Best Mandolins Under $300 2025

Affordable mandolins under $300 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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 Gold Tone Gewa

Ibanez M510E-BS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez M510E-BS

by Ibanez

Bluegrass Celtic Classical

Key Feature:

• Compact, portable size

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez M510E-BSElectric mandolineBody shape: A-Style drop shapeTop: SpruceBottom and sides: SapeleFretboard and bridge:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 189654

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BendolinE Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Ibanez M510E-DVS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez M510E-DVS

by Ibanez

Bluegrass Traditional Music Classical

Key Feature:

• Versatile across many genres

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez AS510-BSMandolin with pickupType: A-StyleTop: SpruceBack and sides: SapeleFingerboard and bridge: Pau FerroNut...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 557610

$235

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez M510-OVS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez M510-OVS

by Ibanez

Traditional Music Classical Folk

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass instrument

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end frequency range
• Needs frequent tuning

Ibanez M510-OVSMandolinType: A-StyleBody: MahoganyTop: SpruceNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelScale: 350 mmNut width:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 617258

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Richwood RMA-60-VS A-Style Mandoline - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Richwood RMA-60-VS A-Style Mandoline

by Richwood

Folk Classical Country

Key Feature:

• Compact, portable size

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

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

Richwood RMA-60-VS A-Style MandolineA-Style MandolinTop: SprucelaminatedBack and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 515558

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBMA-100E- VS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HBMA-100E- VS

by Harley Benton

Celtic Traditional Music Folk

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass instrument

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Compact, portable size

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton HBMA-100E- VSElectric MandolinBluegrass SeriesFlorentine body shapeSpruce topBasswood bodyTeak...

⭐ 4.5/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 277634

$218

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BendolinE Vintage Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton BendolinE Vintage Sunburst

by Harley Benton

Country Bluegrass Celtic

Key Feature:

• Great for melody and rhythm

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• Needs frequent tuning

Harley Benton BendolinE Vintage Sunburst12-String E-MandolinConstruction: Solidbody T-StyleBody: BasswoodNeck:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 528752

$215

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez M510-DVS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez M510-DVS

by Ibanez

Celtic Country Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez M510-DVSMandolinType: A-StyleBody: MahoganyTop: SpruceNeck: MahoganyFingerboard: LaurelScale: 350 mmNut width:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617254

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMA30-WB LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 MA-500 SB w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MA-500 SB w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Versatile across many genres

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Great for melody and rhythm

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Requires specific playing technique

Harley Benton MA-500 SB w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MA-500 VS Bluegrass Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 264732

$209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMAE30-WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ortega RMAE30-WB

by Ortega

Bluegrass Celtic Folk

Key Feature:

• Compact, portable size

✓ PROS

• Compact, portable size
• Great for melody and rhythm

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• Requires specific playing technique

Ortega RMAE30-WBMandolin with PickupStyle: A-StyleBody depth: 50 mmTop: SpruceBack and sides: MapleNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 556958

$241

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.

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TOP

Best Mandolins Under $300 2025

Ibanez M510E-BS

Harley Benton BendolinE Seafoam Green

Ibanez M510E-DVS

Ibanez M510-OVS

Richwood RMA-60-VS A-Style Mandoline

Harley Benton HBMA-100E- VS

Harley Benton BendolinE Vintage Sunburst

Ibanez M510-DVS

Ortega RMA30-WB LH

Harley Benton MA-500 SB w/Bag

Ortega RMAE30-WB

How to Choose the Best Mandolins

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying mandolins?

How much should I spend on mandolins?

Are expensive mandolins worth the investment?

What are the best brands for mandolins?

Should I buy mandolins online or in-store?

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