Gold Tone MB-850+ Mandolin-Banjo (Banjolin) with Bag

There is something irresistible about the sound of a banjolin — that clear, ringing, almost bell-like tone that sat right at the top of the ensemble in the great mandolin and banjo orchestras of the 1920s. The Gold Tone MB-850+ is a genuinely faithful homage to those instruments, and I mean that in the best possible way. It is not a novelty item or a conversation piece. It is a well-engineered, beautifully finished instrument that plays and sounds like something you will reach for every single day. The 11-inch banjo pot gives you real projection and cut, while the rolled brass flat bar tone ring adds warmth and sustain that keeps the tone from ever getting harsh or thin. The maple resonator snaps off easily if you prefer the softer, more intimate sound of an open-back configuration — so you are really getting two distinct voices in one instrument. If you are a mandolin player who has ever wanted banjo projection, or a banjo player who wants to explore the GDAE world, this is an exceptionally satisfying instrument to own.

Gold Tone built the MB-850+ around an 11-inch multi-ply maple rim with 24 brackets and a flat bar tension hoop — the same thoughtful pot construction you find on their respected banjo lineup — topped with a Remo LC Coated head that gives you a warm, focused attack right out of the box. The maple neck carries a rosewood fingerboard with 17 frets and dot inlays, and the ZeroGlide nut at 1-3/32 inches keeps the string height at the nut as low as physically possible, which makes a real difference in playability, especially in first-position chord work. Open-gear guitar-style tuners keep things smooth and accessible, and the No-Knot tailpiece is a classic, reliable choice for this style of instrument. The vintage brown high-gloss finish is handsome without being flashy, and the chrome hardware is clean and consistent throughout. At 6.3 pounds with a 13-7/8-inch scale length, this instrument is genuinely comfortable to play for extended sessions.

Every MB-850+ receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before shipping. They check and adjust the nut slots, set the action at the bridge for comfortable fretting up and down the neck, verify intonation, inspect the head tension, and make sure every mechanical component is tight and functioning properly.

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 the assurance that you are buying a genuine, properly sourced product. I have been in this industry for more than 45 years — I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, I wrote Banjo Primer (consistently rated the number-one beginner banjo method), and I co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone — so when I say I stand behind the instruments we carry, that is not a marketing phrase. I know these instruments. I have played them, compared them, and selected them carefully. The MB-850+ belongs in our catalog because it genuinely delivers. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and longer-term plans of 3, 6, 12, or 24 months — all with no late fees — so there is a payment option that works for just about any situation.

Gold Tone MB-850+ Specifications

Scale Length	13-7/8″
Nut Width	1-3/32″ ZeroGlide Nut
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Frets	17
Inlay	Dot
Tuners	Open Gear Guitar-Style
Headstock Buttons	Metal
Rim	11″ Multi-Ply Maple
Tone Ring	11″ Rolled Brass Flat Bar
Head	11″ Remo LC Coated Topside
Tension Hoop	11″ Flat Bar
Brackets	24
Bridge	Maple with Ebony Cap
Tailpiece	No Knot
Resonator	13″ Maple (removable)
Hardware Finish	Chrome Plated
Body Finish	Vintage Brown / High Gloss
Armrest	Fits All GT Engraved
Tuning	GDAE
String Gauge	.040w, .026w, .016, .011 (Doubled)
Weight	6.3 lbs.
Bag	Included
Setup	Professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a mandolin player pick up the MB-850+ without learning new technique?

Absolutely. The MB-850+ is tuned GDAE — exactly the same as a mandolin — and the 13-7/8-inch scale length is close enough to a mandolin scale that your left-hand chord shapes and positions transfer directly. The main adjustment is getting used to the banjo-style head and the single-string configuration rather than paired courses, but your technique, your scales, and your repertoire all carry over immediately. Many mandolin players find the MB-850+ opens up a whole new sonic range without requiring them to start from scratch.

What is the difference between playing with the resonator on versus off?

With the resonator attached, the MB-850+ projects forward with maximum volume and brightness — ideal for ensemble playing, sessions, or any situation where you need to cut through. With the resonator removed, the sound becomes softer, rounder, and more intimate, with a bit more sustain and a mellower character. The resonator on the MB-850+ is designed to come off easily, so switching between the two configurations takes only a moment. It is genuinely like having two instruments in one case.

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