Clawhammer Banjos
Clawhammer, also called frailing, is the old-time style played with a downward striking motion of the hand rather than fingerpicks. Banjos built for it are almost always open-back, giving the soft, woody, percussive tone that suits old-time and folk music.
Many clawhammer banjos feature a scooped fingerboard, with the frets removed at the neck end so you can strike the strings up over the board for that classic mellow voice. Browse our clawhammer banjos below.
The Gold Tone AC-1 won "Best in Show" at NAMM for good reason - it's the lightest full-size banjo you'll find at under 4 pounds. Perfect for beginners, travelers, and kids, this composite rim banjo delivers surprisingly good tone with a slim, comfortable neck and Zero Glide nut. Professionally set up with a 3-year transferable warranty. At $299.99, it's the smart way to start playing banjo.
The Gold Tone BC-350 is a professional-grade old-time banjo designed to Bob Carlin's exact specifications, featuring a 12-inch three-ply maple pot, rolled brass flat-bar tone ring, scooped ebony fretboard, and planetary-gear tuning machines — all in a package built for serious old-time and clawhammer players. Every BC-350 receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. A hardshell case is included.
The Gold Tone CC-100R is the best beginner banjo at this price. Maple neck and rim, rolled brass tone ring, two-way adjustable truss rod, and a convertible resonator/openback design. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Gig bag included.
The Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek is a 5-string open-back banjo built for old-time and folk playing. Multi-ply maple rim, rolled brass tone ring, two-way adjustable truss rod, and Terminator tailpiece. Lightweight at 5.5 lbs. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Includes gig bag. $474.99.
The Gold Tone OT-800/L is a left-handed old time tubaphone-style open back banjo. 32-hole tubaphone tone ring, 1/2-inch maple rim with bracket band, ebony fingerboard with scoop, no-knot tailpiece, Remo Renaissance head, GT Master planetary tuners, dual coordinator rods. 8 lbs. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Hardshell case included.