AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Mandolins for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton HBMA-50 Mandoline BK ($66). Gold Tone F-6 Manditar leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 45 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width30 mm (1.18")
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyBasswood body
This Harley Benton is a fantastic entry point for bluegrass beginners or anyone wanting a mandolin without a premium-priced investment. The spruce top gives it a decent sound, and the overall build is surprisingly solid for the cost. It's a great option for practice, casual jamming, or students learning the instrument.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers surprisingly bright and articulate tone for the price.
- Teak neck provides a comfortable, stable feel for easier playing.
- Blackwood fretboard offers a smooth playing surface, reducing string noise.
Cons
- Basswood body lacks the resonance and tonal complexity of mahogany or maple.
- Pinus radiata blackwood fretboard is a lower-grade wood, potentially prone to wear.
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- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Harley Benton MA-500 is a genuinely impressive entry-level electric mandolin. It’s a fantastic option for bluegrass enthusiasts or anyone looking to explore the mandolin's unique sound without a significant investment. The build is solid, the electronics are usable, and it’s surprisingly fun to play.
Pros
- Basswood body delivers a surprisingly warm and resonant tone for the price.
- Bolt-on neck provides snappy response and easy playability, typical of this style.
- Single-coil pickups offer a bright, articulate voice suitable for bluegrass and folk.
Cons
- Amaranth fretboard, while functional, lacks the premium feel of rosewood or ebony.
- Basswood, while versatile, isn’t known for exceptional sustain or complex overtones.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width30 mm (1.18")
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyBasswood body
The HBMA-100 is a remarkably affordable mandolin, perfect for beginners or players wanting a bluegrass-ready instrument without a premium price tag. The build quality is surprisingly solid for the cost, and it’s a great way to get into the mandolin world. Expect a brighter, slightly less complex tone than a higher-end maple mandolin, but it's a fantastic value.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers surprisingly bright and articulate bluegrass tones.
- Teak neck provides a comfortable, stable platform for easy playing.
- Blackwood fingerboard and bridge contribute to a decent sustain and tone.
Cons
- Basswood body lacks the resonance of traditional mandolin woods like maple.
- Factory strings are serviceable, but an upgrade will dramatically improve tone.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This mandolin looks like a classic with its spruce top and maple body. The shallow depth keeps it light, but you won't know the actual weight yet. It suits players who want a traditional sound without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Classic A-style shape offers familiar playing feel
- Spruce top provides bright, responsive attack
- Rosewood fingerboard adds warm tone and grip
Cons
- Very shallow body depth limits volume
- No strings listed in the specification
55AudioFu
Index↓ 20.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$222 · Aug 17$177 now$177€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale348 mm (13.7")
- Frets20 frets
This mandolin uses solid spruce and maple to make a clear, punchy sound perfect for bluegrass. The A-style body and ebony bridge give it a classic look and solid response. It is a great value, though you won't find strings inside the case.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, articulate attack for bluegrass picking.
- Maple back and sides provide a warm, balanced resonance foundation.
- Tone bar bracing ensures strong projection without excessive volume.
Cons
- No strings are included in the package for immediate play.
- Satin black finish lacks a protective hard coat for durability.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Ortega RMA30-WB is a fantastic entry point into the mandolin world. It's surprisingly well-built and sounds much better than you'd expect for its price, making it perfect for aspiring bluegrass players or anyone wanting to explore the instrument without a huge investment.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers surprising clarity and projection for the price.
- Maple back and sides offer a focused, balanced tone with good sustain.
- Rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable playing experience, especially for beginners.
Cons
- The whiskey burst satin finish can feel a little thin and plasticky up close.
- Rosewood fingerboard might dry out quicker than ebony, requiring occasional oiling.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$198 now$198€178 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width31 mm (1.22")
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
This Richwood RMA-60-VS is a solid entry-level mandolin for folks just getting into bluegrass or wanting an affordable practice instrument. The vintage sunburst finish looks nice, and the build is surprisingly decent for the price. It's a good starting point before investing in a higher-end model.
Pros
- Spruce top provides a bright, responsive tone suitable for bluegrass.
- Mahogany back and sides offer warmth and balance the spruce's brightness.
- 2-way adjustable truss rod allows for precise neck relief adjustment.
Cons
- Open tuners may lack precision compared to geared tuners.
- Technical wood fretboard isn't as premium as rosewood or ebony.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.4 mm (1.75")
- Scale380 mm (14.96")
- Frets21 frets
The Gold Tone F6-Plus is a solid, well-built mandolin perfect for the bluegrass enthusiast or player looking for a step up from a beginner instrument. The solid woods give it a surprisingly mature tone, and the adjustable bridge is a nice touch for fine-tuning. It's a great value proposition for those wanting a quality instrument without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, articulate bluegrass tones.
- Maple back and sides add warmth and projection.
- Adjustable ebony bridge allows for precise intonation tweaking.
Cons
- Open-gear tuners might require more frequent adjustments than sealed ones.
- Sunburst satin finish is susceptible to fingerprints and minor scratches.
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,426 now$1,426€1,279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Inspired By Gibson F-5 Studio Mandolin
F-5 Studio VS Satin · Epiphone
30 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale353 mm (13.9")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Epiphone F-5 Studio is a solid entry point into the F-style mandolin world. It’s got a bright, driving bluegrass tone and a comfortable neck – a great choice for players looking for that classic look and sound without a premium-priced investment. It’s surprisingly well-built for its category and a real workhorse instrument.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers surprising clarity and responsiveness for the price.
- Maple back and sides provide a focused, punchy tone ideal for bluegrass.
- Rounded V neck profile is comfortable and familiar for many players.
Cons
- Satin finish, while visually appealing, can feel a bit slippery to some players.
- Limited tonal versatility; shines primarily in bluegrass and similar styles.
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$590 now$590€529 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Loar LM-310F Honey Creek F-Style Mandolin
LM-310F-BRB · The Loar
26 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale349 mm (13.74")
- Frets20 frets
This Honey Creek mandolin sounds great for bluegrass because of its solid spruce top and maple body. The 20 frets make it easy to play fast solos without getting stuck. It is a classic choice for players who love traditional sound but misses out on modern electronics. Ideal for picking sessions, though heavy players might need to check the weight first.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, punchy attack for bluegrass picking.
- Maple body construction ensures a strong, resonant low-end response.
- Ebony bridge provides a solid foundation for clear string vibration.
Cons
- No specific weight listed makes handling unknown for larger players.
- F-Style shape is generally larger and bulkier than modern designs.
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 30Aug 30$400 now$400€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 45 mandolins
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
The Loar LM-110 Honey Creek A-Style MandolinLM-110 Honey Creek BRB · The Loar · 2 finishes66Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 12
The Loar LM-590 Contemporary F-Style MandolinLM-590-MS · The Loar55Stable$612€549$612€549Check ↗
- 13
The Loar LM-520 Performer F-Style MandolinLM-520-VS · The Loar53Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez M522S-BS F-Style MandolinM522S-DVS · Ibanez · 2 finishes52↓ 2.5%$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 15
Gibson Custom Shop Sierra Hull Signature F-5G MandolinSierra Hull F-5G VOS SB · Gibson51Stable$9,142€8,199$9,142€8,199Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez M510-OVSIbanez · 2 finishes50Stable$266€239$266€239Check ↗
- 17
Ortega RMF30-WBOrtega48↓ 1.1%$311€279$311€279Check ↗
- 18
Richwood RMA-90-NT MandolineRichwood48Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 19
Richwood RMA-110-VS A-StyleRichwood48Stable$478€429$478€429Check ↗
- 20
Richwood RMF-80-Nt MandolineRichwood48Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 21
Gold Tone GME-4 E-MandolineGold Tone48Stable$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 22
Richwood RMF-220-WN F-StyleRichwood48Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 23
The Loar LM-700 Supreme F-Style MandolinLM-700 F-Mandolin VS · The Loar48Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 24
Ortega RMAE30-WBOrtega47Stable$244€219$244€219Check ↗
- 25
Ortega RMFE30-WBOrtega47Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 26
Ortega RMFE90TSOrtega47Stable$668€599$668€599Check ↗
- 27
Ortega RMA200PF MandolineOrtega47Stable$896€804$896€804Check ↗
- 28
Ortega RMFE100AVOOrtega47Stable$935€839$935€839Check ↗
- 29
Ortega RMAE200PF MandolineOrtega47Stable$991€889$991€889Check ↗
- 30
Ortega RMF200PF MandolineOrtega47Stable$1,370€1,229$1,370€1,229Check ↗
- 31
Ortega RMFE200PF MandolineOrtega47Stable$1,370€1,229$1,370€1,229Check ↗
- 32
Gibson Custom F-5G Dark BurstGibson46Stable$7,135€6,399$7,135€6,399Check ↗
- 33
Richwood RMF-100-VS MandolineRichwood45Stable$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 34
Gold Tone A-6 Mando Guitar TSGold Tone44Stable$612€549$612€549Check ↗
- 35
Gold Tone GME-5 E-MandolineGold Tone44Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 36
Gold Tone GM-10 Frypan Mandoline w/CaseGold Tone44Stable$824€739$824€739Check ↗
- 37
Recording King RFM-3-TS MandolineRecording King · 2 finishes43Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
- 38
Ortega RMAE40SBK-LOrtega43Stable$381€342$381€342Check ↗
- 39
Ortega RMFE40SBKOrtega43Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 40
Gibson 1923 F-5 Master Model Rei. CBGibson42Stable$24,306€21,799$24,306€21,799Check ↗
- 41
Gewa VGS Mandoline A-AntiqueGewa41Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 42
Gewa VGS Mandoline F-2 PremiumGewa41Stable$506€454$506€454Check ↗
- 43
Richwood RMF-60-VS F-Style MandolineRichwood39↓ 3.3%$322€289$322€289Check ↗
- 44
Epiphone Mandobird Vintage SunburstEpiphone38Stable$371€333$371€333Check ↗
- 45
Hamaril Mandolin SetHamaril26Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
Mandolins by the numbers
Measured across all 65 models we track, not a sample.
Median $423 — half of all mandolins here cost less.
median of 62 models · 345 mm (13.58")–353 mm (13.9")
median of 53 models · 20–24
most common · 30 models
median of 24 models · 30 mm (1.18")–44.4 mm (1.75")
How to choose the best mandolins
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
A high action (string height) will make learning a nightmare. Look for a comfortable neck profile - not too thick, not too thin - something that allows you to fret cleanly without excessive pressure. This is the biggest factor for a beginner.
Construction (Solid vs. Laminate)
Solid wood tops (like spruce or cedar) will generally offer more complexity and resonance, but laminate tops (like mahogany or sapele) are more stable in varying humidity and tend to be cheaper. A laminate back and sides on a solid top is a decent compromise for a beginner's budget.
Tone (Fundamental & Overtones)
You want a mandolin that isn't just bright and thin. A good beginner mandolin should have a warm fundamental tone with enough overtones to cut through a bluegrass band. Avoid anything that sounds overly ice-picky or brittle.
Hardware (Tuning Stability)
Cheap tuners are a disaster waiting to happen. Constant tuning adjustments will kill your motivation. Look for geared tuners that feel solid and hold pitch well, even under the stress of gigging.
Scale Length & Body Size
While most mandolins are standard scale, a slightly shorter scale can be easier on smaller hands. Body size is less critical, but a smaller body might be more comfortable for some players.
Buying guide
So you're thinking about picking up a mandolin? Awesome! It's a deceptively tricky little instrument, but incredibly rewarding. Forget about the flashy Fenders and Les Pauls for a minute - the mandolin's got a unique voice and demands a different kind of respect. Let's find you a mandolin that won't leave you frustrated and wondering if you made a mistake, but will actually inspire you to learn.
Don't chase the prettiest headstock or the glossiest finish. A beginner mandolin should be playable and reliable, not a showpiece. Expect to trade off somewhere - often it's in the quality of the finish or the wood binding.
Spending a bit more for a mandolin with a lower action and decent tuners will pay dividends in your learning progress. Ultimately, the best mandolin is the one that inspires you to pick it up and play.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 64 mandolins from the Thomann catalogue (of 65 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between an A-style and F-style mandolin?
A-styles are simpler, generally cheaper, and often have a more traditional bluegrass tone. F-styles are shaped like an F, are more ornate, and sometimes (though not always) have a slightly brighter, more 'modern' sound. It's mostly aesthetic for a beginner.
Do I need a hard case?
Absolutely. Mandolins are fragile instruments. A hard case will protect it from bumps and humidity changes, especially if you plan on gigging or traveling with it. A gig bag is better than nothing, but a hard case is the smart choice.
What gauge strings should I use?
Stick with light gauge strings (.010 - .036) when you're starting out. They're easier to fret and will be more forgiving while you're developing your technique. Heavier strings can be a thing later, but not now.
How important is the pickup?
If you're just practicing at home, a pickup isn't necessary. If you plan on playing with a band or recording, a decent onboard pickup can be a lifesaver, but don't prioritize it over playability. A cheap pickup will just sound muddy.
What's 'buzzing' and how do I fix it?
Buzzing is usually caused by a high action or uneven frets. It's best to take it to a luthier for a proper setup, but you can try slightly loosening the strings to see if it helps temporarily.
