Gold Tone GM-50+ A-Style Mandolin with Pickup and Bag

There’s something genuinely moving about picking up an A-style mandolin that looks and feels like it came straight out of a 1910 mandolin orchestra, yet is fully equipped for wherever today’s music takes you. The Gold Tone GM-50+ does exactly that. Its carved solid spruce top delivers the kind of warm, focused projection that a laminate top simply cannot match at any price, and the curly maple back, sides, and neck add both visual beauty and a bright, articulate character to the voice. The tobacco sunburst high-gloss finish is a loving nod to those iconic Midwestern instruments that filled parlors and concert halls a century ago — and the installed chop saddle pickup means you can step onto a stage or sit in with an amplified group without missing a beat. This is a mandolin for someone who wants real tone, real wood, and real versatility without spending a fortune.

The GM-50+ is built with details that matter. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and fast under the fingers, bound in cream ABS with clean dot inlays. The ZeroGlide nut at 1-1/8″ width keeps the strings seated properly for accurate intonation right off the bat — something you don’t always see at this price. The two-way adjustable truss rod gives you long-term neck stability across seasons and climates, and the adjustable period-correct bridge lets you dial in action to your preference. Chrome-plated hardware and a mandolin cast tailpiece round out a package that looks more expensive than it is. Whether you’re playing Celtic sessions, bluegrass jams, old-time string band music, or exploring the parlor-era repertoire that this style of mandolin was literally born to play, the GM-50+ handles all of it with ease.

Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships — adjusting the nut slots, bridge height, and action, checking intonation, and making sure the instrument plays its best from the very first note. You won’t need to take it to a shop when it arrives. It’s ready to play.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell comes with the full manufacturer warranty and is sourced through proper channels — no gray-market surprises. I’ve been in this business for over 45 years, and I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, where I’ve been helping players find the right instrument since the 1980s. I wrote Banjo Primer, the top-rated beginner banjo method, and I’ve worked closely with Gold Tone on instrument development — including co-designing the OB-Standard. When I stock an instrument at Banjo Warehouse, it’s because I believe in it. The GM-50+ earns its place. We offer flexible financing through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans with no late fees, so there’s a payment option that works for just about any budget. Questions? Reach out — I’m happy to talk mandolins.

Gold Tone GM-50+ Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the GM-50+ really have a solid top, and does it make a difference?

Yes — the top is a carved solid spruce top, not a laminate. This is a significant distinction in the mandolin world. A solid top vibrates more freely and opens up over time as the wood settles in, producing a warmer, more complex tone than laminate construction. At this price point, a solid top is uncommon and is one of the main reasons the GM-50+ stands out from the competition.

How does the built-in pickup work, and will it affect the acoustic tone?

The GM-50+ uses a chop saddle transducer pickup that sits under the bridge saddle. It captures the natural vibration of the top and transmits it to an output jack so you can plug directly into an amp or PA system. When you’re playing acoustically, the pickup is completely passive and adds no noticeable coloration or interference to the instrument’s natural sound — it’s simply there when you need it and invisible when you don’t.

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