AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Richwood Mandolins 2026
The top pick is Richwood RMA-90-NT Mandoline ($423). Richwood RMA-60-VS A-Style Mandoline gives you the most for the money at $200. Richwood RMF-220-WN F-Style leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width31.5 mm (1.24")
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets20 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Richwood RMA-90-NT is a surprisingly capable instrument for the price. The all-solid construction really shines, giving it a mature tone you wouldn't expect. It's a fantastic option for aspiring bluegrass players or anyone looking for a solid, reliable mandolin without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, responsive, and clear tone.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience.
- Solid maple back and sides offer excellent projection and sustain.
Cons
- Walnut tint finish might be a bit too dark for some players' preferences.
- Solid construction can make it slightly heavier than some A-style mandolins.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings8-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Richwood RMA-110-VS is a really solid entry point into bluegrass mandolin playing. The all-solid wood construction gives it a surprisingly mature tone, and the flamed maple looks gorgeous under that vintage stain. It's a great choice for beginners or players looking for a reliable, affordable instrument with a classic look and feel.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly bright, responsive tone.
- Ebony fingerboard offers smooth playability and excellent note definition.
- Flamed maple back and sides add visual appeal and warmth to the sound.
Cons
- Vintage style tuners can feel a bit soft and imprecise for advanced players.
- Ivoride binding, while functional, isn’t quite the same as true ivory.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$478 now$478€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings8-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Richwood RMF-80-Nt is a really solid entry into the solid-wood mandolin market. It’s got a lovely, mellow tone that's great for bluegrass, folk, and even some lighter country. This is perfect for intermediate players looking for quality without the premium price tag of a Gibson or Collings.
Pros
- Solid wood construction delivers a surprisingly resonant and warm tone.
- Ebony fingerboard and bone nut enhance playability and sustain.
- 2-way adjustable truss rod allows for precise neck relief adjustments.
Cons
- The natural matte finish might feel a bit plain for some players.
- Mahogany back and sides can limit the top-end sparkle compared to maple.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$501 now$501€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings8-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This mandolin shines with its bright tone from the solid spruce top and warm look of flamed maple. It plays smoothly thanks to the ebony fingerboard and adjustable neck. Perfect for bluegrass players who want a sturdy 8-string without extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, cutting bluegrass tone
- Flamed maple back and sides add visual warmth
- Ebony fingerboard provides smooth playability
Cons
- Heavy solid wood construction may be difficult for beginners
- Lacks onboard electronics or pickup options
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 20Aug 20$891 now$891€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
- Frets24 frets
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
The Richwood RMF-100-VS is a solid F-style mandolin that punches above its class. It’s got a bright, clear voice perfect for bluegrass and traditional folk, and the build quality is impressive for a mandolin in this price range. This is a great choice for intermediate players looking to upgrade from an entry-level instrument.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers surprisingly bright, responsive tone.
- Ebony fingerboard and nut offer smooth playability and sustain.
- Flame maple back and sides contribute to a focused, warm resonance.
Cons
- Vintage sunburst finish can be a bit thick and glossy for some tastes.
- Solid construction means it's a bit heavier than some lighter mandolins.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$534 now$534€479 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 ↗ -
- Scale350 mm (13.78")
The Richwood RMF-60-VS is a solid entry-level F-style mandolin. It’s got a bright, clear voice that’s fantastic for bluegrass and traditional music, and the adjustable bridge means you can really dial in the action. This is a great option for beginners or players looking for a reliable, affordable instrument.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a bright, responsive tone suitable for bluegrass
- Mahogany back & sides add warmth and sustain, balancing the top
- Adjustable bridge and tension rod allow for easy setup and playability
Cons
- Technical wood fretboard may not offer the same feel as rosewood or ebony
- Open tuners can be less precise than geared tuners, requiring more frequent adjustments
39AudioFu
Index↓ 3.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$333 · Aug 17$322 now$322€289 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Mandolins by the numbers
Measured across all 65 models we track, not a sample.
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
Tone
Richwood's signature is that warm, woody tone with a clear, defined chop. It's not overly bright or sparkly; think more 'vintage bluegrass' - a really focused fundamental with just enough shimmer to avoid sounding muddy. It sits beautifully in a band setting, never fighting for headroom.
Build Quality
The construction is generally very solid. Dovetail necks are standard, and the binding and finish work are consistently good for the price point. You'll find some slight cosmetic imperfections on lower-end models, but the structural integrity is rarely an issue.
Neck Profile
Richwood's neck profiles are generally comfortable - not too thick, not too thin - making them accessible to a wide range of players. The action is usually set up pretty well from the factory, though a professional setup can always elevate the playability.
Pickup Voicing (for electrified models)
The pickups on Richwood's amplified mandolins are surprisingly decent. They don't try to be high-output shred machines; instead, they aim for a natural, acoustic-like response when plugged in. You'll still want a good preamp for stage use, but they're a good starting point.
Value
This is where Richwood really shines. You're getting an instrument that punches well above its price class. The quality of materials and craftsmanship is noticeably better than you'll find from some of the cheaper, mass-produced brands.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at Richwood mandolins? Smart move. They've quietly become a go-to for players who want that classic bluegrass voice without dropping a grand on a vintage Gibson. Richwood's got a heritage of making solid instruments, and they've really dialed in a sweet spot between affordability and serious tone. Let's break down what makes them tick.
Don't expect flawless perfection - these are mid-range instruments, and you might find a small finish blemish or a slightly uneven fret. Focus on the neck feel and overall tone; a quick check of the action and intonation is always a good idea. Spending a bit extra for a model with solid wood back and sides will noticeably improve the sustain and resonance, and it's worth it if you're serious about your playing.
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 7 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
Are Richwood mandolins good for beginners?
Absolutely. They're forgiving to play and the tone isn't punishing if you're still developing your chop. The comfortable neck profile also makes them easier to learn on.
How do Richwood mandolins compare to Eastman?
Eastman generally occupies a slightly higher price bracket with a wider range of woods. Richwood delivers a fantastic tone and build for the money, while Eastman is often considered a step up in overall refinement and premium features - but you pay for it.
What's the difference between the A-style and F-style Richwood mandolins?
It's purely cosmetic. The F-style has that scroll headstock and fancy carved back, while the A-style is simpler. The tone is essentially the same - the body shape has a negligible impact.
Can I gig with a Richwood mandolin?
Definitely. I've used Richwoods for years in band settings and recording. They hold up well to regular use, just be mindful of humidity and keep up with basic maintenance like truss rod adjustments.
Do I need a preamp if I buy an amplified Richwood?
While the stock pickups are decent, a dedicated preamp will significantly improve the clarity and headroom when playing live or recording. It's especially important if you're playing in a loud band or need to cut through the mix.
