Gold Tone Banjolele Concert-Scale Banjo-Ukulele with Gig Bag

If you’ve ever fallen in love with the ukulele but found yourself drawn to the punchy, percussive character of a banjo, the Gold Tone Banjolele is exactly where those two worlds meet. Gold Tone designed this openback banjo-uke specifically for ukulele players who want to keep that sweet, singing uke tone while adding the pop and snap that only a banjo can deliver. The 8-inch rolled brass flat bar tone ring is the heart of this instrument — it’s what gives the Banjolele that articulate brightness associated with the classic British music-hall style made legendary by George Formby, while still letting the warm, round quality of a ukulele voice come through. At a 15-1/2″ concert scale and tuned standard GCEA, any ukulele player will feel right at home the moment they pick it up.

The construction details here are well above what you’d expect at this price. The multi-ply maple rim and maple neck give the instrument a solid, resonant foundation, while the ebony fingerboard feels smooth and fast under the fingers. Snowflake inlays, cream ABS binding with black accent, a vintage mini armrest, and a vintage brown high-gloss finish all add up to an instrument that looks as good as it plays. The ZeroGlide nut at 1-3/8″ keeps the action consistent right off the first fret, and the open-gear guitar-style tuners hold pitch reliably through a full session. Sixteen hooks, a flat bar tension hoop, and a banjo-uke tailpiece round out a package that Gold Tone clearly thought through from the ground up — this was, after all, their very first banjo-uke design, and it shows in how well-considered every detail is.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. You won’t need to take it to a music store before you start playing.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell is covered by Gold Tone’s full manufacturer warranty and backed by our own commitment to getting you the right instrument. I’ve spent more than 45 years in this industry — I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, wrote Banjo Primer (still the top-rated beginner banjo method on the market), and co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone — so when I stock an instrument, it’s because I genuinely believe in it. The Gold Tone Banjolele earns its place in our inventory. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans, all with no late fees, so you can bring this instrument home today without stress.

Gold Tone Banjolele Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know how to play banjo to learn the Gold Tone Banjolele?

Not at all. The Banjolele is tuned and scaled exactly like a concert ukulele — standard GCEA tuning, 15-1/2″ scale — so if you already play uke, you can pick this up and start playing immediately. The banjo construction simply changes the tone and feel. Conversely, if you’re new to both instruments, the ukulele’s four-string layout is one of the most approachable starting points in all of fretted music.

What makes the rolled brass tone ring important on a banjo-uke?

The rolled brass flat bar tone ring is what gives this instrument its characteristic brightness and articulation. Without it, an openback banjo-uke can sound a bit thin or hollow. The rolled brass adds sustain and a focused, singing quality to each note — which is precisely the sound George Formby and other classic banjo-uke players were after. It’s a small detail that makes a meaningful difference in how the instrument responds.

Is a left-handed version available?

Yes. Gold Tone does offer a left-handed version of the Banjolele. If you need it, just reach out to us at Banjo Warehouse and we’ll get you taken care of.

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