Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$439.99
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$499.99 New
$499.00 Used

Average Price: $483

Standard/Professional

$100

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern functionality with the Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin. Crafted for both aficionados and aspiring musicians, this mandolin pays homage to the beloved instruments of the early 20th century while offering contemporary enhancements for today's players. The GM-50 features a solid spruce top paired with curly maple back and sides, delivering a rich, articulate sound that resonates beautifully whether you're jamming acoustically or plugged in. Thanks to the integrated transducer pickup, you can seamlessly transition from a quiet practice session to a lively stage performance.

The mandolin's Zero Glide nut revolutionizes playability by significantly reducing string contact, ensuring smooth and precise notes with every strum. Its 13.75-inch scale length and ebony fingerboard provide a familiar and comfortable playing experience, akin to reuniting with an old friend. Additionally, the adjustable bridge allows for easy customization of string height, so you can fine-tune your instrument to match your playing style. Gold Tone’s commitment to quality shines through from the expert setup to its attention to detail, making the GM-50 a reliable companion for musicians of any skill level.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top with curly maple back and sides for a rich, articulate sound
  • Built-in transducer pickup for versatile acoustic or amplified playing
  • Adjustable bridge for customizable string height
  • 13.75-inch scale length with an ebony fingerboard
  • Zero Glide nut for enhanced playability and reduced string contact
  • Expertly set up for optimal tone and playability

Product specs

Type Acoustic-electric
Body Shape A Style
Top Material Spruce
Body Material Curly Maple
Neck Material Maple
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 13.75"
Nut Material ZeroGlide
Nut Width 1.375"
Tuners A-style
Hardware Chrome
Electronics Chop Saddle Pickup
Strings .040w, .026w, .016, .011 (Doubled)
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What type of music is the Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin best suited for?

The Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin is versatile and well-suited for bluegrass, folk, and traditional music genres, thanks to its classic A-style body and acoustic-electric capabilities.

Does the Gold Tone GM-50 come with a case or gig bag?

Yes, the Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin comes with a gig bag for convenient transport and storage.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gold Tone GM-50 Mandolin?

The Gold Tone GM-50 features a spruce top, curly maple body, and an ebony fingerboard, providing a rich and resonant sound with excellent playability.

Is the Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gold Tone GM-50 is equipped with a Chop Saddle Pickup, making it suitable for amplified performances in live settings.

How many frets does the Gold Tone GM-50 Mandolin have?

The Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin has 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and musical expression.

What is the scale length of the Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin?

The scale length of the Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin is 13.75 inches, offering a comfortable playing experience for most musicians.

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Gold Tone GM-50 Mandolin

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone GM-50 Mandolin by Gold Tone

Gold Tone GM-50 Mandolin

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful sound both plugged and unplugged

  • Solid wood construction adds to rich tonal quality

  • Easy action adjustment for personalized playability

  • Open and woody sound with great sustain

  • Holds its own against more expensive mandolin brands

  • Attractive, visually appealing design

  • Affordable price for high-quality features

  • Great for both beginners and experienced players

CONS

  • May require initial setup adjustments for optimal playability

  • Some users need to replace strings for better sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone GM-50 A-Style Mandolin.

Build quality

  • Gold Tone's lacquer is noted to be thicker than preferred, potentially affecting feel and resonance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Kentucky KM 272 is highlighted for its suitability for Irish music due to its tonal qualities.

    Source
  • Big Muddy mandolins are noted for excellent sound and build quality but lack the 'chop' sound, making them less ideal for bluegrass.

    Source
  • Big Muddy mandolins are highly praised for Irish and Celtic tunes, offering great value in their flat top design despite varied aesthetic opinions.

    Source

User experience

  • Seasoned instruments, particularly used ones, are suggested to be easier to play and produce a better sound.

    Source
  • Owners of the Eastman MD305 praise its solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides, citing its value at $799 new.

    Source
  • A user with extensive guitar experience but new to mandolins reports satisfaction with the McNeela heritage model, praising its playability and sound quality.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Light gauge strings are recommended for players with less finger strength for easier playability.

    Source
  • Ensuring a proper setup on budget mandolins significantly enhances playability; DIY adjustments might be necessary for optimal performance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Kentucky mandolins, while slightly over budget, are praised for their quality and compatibility with traditional Irish music.

    Source
  • The Gold Tone GM-50 is compared to a Gibson A-2, with a price range of $350-$500, noted for its pleasing sound but not ideal for bluegrass.

    Source
  • It's recommended to try both Eastman and Kentucky mandolins in person due to differing feels, despite both being quality instruments.

    Source
  • The Gold Tone GM-50 is noted for its resemblance to the old Gibson A's in both appearance and sound, appealing to fans of vintage aesthetics.

    Source

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