Best Mandolins for Professional 2026

Perfect mandolins for professional - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Bluegrass For Folk For Celtic For Classical For Country For Traditional Music

BRANDS: Harley Benton Ortega Ibanez Richwood Gewa Gold Tone

Epiphone F-5G Mandolin Cremona Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone F-5G Mandolin Cremona Burst

by Epiphone

Classical Traditional Music Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Great for melody and rhythm

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Needs frequent tuning

Epiphone F-5G Mandolin Cremona BurstF-Style MandolineInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionTop: sitka...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588321

$1,704

Buy at Thomann View Details

Richwood RMF-100-VS Mandoline - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Richwood RMF-100-VS Mandoline

by Richwood

Celtic Traditional Music Folk

Key Feature:

• Versatile across many genres

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Limited low-end frequency range

Richwood RMF-100-VS MandolineMandolinSolid F-style modelTop: solid spruceBack and sides: solid flamed mapleBody...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 561876

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez M522S-DVS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez M522S-DVS

by Ibanez

Celtic Classical Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• Requires specific playing technique

Ibanez M522S-DVSMandolinDesign: A-style with carved topBody: MapleTop: Carved spruceNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 617263

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Richwood RMF-80-Nt Mandoline - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Richwood RMF-80-Nt Mandoline

by Richwood

Celtic Classical Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✓ PROS

• Versatile across many genres
• Essential bluegrass instrument

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Small size may be challenging

Richwood RMF-80-Nt Mandoline8-String F-style MandolinBuilt completely out of solid woodNeck: Indonesian mahoganyTop:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 523936

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gibson Custom F-5G Dark Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Gibson Custom F-5G Dark Burst

by Gibson

Traditional Music Celtic Folk

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass instrument

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Essential bluegrass instrument

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Small size may be challenging

Gibson Custom F-5G Dark BurstF-Style MandolineTop: Sitka spruceTop binding: Ivoroid/Black/Ivoroid"Tone Bars"...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 567183

$7,259

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone F-5 Studio WR Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone F-5 Studio WR Satin

by Epiphone

Celtic Traditional Music Country

Key Feature:

• Compact, portable size

✓ PROS

• Compact, portable size
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• String tension can be high

Epiphone F-5 Studio WR SatinF-Style MandolineInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionTop: SpruceBack and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588392

$703

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez M522S-BS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez M522S-BS

by Ibanez

Celtic Folk Country

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Versatile across many genres
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• String tension can be high

Ibanez M522S-BSMandolinDesign: A-style with carved topBody: MapleTop: Carved spruceNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 617261

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender PM-180E Mandoline ACB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Fender PM-180E Mandoline ACB

by Fender

Bluegrass Country Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end frequency range
• Small size may be challenging

Fender PM-180E Mandoline ACBMandolin with PickupStyle: A-StyleTop: Laminated spruceBack and sides: Laminated...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537616

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gewa VGS Mandoline A-Antique - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Gewa VGS Mandoline A-Antique

by Gewa

Classical Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Versatile across many genres

✓ PROS

• Great for melody and rhythm
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• String tension can be high

Gewa VGS Mandoline A-AntiqueMandolinTop: solid spruceF-holesBack and sides: MapleFlamed backWooden rim on top and...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 558723

$389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBMA-100 VS w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton HBMA-100 VS w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Classical Folk Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Compact, portable size

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Great for melody and rhythm

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end frequency range
• Needs frequent tuning

Harley Benton HBMA-100 VS w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBMA-100 VS*Mandolin*Bluegrass SeriesBody...

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 539232

$176

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMAE40SBK-L - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ortega RMAE40SBK-L

by Ortega

Country Celtic Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• String tension can be high

Ortega RMAE40SBK-LMandolin with pickupLeft-handed modelConstruction: A-StyleTop: spruceBack & sides: MapleNeck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 513789

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMF30-WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ortega RMF30-WB

by Ortega

Classical Traditional Music Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✓ PROS

• Bright, cutting high-end tone
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• Requires specific playing technique

Ortega RMF30-WBMandolinStyle: F-StyleBody depth: 50 mmTop: SpruceBack and sides: MapleNeck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 556963

$310

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez M700S-AVS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez M700S-AVS

by Ibanez

Traditional Music Celtic Country

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

• Requires specific playing technique
• Small size may be challenging

Ibanez M700S-AVSMandolinDesign: A-style with carved topBody: Flamed mapleTop: Carved spruce3-Piece neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 617266

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMA30-WB LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ortega RMA30-WB LH

by Ortega

Country Folk Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Compact, portable size
• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• Limited low-end frequency range

Ortega RMA30-WB LHMandolinLeft-handed modelType: A-styleTop: SpruceBack and sides: MapleNeck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606655

$241

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BendolinE Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton BendolinE Seafoam Green

by Harley Benton

Celtic Classical Folk

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

• Great for melody and rhythm
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• String tension can be high

Harley Benton BendolinE Seafoam Green12-String E-MandolinConstruction: Solidbody T-StyleBody: BasswoodNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 528759

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Mandolins

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced mandolins typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Mandolins for Professional 2026

Epiphone F-5G Mandolin Cremona Burst

Richwood RMF-100-VS Mandoline

Ibanez M522S-DVS

Richwood RMF-80-Nt Mandoline

Gibson Custom F-5G Dark Burst

Epiphone F-5 Studio WR Satin

Ibanez M522S-BS

Fender PM-180E Mandoline ACB

Gewa VGS Mandoline A-Antique

Harley Benton HBMA-100 VS w/Bag

Ortega RMAE40SBK-L

Ortega RMF30-WB

Ibanez M700S-AVS

Ortega RMA30-WB LH

Harley Benton BendolinE Seafoam Green

How to Choose the Best Mandolins

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies