Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (9)
$839.99
Amazon
3.1 (7)
$839.99
Reverb
4.0 (6)
$849.00 New
$719.99 Used

Average Price: $821

High-end/Boutique

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Gold Tone F-12 12-String Manditar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Gold Tone F-12 12-String Manditar, an exceptional blend of mandolin and guitar that invites you to explore a new sonic landscape. Designed with a larger Artist or F-style Mandola body, this instrument enhances the resonant air chamber for a richer volume and improved low-end response, offering a delightful depth to your music. The 15” extended scale ensures ample hand room, making barre chords near the nut a breeze—a rare feature for manditars.

The Gold Tone F-12 stands out with its Zero Glide nut, providing exceptional tuning stability and enabling the lowest possible action, reducing the usual string tension associated with shorter scale instruments. This attention to detail ensures a comfortable playing experience, further enhanced by the radiused fretboard and ebony bridge equipped with a built-in pickup for seamless amplified performance.

Whether you're in the studio, gigging solo, or jamming with friends, the Gold Tone F-12 offers a unique voice to elevate your musical endeavors. Its shorter scale length is perfect for open tunings, allowing you to focus on crafting mesmerizing melodies and harmonies. This manditar will not only breathe new life into your existing repertoire but also inspire you to create fresh, captivating sounds.

Key Features:

  • 12-string mandolin-guitar hybrid
  • Larger Artist or F-style Mandola body
  • 15” extended scale length
  • Zero Glide nut for tuning stability
  • Radiused fretboard for comfortable play
  • Ebony bridge with built-in pickup
  • Soft case included

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Gold Tone F-12 12-String Manditar?

The Gold Tone F-12 offers a unique blend of guitar tuning with mandolin sound, providing rich, resonant tones thanks to its spruce top and maple body. This combination delivers a bright, yet warm sound suitable for both traditional and modern folk music.

Is the Gold Tone F-12 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gold Tone F-12 is equipped with a pickup, making it ideal for live performances. Its acoustic-electric capabilities allow you to easily amplify your sound, ensuring clarity and volume on stage.

What tuning does the Gold Tone F-12 12-String Manditar use?

The Gold Tone F-12 is tuned like a standard guitar, offering familiarity for guitarists while delivering the distinct sound of a mandolin. This makes it accessible and easy to integrate into your existing repertoire.

How does the Gold Tone F-12 handle tuning stability?

The Gold Tone F-12 features Kluson-style chrome-plated tuners, which provide reliable tuning stability. These tuners ensure that your instrument stays in tune longer, even during extended playing sessions.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gold Tone F-12?

The Gold Tone F-12 features a spruce top and maple body, with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. This combination of materials contributes to its robust sound and comfortable playability.

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Gold Tone F-12 12-String Manditar & Case with Pickup | Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone F-12 12-String Manditar & Case with Pickup | Elderly Instruments by Elderly Instruments

Gold Tone F-12 12-String Manditar & Case with Pickup | Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Elderly Instruments

Video thumbnail for So I finally bought a Guitar Mandolin Gold Tone F12 by Mountain Home - Jerrel D

So I finally bought a Guitar Mandolin Gold Tone F12

Mountain Home - Jerrel D

Mountain Home - Jerrel D

Video thumbnail for Goldtone 12-String F-12 Mando-Guitar Unboxing and Review | Tom Strahle | Pro Guitar Secrets by Tom Strahle

Goldtone 12-String F-12 Mando-Guitar Unboxing and Review | Tom Strahle | Pro Guitar Secrets

Tom Strahle

Tom Strahle

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone F-12 Demo by musicaltraditions

Gold Tone F-12 Demo

musicaltraditions

musicaltraditions

Video thumbnail for Guitarist Tries 12 String Mando-Guitar:  Gold Tone F-12 by Julie Starling Music

Guitarist Tries 12 String Mando-Guitar: Gold Tone F-12

Julie Starling Music

Julie Starling Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Great for guitarists seeking a mandolin-like sound without learning new chord shapes

  • High-quality fit and finish with vintage aesthetics

  • Comfortable for guitar players, mimicking guitar tuning an octave higher

  • Comes with an included electric pickup and custom-fitted semi-hardshell case

  • Versatile sound with option to adjust string tuning for desired tone

  • Strong acoustic sound due to slightly larger body and doubled strings

CONS

  • May become unplayable over time due to structural issues

  • Short scale can be challenging for players with large hands

  • Requires modifications for optimal sound, such as adjusting string pairings

  • Potential loss of tone and structural integrity over time

  • Limited playability past the 5th fret for those with larger fingers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone F-12 12-String Manditar.

Comparisons

  • The Gold Tone F-12 produces a sound that is more guitar-like with a mandolin tone, differing from traditional mandolins due to its body design and string configuration.

    Source
  • The F-12's sound is described as having less percussive, more ringing tones compared to traditional mandolins, making it feel more like a guitar.

    Source
  • Alternative instruments like Portuguese 12-string guitarras or octave mandolins are suggested for those seeking a different balance of tone and body design.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the F-12 satisfactory for its deep soprano tones, particularly appealing for those with smaller hands who seek a guitar-like feel.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A luthier-made archtop similar to the Gold Tone F-12 could start around $2,000, indicating a significant price leap for custom builds.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The F-12 offers creative freedom for guitar players wanting to explore higher octaves without fully committing to traditional mandolin characteristics.

    Source

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