Gold Tone M-Bass25FL 25-Inch Scale Acoustic-Electric MicroBass with Gig Bag

I’ve spent over four decades watching players struggle to find a travel-friendly bass that doesn’t compromise on real bass feel and tone — and the Gold Tone M-Bass25FL is genuinely one of the most satisfying solutions I’ve come across. The fretless 25-inch scale version of Gold Tone’s MicroBass family steps up from the 23-inch M-Bass with a longer scale that gives you slightly more familiar string tension and ten percent more interior body volume, which translates to a noticeably fuller, more resonant acoustic voice. Whether you’re a upright bassist who wants a portable electric option, a guitarist curious about bass, or a seasoned bassist who needs something that fits in an overhead bin, this instrument is built for you. The Aquila Thunderblack rubber/polymer strings are the real secret here — they produce genuine low-end thump without the bulk or volume of standard bass strings, and the fretless walnut fingerboard lets you chase intonation and slides the way a good fretless should.

Gold Tone built this instrument to be lightweight and gig-ready simultaneously. The mahogany top and okoume back and sides keep the weight at just 2.8 lbs. while producing enough acoustic projection to practice unplugged anywhere. Plug into the onboard MBass preamp with EQ and you have a stage-ready instrument that sits cleanly in a mix. The nato neck with its two-way adjustable truss rod, bone nut, and butterfly bass-style tuners round out a package that punches well above its price. Black hardware on a natural satin finish gives it a clean, understated look that’s easy to take seriously. The 20-fret walnut fingerboard is smooth and responsive — on the fretless model, the dot inlays serve as position markers so you always know where you are.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you — adjusting the nut, saddle, and action so the Thunderblack strings speak evenly across the fingerboard and the instrument plays comfortably right out of the bag. You won’t need to make a trip to a repair shop after your Gold Tone arrives.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell is covered by Gold Tone’s full manufacturer warranty and backed by our own customer service team in Yellow Springs, Ohio. I’m Geoff Hohwald — I’ve been in the stringed instrument business for more than 45 years, co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, and have spent decades helping players at every level find the right instrument. I co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard and co-authored instructional material with Pete Seeger and Tony Trischka, so when I say this MicroBass is a genuinely thoughtful design, I mean it from experience. We offer flexible financing through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, and 24-month plans — no late fees — so you can get playing now without waiting.

Gold Tone M-Bass25FL Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 25-inch scale M-Bass different from the 23-inch version?

The M-Bass25FL features a longer 25-inch scale length compared to the 23-inch model, which gives you slightly higher string tension and a feel closer to a standard short-scale bass. Gold Tone also increased the body’s interior volume by ten percent, which produces a fuller, more resonant acoustic tone. If you’re coming from a standard bass background and want a familiar feel in a travel-friendly package, the 25-inch scale is worth the step up.

Can the M-Bass25FL be played through an amplifier or PA system?

Yes — the M-Bass25FL includes the MBass preamp with onboard EQ, so you can plug directly into a bass amp, DI box, or PA system. The Aquila Thunderblack strings work extremely well with amplification, producing a warm, defined low end that sits naturally in a mix. It’s genuinely stage-ready, not just a practice instrument.

Is this instrument suitable for a guitarist who wants to learn bass?

Absolutely, and it’s one of my top recommendations for exactly that situation. The lightweight body, compact scale, and manageable Thunderblack strings make the learning curve much gentler than jumping onto a full-size electric bass. The fretless fingerboard does require some ear training to nail intonation, but many guitarists actually find that engaging rather than frustrating — and it builds skills that transfer to upright bass as well.

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