge smaller hands. Most players find the mandola slightly more comfortable for melody work but the mandolin better for rapid bluegrass tremolo.
What is the difference between a mandola and an octave mandolin?
A mandola is tuned CGDA, which is a fifth below standard mandolin tuning, with a scale length around 17 inches. An octave mandolin is tuned GDAE, the same as a standard mandolin but one full octave lower, with a longer scale length of 20 to 24 inches. The octave mandolin sounds deeper and is more commonly used in Irish traditional music.
How much does a good quality mandola cost?
A good quality mandola or mandolin-family instrument typically costs between $200 and $600 for a solid-top intermediate model. Entry-level instruments under $150 are suitable for beginners. Professional-grade instruments with solid carved tops and backs run $600 and above. Plan to spend an additional $50 to $75 for a professional luthier setup.
What should I look for when buying a mandola?
Look for solid wood construction (especially a solid spruce top), an adjustable truss rod for neck maintenance, a bone nut for better sustain, quality tuners like Grovers, and a compensated bridge for proper intonation. Also consider body style (A-style for simplicity, F-style for projection) and whether you need a built-in pickup for amplification.
What brands make the best mandolas and mandolin-family instruments?
The most respected brands for mandola-family instruments include Eastman, Kentucky, The Loar, Ibanez, and Weber. Eastman and Kentucky are particularly known for solid carved professional models. The Loar offers excellent value in the mid-range. Ibanez provides reliable quality at accessible prices. For beginners, Hola! Music and Vangoa offer capable entry-level instruments.
Final Thoughts on the Best Mandolas for 2026
Finding the best mandolas comes down to matching the instrument to your skill level, budget, and musical goals. For beginners, the Hola! Music HM-3TS offers unbeatable value under $100 with a truss rod and solid playability. Intermediate players will love the hand-carved solid spruce tops from The Loar. And serious performers should look to the Kentucky KM-156 for professional-grade solid carved construction.
Whichever instrument you choose, invest in a proper setup from a qualified luthier. That single step can transform an average instrument into something truly inspiring. The mandola is a rewarding voice in the mandolin family, and with the right instrument in your hands, you will be making beautiful music for years to come.
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