The Gold Tone AC-1 is an award-winning beginner banjo that weighs under four pounds, thanks to its composite rim and slim, playable neck. Named “Best in Show / MUST Stock” at the 2016 Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, it delivers real banjo tone in a durable, travel-friendly package. Openback, with a resonator available separately. Ships with a gig bag and a professional setup from the Gold Tone factory, plus free insured US shipping.
The most recommended banjo by banjo teachers. 3-ply violin grade maple rim, Art Deco hardwood inlays, only 4.5 lbs. Handcrafted in Spring Valley, California. $599 with free shipping and professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Made in the USA. 7-day guarantee.
The Gold Tone AC-12 is a 12-inch openback 5-string banjo built specifically for old-time and clawhammer players who want a serious instrument without a serious price tag. At just five pounds, it's one of the lightest full-size banjos on the market — perfect for long festival days and casual front-porch sessions alike. Every AC-12 is professionally set up at Gold Tone's factory in Titusville, FL so it plays beautifully right out of the box.
The Gold Tone AC-5 is the lightest resonator banjo we carry. Composite rim and resonator deliver full bluegrass volume at just 5.5 lbs. Maple neck, ZeroGlide nut, two-way adjustable truss rod, Terminator tailpiece, Remo head. Professionally set up at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Includes gig bag.
Warm-up exercises for the absolute beginner, with free online video and audio access.
Clawhammer banjo for the complete beginner, with audio jam tracks and video instruction.
The four beginner books as a set, taking a new player from first roll to full songs. Free online video and audio access included with each.
This is a pre-order. Our next left-handed Goodtime is due to arrive from Deering in October 2026. Your payment is fully refundable at any time before it ships.
The left-handed build of the Deering Goodtime, the banjo teachers recommend more than any other: a 3-ply violin grade maple rim, a slim rock maple neck and only 4.5 lbs. Made in Spring Valley, California. Set up by our banjo tech Tara in Yellow Springs before it ships. $599 with free shipping.
The Goodtime Parlor is Deering's short-scale Goodtime: a 23 inch scale and 19 frets on the same 3-ply violin grade maple rim that makes the Goodtime sound so good. Sized for kids, smaller hands and travel, and only about 4 lbs. Made in Spring Valley, California. In stock in Yellow Springs and set up by our banjo tech Tara. $599 with free shipping.
Nine gospel favorites arranged for beginners, with free online video and audio access.
Nineteen bluegrass songs arranged for the advancing beginner, with free online video and audio access.
This is the left-handed version of the Gold Tone AC-1 — the award-winning openback 5-string that won Best in Show at the 2016 Summer NAMM. Weighing under four pounds thanks to its innovative composite rim, it's one of the best-sounding and most playable entry-level banjos on the market, and now southpaw players can enjoy it too. Professionally set up at the Gold Tone factory in Titusville, Florida, so it plays great right out of the box.