Hello! Here in this article, we’ll explore the best mandolins under $500 and the best brands that produce them. Ibanez, Kentucky, Washburn, and Rogue are some of the brands that you can find here, as they’re considered the highest quality mandolin producers in the world.
My name is Anthony and I’m a big fan of the mandolin. I use it in my musical productions quite frequently. The unique sound of this instrument never gets old, and the freshness and natural acoustic tone of the mandolin always give a pleasant experience.
Quick Look: Best Mandolins Under $500
★ #1 Best Mandolin Under 500 Overall: Ibanez M510DVS ★
- Best Beginner Mandolin Under 500: Rogue RM-100 A-Style
- Best Intermediate Mandolin Under 500: Kentucky KM-150 A-model
- Best Mandolin Under 500 For Professionals: Kentucky Km-272 Oval
- Best Mandolin Under 500 For Kids: Rogue RM-100 A-Style
Join me in this article as we go through several models, which I selected because of their high quality and reasonable price.
Are There Good Mandolins Under $500?
You can certainly find a decent instrument in any price range. Although the mandolin can be quite expensive, nowadays there are many brands that produce high-quality instruments for a decent price.
In this price range, we’re looking at intermediate and beginner style mandolins. They’re a perfect match for someone learning to play this instrument or looking for something of a higher quality for their music.
Types of Mandolins Under $500
There are several types of mandolins, each one with a unique set of features. The two main and most popular ones are the archtop A-style and F-style. The main difference between them is the F-shaped sound holes and decorative wood scrolls for the F-style and the more normal oval sound holes and simpler design for the A-style.
The sound and tone of these two are quite different as well. The F-style has a sharper and brighter sound, which is perfect for bluegrass, while the A-style has a warmer and deeper sound, which makes it a good fit for folk music.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Mandolin Under 500
You need to consider what type of music you want to play with the mandolin. Each model has its own sound qualities that make them useful for a particular type of musical genre. You might need to consider your level of experience too, as some models can be quite demanding on newer players.
Overall, try to choose an instrument that’s comfortable and made with high-grade wood, as this way you’ll get a long-lasting instrument that will give you countless hours of enjoyment.
Level of Experience
Each mandolin has a certain set of features that can be useful for either beginner, intermediate or professional players. Here we’ll explore some of those features and how they fit into each level of experience.
Beginner Mandolins Under 500
The best mandolin for beginners must be comfortable and easy to play, as you might want to spend numerous hours of learning and practicing. A good reasonable price is also something to look for when choosing your first mandolin.
Intermediate Mandolins Under 500
When you need something better in the mid-range, look for high-quality wood and a robust construction, as these will certainly get you a better sound and tone. Some intermediate mandolins might have a decent finish and additional accessories like a tuner, strings, or picks.
Pro Mandolins Under 500
If you need something professional and high-grade, look for specialized brands, as they always deliver high-quality instruments. Some of the best-valued brands are Kentucky, Washburn, and Ibanez. These brands have years of experience fabricating the mandolin.
Size
The size is mostly the same for most models of mandolins, although you can find bigger ones like some models made by the Kentucky brand. The bowlback type can be bigger too. They’re made with a big acoustic cage and have a higher volume.
The Overall Tone & Sound
The sound and tone of the mandolin depends on the type of instrument and the wood it’s made of. The F-style has a sharp and bright sound, and the A-style has a warmer tone.
But, each brand might have a different type of wood used with unique qualities, so I recommend just trying each one to know what sound you like the most.
Price
The price is an important thing to consider, as you might have a limited budget for buying your mandolin. But, remember that mandolins are quite expensive to make, so if you lower the price too much you might get a poorly made instrument with terrible sound qualities.
10 Best Mandolins Under $500 Overall
Here I’ve selected the best mandolins under $500 with the best features and highest quality wood. In this list I’ll present different models from the best brands I could find.
1. Ibanez M522SBS F-Style
- Size: 27 x 3 x 10.5 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Material & finish: Solid spruce top, maple back and sides, brown sunburst high gloss
- Sound: Warm and rich
- Best for: Intermediate
The Ibanez M522SBS F-Style is a bestselling mandolin model from the Ibanez brand. This instrument is very easy to set up and play. It offers rich and warm tones with its high-quality construction.
This mandolin has a great quality-price ratio and a beautiful finish, which makes it a great choice for any intermediate or beginner player.
✅ Beautiful finish
✅ High-quality materials
✅ Loud volume
❌ Low-quality strings
Why I Recommend It
This mandolin is one of the best instruments at this price range. You can always trust the Ibanez brand and their attention to detail when it comes to producing good quality instruments.
2. Kentucky KM-150 Standard A-Model
- Size: 26.38 x 10.25 x 3.38 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Materials & finish: Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, high-gloss sunburst finish
- Sound: Crisp and bright
- Best for: Intermediate players
The Kentucky KM-150 is a veteran when it comes to mid-range mandolins. This model has a classic and traditional finish and high-grade materials. This instrument is a solid choice for anyone looking for something trustworthy, as the Kentucky brand always produces the best instruments out there.
✅ Solid-body construction
✅ Easy to play
✅ High-quality construction
✅ Adjustable tonewood bridge
❌ Require some setup adjustments
❌ Low-quality strings
Why I Recommend It
I personally really like the overall finish and color of this mandolin. It gives this instrument a professional and elegant look, which in addition to a great tone and projection makes this model one of the best I could find in this price range.
3. Ibanez M510DVS
- Size: 27 x 3 x 10.5 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Material & finish: Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, dark violin sunburst finish
- Sound: Clean and bright
- Best for: Beginners
The Ibanez M510DVS is a solid choice for any beginner player that wants something high-quality and with good tone and projection. This mandolin has a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, which makes for great sound qualities and a pleasant tone.
✅ High-quality materials
✅ Great tone and projection
✅ Solid-body construction
❌ Paint job prone to chipping
Why I Recommend It
This model is one of the best mandolins in this price range. It has a well-built construction and a decent tone. It’s perfect for any beginner or even intermediate player.
4. Kentucky KM-272 Oval Hole A-Style
- Size: 26.25 x 10.25 x 3.25 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Materials & finish: Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, transparent amber
- Sound: Clean and warm
- Best for: Intermediate players and professionals
The Kentucky KM-272 Oval Hole A-Style is a legendary model made by Kentucky that’s now available for an accessible price. This mandolin has a solid spruce and maple body that creates that unique, warm and smooth sound.
✅ Beautiful finish
✅ Hand-carved solid sitka spruce wood
✅ Perfect for folk and Celtic music
❌ Low-quality strings
Why I Recommend It
This model is unique, and it brings some sweet tonality that other mandolins on this list can’t compete with. The natural tone of this model makes it a perfect match for folk or Celtic music.
5. The Loar LM-310F-BRB Honey Creek F-Style
- Size: 27.5 x 10 x 2 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Material & finish: Solid spruce top, maple back and sides, satin brown burst finish
- Sound: Clean and bright
- Best for: Intermediate players and beginners
The Loar LM-310F-BRB Honey Creek F-Style is a hand-carved mandolin that has that 1920s sound with a modern fabrication technique and high-quality materials. The Loar is famous for creating great instruments for a decent price, making classic style mandolins affordable for everyone.
✅ Durable construction
✅ Hand-carved spruce top
✅ Elegant finish
❌ Might require some setup
Why I Recommend It
This particular model is inspired by vintage mandolins. Even with some modern production methods, this instrument maintains a classic and natural sound that can perfectly fit into many different styles of music.
6. Kentucky KM-250
- Size: 26.25 x 10.25 x 3.35 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Material & finish: Solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, traditional sunburst
- Sound: Crisp and bright
- Best for: Intermediate players and professionals
The Kentucky KM-250 is inspired by the old classic mandolins of the 1900s. It has a classic design and finish with a unique sound and tone. This instrument is a solid choice for any type of player, as the high-grade materials and amazing attention to detail make this mandolin one of the best on the market.
✅ Great tone and projection
✅ Hand-carved body
✅ High-quality materials
❌ Require some setup to play
Why I Recommend It
The Kentucky KM-250 is a legendary model used by many famous musicians and artists. I personally tried this model and I must say that it’s one of the most professional mandolin models you can find in this price range.
7. Oscar Schmidt OM10E A-Style
- Size: 25 x 12 x 5 inches
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Materials & finish: Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, tobacco sunburst
- Sound: Clean and bright
- Best for: Beginners
The Oscar Schmidt OM10E A-Style is a decent model made with an elegant but effective design and finish. This mandolin is quite comfortable and easy to play, making it a great choice for any musician with a limited budget.
✅ Easy to play
✅ Simple but elegant finish
✅ Almost no setup required
❌ Low-quality strings
Why I Recommend It
If you’re looking to buy your first instrument or to start learning to play the mandolin, this model might be a good fit for you, as the quality-price ratio makes it a solid contender for the best budget mandolin.
8. Washburn Americana M1S-A Mandolin
- Size: 28.5 x 13 x 4 inches
- Weight: 3.44 pounds
- Materials & finish: Solid spruce top, maple back and sides, gloss sunburst finish
- Sound: Smooth and warm
- Best for: Beginners
The Washburn Americana M1S-A Mandolin is a classic mandolin with some modern features. The sound and tone of this instrument could be described as classic Italian, and its warm and smooth tones make this model perfect for folk and classical music.
✅ Classic and elegant finish
✅ Carved solid spruce top
✅ Easy to play
❌ Case not included
Why I Recommend It
This mandolin perfectly blends the old with the new. The high-grade construction and unique smooth tone make this model a unique and distinguishable mandolin for anyone who has a low budget.
9. Rogue RM-100 A-Style
- Size: 27.3 x 13.3 x 4.25 inches
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Materials & finish: Rosewood fingerboard, maple neck, high-gloss sunburst finish
- Sound: Clean and bright
- Best for: Beginners and intermediate players
The Rogue RM-100 A-Style is a bestselling mandolin model made by the Rogue brand. This instrument is a high-grade mandolin for an amazingly low price, which makes this model so popular among beginners and intermediate players.
✅ Easy to play
✅ High-quality finish
✅ Bright and clean tones
✅ Adjustable bridge and neck
❌ Case not included
❌ Low-quality strings
Why I Recommend It
I personally owned and used this mandolin numerous times. It’s one of the highest-quality models out there in this price range. If you’re not sure which mandolin you need, you can always go with Rogue, as thousands of positive reviews give a testimony of how great this model is.
10. Seagull S8
- Size: 28.15 x 9 x 3.25 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Materials & finish: Solid spruce top, maple back and sides, burnt amber finish
- Sound: Clear and crisp
- Best for: Beginners and intermediate players
The Seagull S8 is one of the most unique looking mandolins on this list. This lightweight instrument is a special model made by Seagull, which takes inspiration from classic Italian mandolins from a century ago.
✅ Easy to play
✅ Solid construction
✅ A bright and loud tone
✅ Low weight
❌ Case not included
Why I Recommend It
If you’re looking for something really unique and easy to play, this model will deliver what you want and more. With a lightweight construction and a decent tone and projection, this mandolin is a good choice for any beginner or intermediate player.
Best Brands for Mandolins Under $500
There are various companies and brands that specialize in creating the mandolin. Each one brings their own traditions and methods to each model they create.
Ibanez
Founded in 1959 in Nagoya, this company brings meticulous attention to detail and various innovations. This company produces several string instruments, including guitars, banjos, and mandolins. Each model has a unique mix of a beautiful design, high-grade electronics, and the best wood craftsmanship in the world.
Kentucky
The Kentucky mandolin brand is based in San Francisco, California. Their mandolins are inspired by American folklore music, and they try to reproduce that prairie sound with their instruments.
Starting off with the KM-150, which became a bestseller for the company, Kentucky rapidly expanded with the introduction of several new models and series. If you’re looking to play bluegrass or country on your mandolin, the Kentucky brand is made for you.
Washburn
Founded in 1883 in Chicago, Illinois, the Washburn company started as a guitar and string instrument brand. Their dedication to perfecting their models made them one of the best-valued companies in the musical world.
Nowadays, their instruments maintain the same level of quality and craftsmanship in each model they produce.
Oscar Schmidt
Founded by a German immigrant in 1971 in New Jersey, Oscar Schmidt brought German precision and attention to detail to string instruments made in America. Their models combine a classic and vintage spirit with a high-quality design and construction in each instrument they make.
What Comes with Mandolins Under $500?
At this price range, you can find several bundles and special offers that come with different accessories. Some of them might have some extra high-tier tuners or strings for you to use on your mandolin.
Tuner
The most common accessory for the mandolin is a tuner. That’s why almost every mandolin package you can find has one in the bundle. Some high-range mandolins might come with high-tier tuner brands like Snark or Fender.
Set of picks
Many mandolin packages you’ll find come with a set of picks. Some brands include a special set of picks with their signature logo.
Set of Strings
Strings are probably the most frequently bought accessory for any string instrument. They break a lot. That’s why an extra set of strings in the bundle is always useful.
Hard Case
The best way to protect your mandolin is to get a hard case for it. Some models might come with their own, included in the price, but don’t count on that for every mandolin, as you’ll find many sold without it.
Extras
There are some essential accessories for the mandolin that might not come in your package. These could be a new set of strings, as ones that come with the mandolin are usually of very poor quality.
Another must is the hard case, as the mandolin is a very fragile instrument. You need to protect it at all costs from humidity and any accidental hits.
Mandolin Build and Materials
The materials used and the finish of your mandolin are some of the most important factors that define the tone and sound of your instrument.
Wood
There are several ways to create the body and top of the mandolin. The most expensive mandolins have a solid or hand-carved body and top. This way, the instrument will have a better tone and sustain, which will create a better sound overall for your mandolin.
As for the wood type, there is no best wood for the job, as each one has its own qualities. Traditionally the mandolin was made of rosewood, but nowadays maple, and spruce, or a mix of both are used.
Finish
There are two main types of the varnish used in the finish of the mandolin. Oil varnish gives the instrument a natural tone and a thin layer of protection. Spirit varnish, on the other hand, provides better protection with a thick layer, but it might dampen the sound and tone of the instrument.
Color
The most common type of color for the mandolin is sunburst with numerous variations, from high-gloss to antique. However, some models might have many different types of coloring such as black, high-gloss red, and classic.
Buying New vs Used
When buying a new instrument, you can be sure of the quality of the sound and overall construction. With a used instrument, that might be tricky. But, sometimes you’ll get lucky and find a great mandolin for a very low price.
And let’s not forget that some mandolins will sound better with age, so by buying a used one you might find a unique gem of a mandolin for you to enjoy.
What Are the Best Mandolins Under $500?
Here I’ll review some of the best mandolins that appeared on this list. Most of them are made by brands dedicated to this instrument, and these brands always deliver high-quality mandolins with every model.
Rogue RM-100 A-Style: Best for Beginners
The Rogue company is famous for creating durable instruments for a low price. The Rogue RM-100 A-Style is comfortable and easy to use, which makes this model one of the best for beginners.
Kentucky KM-150: Best for Intermediate
The Kentucky KM-150 is a legendary model that helped the Kentucky brand expand and grow. The enormous popularity of this model is due to the high-quality construction and amazing sonic qualities. If you need a solid instrument for your bluegrass and country songs, look no further.
Kentucky KM-272 Oval Hole: Best for Professionals
The Kentucky KM-272 Oval Hole is a beast of its own, as it takes folkloric inspiration to another level with its unique sound and tone. This model is well suited for any folk or Celtic musician.
Where Are the Best Mandolins Under $500 Made?
Most high-tier brands are from Europe or the USA, although many of the models they sell are fabricated in Asia nowadays. Many European brands are mostly centered on instruments for folk and classical music. In the USA you might have more bluegrass, blues, and country instruments and brands.
What Is the Best Sounding Mandolin Under $500?
Personally, I think that the Ibanez M510DVS has the most interesting and unique sound. It’s one of the best sounding mandolins at this price range. The high-grade construction and bright tones are also a plus with this mandolin.
Where to Buy Mandolins Under $500
Nowadays you have many different options, from online retailers to numerous music stores in your town or city. Online retailers might offer a bigger selection of instruments and some special offers and warranties.
But let’s not forget that in your local music store you can try the instrument for yourself to see if you really like it. This and the addition of the advice from the vendor will help you decide with more security.
Amazon
This online retailer is a necessary tool in this modern age, and the low prices and fast delivery are more than useful for anyone looking for a decent product. You can always rely on Amazon for the most extensive info on your instrument, as you can find detailed specifications and user reviews on almost every product they sell.
Online Music Retailers
Nowadays you can find several online music retailers with great offers and a great selection of instruments. Here in Into Strings, we recommend Fiddlershop, Sweetwater, and Guitarcenter, as those retailers offer the most competitive prices and best selection of string instruments.
Your Local Music Store
In your local music store, you might find a limited selection but you can always rely on advice from the salesperson. The other positive thing about the local store is that you can take your time and get to know your future instrument up close.
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Table of Contents
- Mandolins
- Are There Good Mandolins Under $500?
- Types of Mandolins Under $500
- Things to Consider When Choosing a Mandolin Under 500
- 10 Best Mandolins Under $500 Overall
- Best Brands for Mandolins Under $500
- What Comes with Mandolins Under $500?
- Mandolin Build and Materials
- Buying New vs Used
- What Are the Best Mandolins Under $500?
- Where Are the Best Mandolins Under $500 Made?
- What Is the Best Sounding Mandolin Under $500?
- Where to Buy Mandolins Under $500
- In Conclusion
In Conclusion
After exploring the best mandolins under $500 and their brands, you might have a better idea of what to look for when you’re buying a mid-range mandolin. Some instruments I listed here might get closer to professional levels of quality, while others are a better match for someone starting out learning to play the mandolin.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned a few things about this double-stringed beauty. Feel free to share this article and leave any comments or questions you may have.
Stay safe and as always, good luck with your sonic adventures!
