Gold Tone BZ-500 Irish Bouzouki Mandolin - Natural High Gloss

Description

Discerning Folk Performance Delivered from Éire
The "folkternative" spirit of the BZ-500 Irish bouzouki mandolin was developed by way of a painstaking design, construction, and setup process. After hearing it's unmistakably authentic Irish tone, you'll understand why. Crafted by Gold Tone's most prestigious luthiers with premium-selected tonewoods, the BZ-500 replicates a true Emerald Isle classic in a modern mandolin shell. It's unimaginably comfortable and extremely easy to play, given its modern chrome hardware, mandolin cast tailpiece, and smooth-as-silk rosewood fingerboard. Also onboard this musical relic is a mandolin bridge pickup and convenient strap button input jack, generating a rich and full-width output for stunning play on the stage. As soon as we set eyes on the BZ-500 here at Sweetwater, we knew it to be an exceptional addition to our ranks — by first strum, we automatically knew our presumptions were justified.Traditional in every detail
From its mandolin cast tailpiece
Sweetwater is an Authorized Gold Tone Dealer
Genuine New Item
Sweetwater's 2-year warranty and 55 point inspection
Gold Tone BZ-500 Irish Bouzouki Mandolin - Natural High Gloss
Acoustic-electric Bouzouki Mandolin with Mahogany Body, Spruce Top, and Rosewood Fingerboard - Natural High Gloss
Discerning Folk Performance Delivered from Éire
The "folkternative" spirit of the BZ-500 Irish bouzouki mandolin was developed by way of a painstaking design, construction, and setup process. After hearing it's unmistakably authentic Irish tone, you'll understand why. Crafted by Gold Tone's most prestigious luthiers with premium-selected tonewoods, the BZ-500 replicates a true Emerald Isle classic in a modern mandolin shell. It's unimaginably comfortable and extremely easy to play, given its modern chrome hardware, mandolin cast tailpiece, and smooth-as-silk rosewood fingerboard. Also onboard this musical relic is a mandolin bridge pickup and convenient strap button input jack, generating a rich and full-width output for stunning play on the stage. As soon as we set eyes on the BZ-500 here at Sweetwater, we knew it to be an exceptional addition to our ranks — by first strum, we automatically knew our presumptions were justified.
Traditional in every detail
From its mandolin cast tailpiece to its sealed guitar-style tuning machines, the BZ-500 breathes Irish authenticity. Meticulously selected mahogany and spruce tonewoods generate a tight and balanced folk sound reminiscent of the traditional mid-century bouzouki. Its tone is further expanded by the onboard Chopper Mandolin Bridge pickup, which serves to keep the BZ-500's output as acoustically close as possible. Finally, the mandolin cast tailpiece, floating ebony bridge, and 1-3/8-inch Zero Glide nut facilitate precision string placement and vibration, amounting to an instrument that rings true in looks, tone, and playability.
Zero Glide: patented precision makes playability smooth
Gold Tone’s Zero Glide nut is a tiny piece of hardware that enhances instrument performance drastically. The patented design pairs a sustain-boosting bone nut with a hard nickel-silver “zero fret” for enhanced reliability and sound. Zero Glide nuts grace the headstocks of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos, and even ukuleles. The benefits are clearly universal! Zero Glide’s precision-cut string slots further reduce string contact by a staggering 93% at the nut — meaning fewer tuning breaks and better resonance, especially when playing gets aggressive. Zero Glide also narrows sonic differences between fretted- and open-string notes while solving common intonation issues for innovative accuracy without compromising character.
Gold Tone: a legacy of music
The origins of Gold Tone go back to the folk music scene of the ’70s, when musicians Wayne and Robyn Rogers opened a small music shop. Fifteen years later, they founded Gold Tone Banjos in Titusville, Florida. Their first product, the TB-100 banjo, was designed by Wayne. As demand for this critically acclaimed instrument increased, the company expanded its offerings to include a selection of fretted instruments that combine modern innovation and timeless vintage design. The goal? To inspire all musicians, from beginners to professionals, to realize their musical dreams. Today, Sweetwater is pleased to offer you Gold Tone’s exciting range of 4-, 5-, and 6-string banjos, banjo ukuleles, metal- and wood-bodied resonator guitars, Weissenborn Hawaiian steel guitars, and mandolins.
Gold Tone BZ-500 Irish Bouzouki Mandolin Features:
Acoustic-electric Irish-style bouzouki mandolin with hardshell case
Solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides emit a balanced acoustic tone with tight projection
Sturdy mahogany neck with 2-way adjustable truss rod
Smooth-playing rosewood fingerboard with snowflake inlays provides top-tier access to all 23 frets
Onboard Chopper mandolin bridge pickup for authentic folk amplification
Floating adjustable ebony bridge and mandolin cast tailpiece
1-3/8-inch Zero Glide nut boosts sustain and reduces string contact for supreme intonation support and tonal accuracy
Chrome-plated hardware and sealed guitar-style tuning machines
Setup in Gold Tone’s Florida workshop for the utmost in reliability
Specification
Detail
Type
Acoustic-electric
Body Shape
Bouzouki
Color
Natural
Finish
Gloss
Top Material
Spruce
Body Material
Mahogany
Neck Material
Mahogany
Fingerboard Material
Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay
Snowflakes
Number of Frets
23
Scale Length
26.25"
Nut Material
ZeroGlide
Nut Width
1.375"
Bridge Material
Rosewood
Tuners
Sealed
Hardware
Chrome
Electronics
Chopper Mandolin Bridge Pickup
Strings
.016, .016, .018, .018, .035w, .016, .045w, .018
Case/Gig Bag
Hardshell Case
RETURN INFORMATION
We want you to be completely happy with your purchase from Sweetwater. If you are not satisfied with your product, you may return it for a refund of the purchase price within 30 days. If your purchase was eligible for Free Shipping, the shipping cost will be deducted from your credit or refund. Returns must be in the complete and original packaging with all accessories and complete documentation (Owner's Manual, warranty card, quick start guides, etc.), show no signs of wear or use, and include a Return Authorization number or be subject to a restocking fee.
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