The Gold Tone AC-1 is an award-winning beginner banjo that weighs under four pounds, thanks to its innovative 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. It ships with a gig bag and a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara at Banjo Warehouse.
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 before shipping, so it plays great right out of the box.
The fretless version of Gold Tone's best-selling AC-1: same lightweight 11-inch composite openback, with a fretless neck for old-time and clawhammer playing. Aquila Nylgut strings, under 4 lbs, gig bag included.
This is the left-handed version of the Gold Tone AC-1, the award-winning beginner banjo that took home "Best in Show / MUST Stock" honors at the 2016 Summer NAMM Show. Weighing under four pounds, it pairs a composite rim with a slim, playable nato neck for a banjo that sounds great, travels easily, and won't wear out a new player's enthusiasm. Professionally set up at Gold Tone's factory in Titusville, FL, this lefty AC-1 arrives ready to play right out of the gig bag.
The Gold Tone AC-4P is a lightweight, open-back plectrum banjo built for players who want a genuine, playable instrument without breaking the bank. Its 26 1/8" scale length and CGBD tuning make it the natural choice for jazz, classic banjo, and folk styles, and the composite rim delivers a warm, "plunky" vintage tone that feels right at home in any of those genres. A deluxe gig bag is included, and every AC-4P is professionally set up at Gold Tone's factory in Titusville, FL and ready to play.
This is the left-handed version of the Gold Tone AC-5 — a genuinely impressive beginner bluegrass banjo that punches well above its price point. The composite rim and resonator deliver a punchy low end and clear, ringing highs that surprised me the first time I picked one up. It ships with a padded gig bag and is professionally set up at the Gold Tone factory in Titusville, Florida before shipping.
The Gold Tone AC-Mini is a compact, lightweight 8-inch mini banjo that delivers surprising volume and punch for its size and price. Built with a durable composite rim, nato mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, and a two-way adjustable truss rod, it's an ideal starter banjo for kids, travelers, or anyone curious about the instrument. Every AC-Mini ships with a professional factory setup from Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida, so it's ready to play the moment it arrives.
The Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek open-back banjo is one of the most trusted entry-level banjos on the market, with over 25,000 sold worldwide — and for good reason. Built with a hard maple neck and rim, real rosewood fretboard, dual coordinator rods, and a rolled brass flat bar tone ring, it outperforms everything else in its price range. Every CC-100 ships with a professional factory setup from Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida, so it plays beautifully right out of the box.
The Gold Tone CC-100/L is the left-handed version of one of the most beloved entry-level banjos ever made — more than 25,000 Cripple Creek banjos have found their way into pickers' hands around the world. Built with a hard maple neck and rim, real rosewood fretboard, dual coordinator rods, and a rolled brass tone ring, this instrument punches well above its price class. It ships with a gig bag included and is professionally set up at Gold Tone's factory in Titusville, FL before it leaves our door.
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.
On backorder, more on the way. This model is temporarily sold out at Gold Tone. Order now to reserve yours at today's price and hold your place in line. It ships as soon as our next shipment arrives, expected early September 2026. Questions? Call us at (404) 218-8580.
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 CC-50 Cripple Creek is a beautifully balanced entry-level open-back banjo built for old-time and folk players who want a lightweight, great-sounding instrument without breaking the bank. With a maple neck and rim, rolled brass tone ring, and a ZeroGlide nut, it plays far above its price point right out of the box. Every CC-50 is professionally set up at Gold Tone's factory in Titusville, FL before it heads to your door.