Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $724

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Fender Mandocaster is a fusion of classic design and modern playability, perfect for the musician seeking a unique sound and style in their stringed instrument collection. Inspired by the iconic solid-body electric guitars of the 1950s, the Mandocaster offers a fresh take on the traditional mandolin format. With its signature single-coil pickups, it delivers a distinctive tone that cuts through any mix, making it ideal for various genres ranging from bluegrass to rock.

Designed for comfort and precision, the Mandocaster features a smooth maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard, ensuring that every note rings clear and true. Its solid body construction provides excellent resonance and sustain, while the vintage-style bridge adds a touch of classic flair. Whether you're performing on stage or jamming in the studio, the Mandocaster's versatile sound palette is sure to inspire creativity.

Beyond its striking appearance, the Mandocaster is built for practical performance. With a familiar scale length and easy-to-reach controls, it offers players a seamless transition from electric guitar to mandolin. The Fender Mandocaster is not just an instrument but a bridge between traditional and modern music worlds, making it a must-have for any serious musician's arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Signature single-coil pickups for distinctive tone
  • Maple neck with rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Solid-body construction for enhanced resonance and sustain
  • Vintage-style bridge for classic aesthetics and function
  • Familiar scale length for comfortable transition from guitar to mandolin
  • Easy-to-reach controls for effortless tonal adjustments

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Mandocaster
Year 2010s
Categories Mandolins

FAQs

What makes the Fender Mandocaster different from a traditional mandolin?

The Fender Mandocaster is an electric mandolin featuring a solid body design, unlike the acoustic nature of traditional mandolins. It offers amplified sound and electric guitar-like playability, making it suitable for genres that benefit from electronic amplification.

How many strings does the Fender Mandocaster have?

The Fender Mandocaster typically features eight strings, arranged in four pairs, similar to a standard mandolin setup, allowing for rich, full-bodied sound.

Is the Fender Mandocaster suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Mandocaster is well-suited for live performances due to its electric nature, allowing for easy amplification and effects integration, which can enhance stage presence and sound versatility.

What are the key tonal characteristics of the Fender Mandocaster?

The Fender Mandocaster delivers a bright and jangly tone, characteristic of electric mandolins, making it ideal for genres like rock, folk, and country that benefit from its distinctive sound profile.

Does the Fender Mandocaster require a specific type of amplifier?

The Fender Mandocaster can be used with any standard electric guitar amplifier, allowing players to choose an amp that best suits their tonal preferences and performance needs.

Swing CIty Music

Swing CIty Music

Fender Mandocaster 4 String Electric Mandolin Reissue Demo

Video thumbnail for Fender Mandocaster 4 String Electric Mandolin Reissue Demo by Swing CIty Music

Fender Mandocaster 4 String Electric Mandolin Reissue Demo

Swing CIty Music

Swing CIty Music

Video thumbnail for Review of two electric mandolins - Fender mandocaster & Mandobird by Darren the Mandolin

Review of two electric mandolins - Fender mandocaster & Mandobird

Darren the Mandolin

Darren the Mandolin

Video thumbnail for Fender Mandocaster - Electric mandolin review and demonstration played through a Helix. by Scott Stevens

Fender Mandocaster - Electric mandolin review and demonstration played through a Helix.

Scott Stevens

Scott Stevens

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Mandocaster.

Features and functionality

  • The 4-string electric mandolin is noted for allowing easier string bending compared to 8-string models, offering a guitar-like feel in a smaller package.

    Source
  • The Fender Mandocaster reissue can be hard to find online despite previous availability and popularity among enthusiasts.

    Source
  • The Mann 8-string mandolin features a semi-hollow design with a through neck, providing a comfortable play experience with less depth compared to standard necks.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the Fender Mandocaster to Eastwood Airline electric mandola, noting a preference for the latter due to personal style and sound preferences.

    Source
  • The Eastman El-Ray is praised for its versatility, capable of delivering clean to overdriven tones when paired with a Vox AC15, making it suitable for varied musical styles.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report that while the 4-string electric mandolin is fun for solos, it doesn't stand out as much in a band setting against electric guitars.

    Source
  • A Yamaha THR10 amplifier is highly recommended for electric mandolin use, particularly when using headphones for silent practice.

    Source
  • Despite its affordability, the Fender Mandocaster re-release is valued for its playability, with owners considering it a good buy if found around $300.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's been highlighted that the electric mandolin is effective for layering chords in an electric setting, though less distinctive with distortion.

    Source
  • The Godin A8 is noted for its bright electric tone, which lacks the traditional acoustic mandolin "bark," making it ideal for non-bluegrass groups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The G string may require intonation adjustments, sometimes needing the screw cut down for proper setup.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to Seymour Duncan pickups significantly improves tone quality on Indonesian Mandocasters, especially when configuring from 8-string to 4-string setup.

    Source
  • Owners of the Mandobird IV often upgrade the pickups due to the original feeling insufficient, although the neck quality is sometimes described as cheap.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John 5 uses Fender Mandocaster

John 5

Guitarist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via YouTube

In a "Rig Rundown" episode by Premier Guitar, John 5 discusses his use of the Fender Mandocaster

See how Tommy Tedesco uses Fender Mandocaster

Tommy Tedesco

Guitarist

The Wrecking Crew

...
Verified

The Drum Forum website features a Heritage Auction list that includes a 1962 Fender Mandocaster as part of guitarist Tommy Tedesco's collection.

Album Usage

The Fender Mandocaster has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Mandocaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Martin 1961 Martin 0-18
Martin 1961 Martin 0-18 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Ibanez IMG2010 X-ING
Ibanez IMG2010 X-ING Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-175 Electric Guitar
Gibson ES-175 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Yamaha SG500
Yamaha SG500 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-335 Dot
Gibson ES-335 Dot Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Ovation Classical 1613
Ovation Classical 1613 Classical & Nylon-String Guitars
1
Gibson F-5L
Gibson F-5L Mandolins
1

More Fender Mandolins

Rogue RM-100A Mandolin

$69.99 - $129.99

# 1

Rank

Gene Ween Rob Scallon Zachary M. W. Corsa
5 artists using
Ibanez M510E

$199.00 - $232.00

# 2

Rank

Gene Ween Mauricio Durán Aaron Freeman
4 artists using
Ibanez M510 Mandolin

$169.99 - $199.99

# 6

Rank

Ariza
1 artist using
Washburn M3SWK

$599.00 - $999.00

# 14

Rank

Lil Nas X
1 artist using
Gibson F5-G Mandolin

$5,999.00 - $6,444.00

# 15

Rank

Marcus Mumford Chris Thile Zac Brown
3 artists using

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides