Best Mandolins Under $800 2025

Affordable mandolins under $800 - 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

Gold Tone F-6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Gold Tone F-6

by Gold Tone

Country Folk Celtic

Key Feature:

• Bright, cutting high-end tone

✓ PROS

• Great for melody and rhythm
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

• Small size may be challenging
• Needs frequent tuning

Gold Tone F-6Mando-GuitarTop: SpruceBack and sides: MapleNeck: MapleSlim neck profileFretboard: Blackwood...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 423804

$714

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Gold Tone A-6 Mando Guitar TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Gold Tone A-6 Mando Guitar TS

by Gold Tone

Bluegrass Country Celtic

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass instrument

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Gold Tone A-6 Mando Guitar TSGuitar MandolinA-StyleTuning: E-A-D-G-B-ETop: solid spruceBack and sides: MapleNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 486606

$604

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

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Epiphone F-5 Studio VS Satin

by Epiphone

Classical Country Folk

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 VS SatinF-Style MandolineInspired by Gibson Custom Shop / Modern CollectionTop: SpruceBack and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 588390

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gold Tone GME-5 E-Mandoline - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Gold Tone GME-5 E-Mandoline

by Gold Tone

Country Folk Classical

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass instrument

✓ PROS

• Versatile across many genres
• Great for melody and rhythm

✗ CONS

• String tension can be high
• Needs frequent tuning

Gold Tone GME-5 E-MandolineElectric MandolineBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Maple20 FretsScale: 349 mm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 512099

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMFE90TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ortega RMFE90TS

by Ortega

Folk Bluegrass Country

Key Feature:

• Compact, portable size

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

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

Ortega RMFE90TSF-Style MandolineTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: MapleNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 345 mm24...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 375057

$659

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

Gewa VGS Mandoline F-2 Premium - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Gewa VGS Mandoline F-2 Premium

by Gewa

Folk Bluegrass Traditional Music

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass instrument

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires specific playing technique
• Limited low-end frequency range

Gewa VGS Mandolin F-2 PremiumMandolinTop: solid spruceF-holesBack and sides: solid flamed mapleFingerboard and bridge:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558726

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega RMFE40SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ortega RMFE40SBK

by Ortega

Classical Celtic Folk

Key Feature:

• Versatile across many genres

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• Small size may be challenging

Ortega RMFE40SBKMandolin with PickupType: F-styleTop: SpruceBack and sides: MapleFingerboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 288096

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gold Tone GME-4 E-Mandoline - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Gold Tone GME-4 E-Mandoline

by Gold Tone

Traditional Music Celtic Bluegrass

Key Feature:

• Essential bluegrass instrument

✓ PROS

• Essential bluegrass instrument
• Versatile across many genres

✗ CONS

• Needs frequent tuning
• Small size may be challenging

Gold Tone GME-4 E-MandolineElectric MandolineBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNut width: 27 mmScale: 352...

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 535228

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez M522S-BS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

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 $800 2025

Gold Tone F-6

Gold Tone A-6 Mando Guitar TS

Richwood RMF-100-VS Mandoline

Epiphone F-5 Studio VS Satin

Gold Tone GME-5 E-Mandoline

Ortega RMFE90TS

Epiphone F-5 Studio WR Satin

Gewa VGS Mandoline F-2 Premium

Ortega RMFE40SBK

Gold Tone GME-4 E-Mandoline

Ibanez M522S-BS

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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