The Gold Tone MB-850+ Mandolin-Banjo (also known as a banjolin) is a unique hybrid instrument that blends the short scale length, tuning, and eight-string layout of a standard mandolin with the acoustic projection of a banjo.

Convertible Resonator Design & Brass Tone Ring

Popular during the mandolin and banjo orchestra movement of the 1920s and 1930s, this instrument is designed to sit at the top of an acoustic mix, easily carrying the main melody line. 

Built with modern manufacturing standards, it provides a reliable option for multi-instrumentalists looking to bring traditional, vintage tones to folk, bluegrass, and old-time music.

The acoustic core of the MB-850+ relies on an 11-inch multi-ply maple rim paired with an 11-inch rolled brass flat-bar tone ring. 

This brass ring adds a crisp, focused attack and enhanced volume to the double-string setup. 

For added versatility, the instrument is built with a convertible 13-inch maple resonator finished in a high-gloss vintage brown. 

The resonator can be easily removed by the player, instantly shifting the instrument from a loud, bright closed-back configuration into a mellower, lighter open-back setup.

Traditional Pot Hardware & Mandolin Scale Neck 

The pot assembly is highly stable, utilising an 11-inch Remo LC coated topside head secured by a flat-bar tension hoop and 24 individual brackets. 

The strings anchor to a classic No-Knot tailpiece and pass over a maple bridge topped with a dense ebony cap. 

The maple neck is fitted with a rosewood fingerboard housing 17 frets and traditional dot position inlays. 

To improve tuning accuracy and prevent string binding, the headstock features a 1-3/32 inch ZeroGlide nut paired with open-gear guitar-style tuning machines and metal buttons.

Gold Tone MB-850+ Mandolin-Banjo Features & Specifications

• Traditional mandolin-banjo hybrid configuration tuned in standard mandolin intervals (G-D-A-E)

• Convertible body design with an easily removable 13-inch maple resonator for open-back playing

• Eleven-inch multi-ply maple rim paired with an 11-inch rolled brass flat-bar tone ring

• Eleven-inch Remo LC coated topside head secured tightly by a flat-bar tension hoop

• Robust 24-bracket alignment ensures even tension across the entire drumhead surface

• Short-scale maple neck outfitted with a 17-fret rosewood fingerboard and dot inlays

• Specialized 1-3/32 inch ZeroGlide string nut for improved tuning stability and intonation

• Open-gear guitar-style tuning machines equipped with durable metal buttons

• Traditional No-Knot string tailpiece and a stable maple bridge with a protective ebony top cap

• Chrome-plated hardware fittings throughout, compatible with an engraved GT armrest

• Finished in a protective, vintage brown high-gloss coating

• Available in a dedicated left-handed model configuration for left-oriented musicians

• Complete outfit includes a fitted fabric gig bag for convenient travel, lessons, and storage