Open Back Banjos
Open-back banjos harken back to the roots of this iconic stringed instrument. You’ll hear echoes of the past in the tones, with the rustic sounds of folk songs and tunes from a bygone age. Open-back banjos deliver smooth and mellow tones so admired by clawhammer players.
Open-back banjos produce a much softer sound than a resonator banjo because the sound is absorbed by the body and clothing of the player. Because these banjos have no back, they are also considerably lighter than those with a back panel. Each instrument in our collection features quality materials and precision construction.
Whether you’re new to banjo playing or have years of experience and prefer the mellow tone and lightweight banjo playing experience, you’ll find a suitable model among our open ack banjos for sale.
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 BB-400+ Bass Banjo combines traditional banjo construction with innovative bass design. Features 14" maple rim, rolled brass tone ring, SMP pickup system, and includes hard shell case.
The Gold Tone CEB-5 takes the cello banjo concept to new heights with five-string versatility. Featuring a massive 14-inch maple rim - the largest in production today - this instrument delivers unprecedented low-end power tuned a full octave below standard banjo tuning (GDGBD). Perfect for adding bass foundation to old-time ensembles or exploring new dimensions in bluegrass and newgrass styles.
This Carlin model was the first to be issued; it was the result of a meeting between Bob and Gold Tone president Wayne Rogers at the 2004 IBMA Fan Fest. All of the BC-350 features and dimensions are per Mr. Carlin's specifications (arrived at after several trips by Bob to the Gold Tone plant) and include a twelve-inch three-ply maple pot with an innovative dowel-stick/coordinator rod, a rolled brass tone ring, maple neck with scooped ebony fretboard, planetary-gear tuning machines, No Knot tailpiece and "hot-dog" armrest.
This longneck openback RB-175 Gibson banjo is from the late 1960s or early 1970s. It has three extra frets which allow banjoists and singers to play in open E.