Gold Tone AC-1/L Left-Handed Acoustic Composite 5-String Openback Banjo with Gig Bag
$ 314.99
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.
In stock
This is the left-handed version of the Gold Tone AC-1 — and if you’re a lefty who’s been struggling to find a quality beginner banjo built for you, this is the one. The AC-1 was proclaimed “Best in Show / MUST Stock” at the 2016 Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, and it earned that honor for good reason. Its 11-inch composite rim produces a warm, open tone that honestly surprises people at this price point, and at just 3.75 pounds, it’s light enough for kids, travel, and long picking sessions alike. The slim Nato neck with a rosewood fingerboard and ZeroGlide nut makes it genuinely comfortable to play from your very first day. Whether you’re a left-handed adult picking up banjo for the first time or looking for a first instrument for a left-handed child, the AC-1/L is as good a starting point as I’ve ever seen at this price.
What sets the AC-1 apart from the usual entry-level clutter is Gold Tone’s engineering mindset. The composite rim isn’t a compromise — it’s a deliberate design choice that delivers consistent tone and durability without the weight of a traditional wood-and-metal pot. The matching black aesthetic throughout (neck, rim, tuner buttons, binding, and hardware) gives this banjo a cohesive look that feels intentional rather than budget. The Remo LC Frosted head, maple bridge with ebony cap, and adjustable tailpiece are all details you’d expect on instruments costing considerably more. Gold Tone backs the whole package with a three-year transferable warranty, which tells you something about how confident they are in what they’re building. If you ever want to add more volume or projection down the road, there’s even an optional resonator available.
Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. They check the neck angle, set the string action at the nut and bridge, adjust the head tension, and make sure intonation is dialed in. This is done on every instrument they sell — left-handed or right-handed — so you’re not dealing with a banjo straight off a factory pallet. It’s ready to play the moment it arrives.
Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse
Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means you’re getting the full manufacturer warranty and buying from a source Gold Tone stands behind. I’ve been in the banjo world for over 45 years — I wrote Banjo Primer (the top-rated beginner method on the market), co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard. When I say this is a well-made beginner banjo, I mean it from experience, not from a sales sheet. I also co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta and was Deering’s number one dealer back in 1980 — I’ve handled a lot of instruments at every price point, and the AC-1 genuinely over-delivers for what it costs. We offer flexible financing through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, and 24-month payment plans with no late fees, so getting started on banjo doesn’t have to mean a big upfront hit to your wallet.
Gold Tone AC-1/L Specifications
| Handedness | Left-Handed |
| Configuration | 5-String Openback |
| Rim | 11″ Composite |
| Head | 11″ Remo LC Frosted |
| Neck Material | Nato |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 22 |
| Inlay | Dot |
| Nut | 1-3/16″ ZeroGlide Nut |
| Truss Rod | Two-Way Adjustable |
| Scale Length | 26-3/16″ |
| Tuners | Covered Guitar-Style |
| Tuner Buttons | Black |
| Bridge | Maple with Ebony Cap |
| Tailpiece | Adjustable |
| Tension Hoop | 11″ Flat Bar |
| Coordinator Rods | Single 11″ |
| Brackets | 16 |
| Binding | Black ABS |
| Hardware | Chrome Plated |
| Finish | Black / Satin |
| String Gauge | .011, .024w, .016, .013, .011 |
| Tuning | G D G B D |
| Weight | 3.75 lbs. |
| Gig Bag | Included |
| Optional Case | HD14 |
| Warranty | 3-Year Transferable (Gold Tone) |
| Setup Location | Gold Tone, Titusville, FL |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this truly a left-handed banjo, or just a regular banjo sold to left-handed players?
Yes, the AC-1/L is a purpose-built left-handed instrument. The neck is manufactured in mirror image so that the lowest string sits closest to the ceiling when you hold it naturally as a lefty. You don’t need to flip strings or make any modifications — it’s ready to play left-handed right out of the box.
How does a composite rim compare to a traditional wood or metal rim?
Composite rims have come a long way, and Gold Tone’s version is one of the better examples I’ve seen. You get a tone that’s warm and open — well suited to old-time and folk styles — without the extra weight of a wooden pot and metal hardware. For beginners especially, the lighter weight (under four pounds) makes practice sessions more comfortable and reduces fatigue. It’s a genuinely smart engineering choice at this price point.
Can I add a resonator to this banjo later if I want more volume?
Yes, Gold Tone offers an optional resonator that’s compatible with the AC-1. If you start out playing old-time or just want the openback sound, you can always add a resonator down the road if you decide you want more projection or a brighter tone for bluegrass. It’s a nice flexibility to have built into the design.
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