Gold Tone makes some of the best banjos for beginners, intermediate players, and professionals. This guide will help you find the right Gold Tone banjo for your playing style and budget.
A Brief History of Gold Tone Banjos
Gold Tone was founded in 1993 by Wayne and Robyn Rogers, who shared a passion for music and a vision to bring high-quality, affordable banjos to the market. Their mission was to make the banjo more accessible to musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds. Based in Titusville, Florida, Gold Tone has grown to become one of the most respected banjo manufacturers in the industry.
In the early days, Gold Tone mainly focused on producing 5-string bluegrass banjos. However, they quickly recognized the growing interest in old-time and folk music. They expanded their product line to include open-back banjos suitable for clawhammer and other traditional playing styles. This decision helped establish Gold Tone as a key player in the banjo manufacturing industry.
Over the years, Gold Tone has consistently pushed the boundaries of banjo design and innovation, introducing unique models such as:
The company also offers banjo-ukuleles, bass banjos, and long-neck banjos, catering to the diverse needs of banjo enthusiasts.
Gold Tone’s commitment to quality and affordability has earned the brand a loyal following. With a focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing, Gold Tone uses carefully selected woods and materials to create instruments with excellent tone, playability, and durability. The company’s dedication to customer satisfaction extends beyond the sale of their instruments, offering outstanding support, educational resources, and a strong sense of community to banjo players worldwide.
Types of Banjos Offered by Gold Tone
Gold Tone offers an extensive range of banjos that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of banjo players—from open-back banjos and resonator banjos to banjo-ukuleles and specialty models.
Open-Back Banjos
Open-back banjos are characterized by the absence of a resonator, resulting in a lighter, more comfortable instrument. They typically produce a mellower, more plunky sound, making them ideal for old-time music and clawhammer playing styles. Gold Tone offers a wide selection of open-back banjos, ranging from beginner-friendly models such as the BB-400+ and CEB-5 to more advanced options like the WR-7.
Resonator Banjos
Resonator banjos feature a closed back with a resonator plate, which projects the sound forward, creating a louder, brighter tone. This design makes them well-suited for bluegrass music and Scruggs-style picking. Gold Tone’s resonator banjo lineup includes beginner models like the CC-100R and OB-150+, as well as professional-grade Orange Blossom models like the OB-2 and OB-3.
Banjo-Ukuleles (Banjoleles)
Banjo-ukuleles, also known as banjoleles, combine the small, compact body of a ukulele with the distinctive banjo sound. They are typically tuned like a ukulele and are a popular choice for those who enjoy both instruments. Gold Tone offers several banjo-ukulele models, including the BUS.
Specialty Banjos
Gold Tone also produces an array of specialty banjos designed to cater to specific needs or unique preferences:
Long-Neck Banjos
Long-neck banjos feature an extended neck with additional frets, providing a larger range and allowing for alternate tunings. Gold Tone’s long-neck models include the OT-800 LN, which is designed for folk musicians and those seeking a distinctive sound.
Hybrid and Unique Banjos
Gold Tone is known for pushing the boundaries of banjo design, creating innovative hybrid instruments:
Components of a Gold Tone Banjo
Gold Tone banjos are known for quality craftsmanship, built with carefully selected materials that affect tone, playability, and durability. Here’s what goes into a Gold Tone banjo.
Tonewoods and Construction
The choice of tonewood significantly impacts a banjo’s sound and character:
- Maple — Dense and hard, offering excellent projection and a bright, crisp sound. Used for necks, rims, and resonators. Featured on the OB-250+ TP and CC-100R.
- Mahogany — Softer wood with a warm, rich tone and balanced sound profile. Produces a mellower, sweeter sound than maple. Featured on the OB-2JM and OB-3.
- Walnut — Mid-range tonewood with balanced tone between maple’s brightness and mahogany’s warmth. Featured on the OT-800.
Banjo Heads
The banjo head influences tone and volume:
- Fiberskyn — Synthetic material replicating traditional calfskin. Produces a warm, mellow tone with vintage sound quality. Found on the OT-800.
- Clear — Transparent Mylar providing bright, crisp
How to Choose a Gold Tone Banjo
Selecting the right Gold Tone banjo depends on your playing style, skill level, budget, and goals. Here’s what to consider.
Skill Level and Playing Style
Gold Tone offers models tailored to different playing styles:
- Clawhammer / Old-Time — Emphasizes rhythm and melody, typically using open-back banjos. Try the BC-350 or OT-800.
- Bluegrass / Scruggs Style — Three-finger picking style popularized by Earl Scruggs, using resonator banjos for a bright, powerful sound. Try the CC-100R or OB-250+ TP.
- Fingerpicking / Melodic — More melodic approach requiring excellent tone and playability.
Budget and Price Range
Gold Tone instruments span a wide price range:
- Entry-level ($300–$500) — Models like the GM-50+ and M-Bass for beginners
- Mid-range ($500–$1,000) — Models like the CC-100R and CC-Banjitar for intermediate players
- Professional ($1,000+) — Models like the OB-250+ TP, OB-150+, and OT-800 for serious players
Long-Term Goals
Consider how the instrument can grow with you. Gold Tone banjos are designed for longevity and allow upgrades like swapping bridges, tailpieces, or tone rings. A quality instrument now can last decades with proper care.
Aesthetics and Personal Preferences
Gold Tone offers various finishes, inlay patterns, and unique features. Consider:
- Appearance and finish (sunburst, natural, vintage brown)
- Weight and balance (important for long playing sessions)
- Neck profile and feel
- Open-back vs. resonator sound preference
Not sure which Gold Tone banjo is right for you? Call us at (404) 218-8580 — we’re happy to help you find the perfect fit.
V. Popular Gold Tone Banjo Models for Beginners
Gold Tone offers a variety of banjo models specifically for beginners, providing excellent value for money, playability, and a solid foundation for learning. In this section, we’ll discuss four popular Gold Tone banjo models for beginners:
The CC-100R is a newbie player’s dream come true. It is the only modestly-priced full-featured banjo that comes with a maple neck with a two-way adjustable truss rod and separate rosewood fretboard, a maple rim with twin coordinator rods, and it’s CONVERTIBLE! The natural-blonde finished CC-100R has a resonator that’s easily removed for true openback playing, helping new players become comfortable with different playing styles with just one banjo. Gold Tone’s superb factory setup in Florida further adds to the CC-100R’s value.
“Pre-war” style, at a price anyone can afford, AND authentic tone and superb playability describe the OB-150+. This Bluegrass banjo sports a three-ply maple rim and one-piece flange (just like the megabucks originals), a maple neck inlayed in authentic style, an upgraded JLS tone ring, and a smooth satin finish. The OB-150+ is professionally set up in our Florida shop and comes with a TRANSFERRABLE lifetime warranty.
In late 2018, Jake Stogdill and Robby Boone had a concept for replicating one of the most iconic banjos, played by one of the most iconic banjo players of all time, JD Crowe’s original RB-3 (“Banger”). After extensive research and great attention to every detail, Gold Tone was able to rebirth this classic banjo as the OB-3.
The double-cut headstock, combined with the Hearts-and-Flowers inlay pattern, says it all. The OB-Standard respects the GOAT Bluegrass banjoist, Earl Scruggs, who played this banjo style for many years.
These popular Gold Tone banjo models offer beginners a range of options tailored to their needs, preferences, and budget. By selecting a beginner-friendly instrument, new players can enjoy a smoother learning experience and develop proper technique more efficiently.
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VI. Additional Resources and Accessories
To enhance your playing experience and protect your investment, it’s essential to consider additional resources and accessories for your Gold Tone banjo. In this section, we’ll discuss various accessories, such as gig bags, cases, straps, picks, capos, maintenance products, and instructional materials.
Gold Tone Gig Bags and Cases
Protecting your banjo from damage during transport or storage is crucial. Gold Tone offers a range of gig bags and hardshell cases specifically designed for their banjo models. These cases provide a snug fit, ensuring maximum protection for your instrument. Please feel free to contact us if you’d like to discuss which case or bag your instrument comes with.
Straps, Picks, and Capos
Accessories like straps, picks, and capos can enhance your playing experience and facilitate different playing styles. Gold Tone offers banjo straps that provide comfort and support while playing. Picks are available in various materials, shapes, and thicknesses, catering to different preferences and techniques. Capos allow you to quickly change the key of your banjo, enabling you to play in different keys without retuning. Contact us if you’d like to discuss which Straps, Picks, and Capos would work best with your instrument.
Maintenance and Care Products
Proper maintenance and care are essential to prolong the life of your Gold Tone banjo and maintain optimal performance. We offer cleaning and polishing services, along with recommended tools for regular maintenance, such as string winders, truss rod wrenches, and bridge adjustment tools.
Instructional Materials (Books, DVDs, Online Courses)
Learning resources can help accelerate your progress and provide valuable guidance when learning the banjo. Gold Tone endorses Geoff Hohwald’s instructional materials, including The Banjo Primer and his other books, DVDs, and online videos, that cover various aspects of banjo playing, such as technique, theory, and repertoire. These resources cater to different skill levels and playing styles, ensuring that you have access to comprehensive learning materials tailored to your needs. Give Geoff a call to discuss what instructional materials work best for you (404-218-8580).
In conclusion, investing in additional resources and accessories for your Gold Tone banjo can greatly enhance your playing experience and ensure that your instrument remains in top condition. By selecting the appropriate gig bags, cases, straps, picks, capos, maintenance products, and instructional materials, you can fully enjoy your banjo journey while protecting and maintaining your instrument.
VII. Conclusion
Recap of Key Points
In this guide, we have explored the history and reputation of Gold Tone banjos, the importance of selecting the right banjo for your needs, and the various types and components of Gold Tone banjos. We’ve also discussed factors to consider when choosing a Gold Tone banjo, popular beginner models, and additional resources and accessories to enhance your playing experience.
Encouragement for New Players
Learning to play the banjo can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. As a new player, it’s essential to choose an instrument that suits your needs, preferences, and budget. Gold Tone banjos offer excellent quality, playability, and value for money, providing a solid foundation for beginners to learn and grow.
The Importance of Practice and Perseverance
Patience, practice, and perseverance are key to mastering any musical instrument, including the banjo. With consistent effort and dedication, you will see progress and improvement in your playing. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and remember that becoming proficient takes time and determination.
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VIII. Appendices
Glossary of Banjo Terms
A glossary of common banjo terms can help you familiarize yourself with the instrument and its components, making it easier to understand technical discussions and instructional materials.
Archtop: A banjo with an arched top tone ring, providing a brighter, more focused sound compared to a flathead banjo. Think Ralph Stanley instead of Earl Scruggs.
Armrest: A metal or wooden component attached to the banjo’s tension hoop, providing a comfortable resting place for the player’s arm.
Banjo head: The drum-like surface of the banjo, typically made from plastic or Fiberskyn, which vibrates to produce sound.
Bracket: A metal component used to secure and tension the banjo head to the rim.
Bridge: A wooden or composite piece that supports the strings, transferring their vibrations to the banjo head.
Capo: A device that clamps onto the banjo neck to raise the pitch of the strings, allowing the player to play in different keys without retuning.
Clawhammer: A traditional playing style that uses a down-picking motion to produce melody and rhythm, typically used for old-time music.
Coordinator rod: A metal rod running through the banjo’s pot assembly, providing structural support and enabling adjustments to the banjo’s action and neck angle.
D-tuners: Special tuning pegs that allow the player to quickly change the pitch of a string, commonly used in bluegrass music for creating a tuneful effect.
Fingerboard: The flat, usually wooden, surface on the neck where the player presses the strings to create different notes.
Fingerpicks: Small, curved picks worn on the player’s fingers to pluck the strings, typically used in bluegrass and fingerpicking styles.
Flange: A metal component that connects the banjo’s resonator to the rim, providing structural support and aiding in sound projection.
Frets: Metal bars embedded in the fingerboard that divide it into intervals, allowing the player to produce different notes by pressing the strings against them.
Headstock: The top part of the banjo’s neck, housing the tuning pegs and the nut.
Heel: The bottom part of the banjo’s neck, where it connects to the rim or pot assembly.
Hooks: Metal pieces that attach the tension hoop to the brackets, allowing for adjustments to the banjo head’s tension.
Inlays: Decorative designs or markings embedded in the fingerboard or headstock, usually made from materials like mother-of-pearl or abalone.
Nut: A small, grooved piece, usually made from bone or synthetic material, located at the junction of the neck and headstock, which helps maintain proper string spacing and height.
Open-back: A banjo without a resonator, producing a mellower, more open sound compared to a resonator banjo.
Planetary tuners: High-quality tuning pegs with a gear system that provides smooth, precise tuning adjustments.
Pot: The round, drum-like body of the banjo, consisting of the rim, tone ring, banjo head, tension hoop, and other hardware components.
Resonator: A wooden or composite attachment on the back of a banjo that reflects sound forward, increasing volume and projection.
Rim: The circular wooden or composite component that forms the core of the banjo’s pot, supporting the tone ring and banjo head.
Scruggs style: A three-finger picking style popularized by Earl Scruggs, commonly used in bluegrass music. This is what we focus on at Banjo Warehouse.
Tailpiece: A metal component that anchors the strings at the end of the banjo, transferring their vibrations to the banjo head.
Tension hoop: A metal ring that sits atop the banjo head, securing it to the rim with the help of hooks and brackets.
Tone ring: A metal or wooden component that sits atop the rim, influencing the banjo’s tone by affecting the way vibrations transfer from the strings to the banjo head.
Truss rod: A metal rod inside the neck that provides reinforcement and allows for adjustments to the neck’s curvature, ensuring optimal string action and playability.
Tuning pegs: Devices located on the headstock, used to adjust the tension of the strings and control their pitch.
Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer. Every Gold Tone banjo we sell includes free US shipping, professional setup, and is backed by Gold Tone’s lifetime transferable warranty.