Gold Tone M-Bass25 Acoustic-Electric MicroBass with Gig Bag

When Gold Tone introduced the MicroBass line, they solved a problem that a lot of working musicians didn’t even realize they had: how do you get genuine, playable bass tone in something small enough to stow in an overhead bin? The M-Bass25 takes that idea one step further than the M-Bass23 — stretch the scale to 25 inches and increase the body’s interior volume by roughly 10%, and you get noticeably more projection and a fuller low-end response, while the whole instrument still weighs under three pounds. The Aquila Thunderblack rubber/polymer strings are the key to the whole thing: they’re designed specifically for short-scale basses and deliver a deep, woody fundamental that sits somewhere between a standard electric bass and an acoustic upright. Standard EADG tuning means any bassist can pick this up without relearning anything. Whether you’re a touring musician who needs a bass that fits in the overhead bin, a songwriter who wants to sketch out parts without a full rig, a multi-instrumentalist adding bass to your arsenal, or simply someone looking for one of the most fun and distinctive instruments on the market today — the M-Bass25 has a real job to do.

Construction is thoughtful throughout. The mahogany top pairs with okoume back and sides for a warm tonal character that complements those Thunderblack strings beautifully. The nato neck is fitted with a walnut fingerboard (also available fretless if that’s your preference — just reach out before ordering), dot inlays, and 20 frets, with a two-way adjustable truss rod so setup can be dialed in precisely. The 1-11/16″ bone nut, butterfly bass-style tuners, and all-black hardware give it a clean, purposeful aesthetic in a natural satin finish. The onboard MBass Preamp with EQ means you can plug straight into any PA, amp, or interface and get a balanced, usable sound immediately. The included gig bag keeps it protected on the road.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. That means checking and adjusting the nut slots, saddle height, truss rod relief, intonation, and electronics, so the instrument arrives ready to play at its full potential right out of the bag. You won’t need to make a trip to a repair shop before your first session.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell is covered by the manufacturer’s full warranty and backed by a team that genuinely knows these instruments. I’m Geoff Hohwald — I’ve been in the fretted instrument business for over 45 years, co-founded Watch & Learn instructional music in Atlanta in the 1980s, wrote Banjo Primer, the top-rated beginner banjo method on the market, and co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard, so when I say I know Gold Tone instruments inside and out, that’s not a marketing line. We stock and evaluate everything we sell, and Gold Tone’s factory setup means you’re getting a genuinely playable instrument, not something that needs work before it’s fun to play. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans — no late fees, so you can get playing now and pay on your own schedule.

Gold Tone M-Bass25 Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between the M-Bass25 and the M-Bass23?

The M-Bass25 has a 25-inch scale length versus the M-Bass23’s 23-inch scale, and the body has approximately 10% more interior volume. In practical terms, you get a slightly more familiar string tension for players accustomed to standard bass scale lengths, and the larger body adds a bit more acoustic resonance and projection. Both models use the same Aquila Thunderblack strings and onboard preamp — the 25 is just the bigger, slightly fuller-sounding sibling.

Can I use regular bass strings on the M-Bass25?

Gold Tone and Aquila specifically designed the Thunderblack rubber/polymer strings for the MicroBass scale lengths, and they’re a big part of what gives these instruments their distinctive tone. Standard long-scale bass strings won’t work, and even short-scale bass strings aren’t designed for this application. I’d recommend sticking with Aquila Thunderblack replacements when it’s time to restring — they’re widely available online and the tone difference over standard strings is significant.

Is the M-Bass25 loud enough to be heard acoustically in a band setting?

Acoustically, the M-Bass25 is well-suited for solo practice, songwriting, and quiet ensemble situations — think around a campfire or in a small acoustic circle. For any amplified context or a full band, you’ll want to plug into an amp or PA via the onboard preamp, where it holds its own very comfortably. That combination of acoustic convenience and electric versatility is really the whole point of this instrument.

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