Gold Tone BB-400+ Banjo Bass with Pickup and Case (Left-Handed)

This is the left-handed version of the Gold Tone BB-400+ Banjo Bass, and I want to be upfront about that right from the start — Gold Tone specifically offers this model for left-handed players, and we are proud to stock it. The BB-400+ occupies a genuinely rare category: a purpose-built acoustic bass banjo that is equally at home on a festival stage, in a recording studio, or in an acoustic string band rehearsal. I have been working with Gold Tone instruments for many years, and the BB-400+ is one of those designs that makes you stop and think about what a bass instrument can actually sound like. That 14-inch three-ply maple rim, crowned with a rolled-brass flat-bar tone ring, produces a low-end that is warm and defined without being muddy — the kind of fundamental tone that sits perfectly in a mix whether you are playing bluegrass, jazz, folk, or old-time. Tuned standard EADG, it translates immediately for any electric or upright bassist ready to explore the banjo’s unique acoustic character.

What sets the BB-400+ apart from other bass banjos is the elegance of its amplification solution. Gold Tone engineered a special internal sliding magnetic pickup — the SMP — with a volume control built right in, so you can dial in your level without an outboard preamp or a complicated signal chain. The Custom Remo Renaissance head (14 inches, HC series) has a warmth and projection that complements the pickup beautifully, and the convenient thumb rest on the head is a thoughtful touch for players coming from upright bass. The slim maple neck carries a rosewood fingerboard with 20 frets and snowflake inlays, a two-way adjustable truss rod for long-term stability, and sealed bass-style tuning machines that hold pitch reliably night after night. The straight-pull BB-400TP tailpiece makes string changes genuinely quick — not always a given on instruments this size. Cream ABS and black binding, chrome hardware, and a natural high-gloss finish give the whole instrument a clean, professional look. The 32-inch scale length and 9.6-pound weight make it manageable for extended gigs, and a hard shell case is included so it is protected from the moment it ships.

Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. This includes checking and adjusting the neck relief via the truss rod, setting the correct string action at both the nut and the bridge, confirming intonation across the full 32-inch scale, and verifying that the pickup and volume control function properly. What arrives at your door is a playable, gig-ready instrument, not a box fresh from a warehouse shelf.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell comes with the full manufacturer’s warranty and genuine factory support. I have spent more than 45 years in this industry — co-owning Watch & Learn in Atlanta since the 1980s, writing Banjo Primer (the top-rated beginner banjo method), and co-designing the OB-Standard with Gold Tone — and my relationship with Gold Tone goes back far enough that I know exactly what makes their instruments worth your confidence. When you buy the BB-400+ from us, you are getting an instrument that has been handled and set up by people who understand banjos at a deep level, not just processed through a fulfillment center. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans with no late fees, so you can get this instrument into your hands without waiting.

Gold Tone BB-400+ Banjo Bass Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bassist with no banjo experience play the BB-400+ right away?

Absolutely. The BB-400+ is tuned EADG — exactly like a standard electric or upright bass — and the 32-inch scale length is familiar territory for most bass players. There is no fifth string, no drone string, and no banjo-specific technique required to get started. If you play bass, you can pick this instrument up and be making music within minutes. The slim maple neck and sealed tuning machines also make the transition feel natural rather than foreign.

How does the internal SMP pickup perform in a live setting, and do I need a special preamp?

The SMP (sliding magnetic pickup) is designed to work directly with a standard bass amplifier or DI box — no special preamp is required. The onboard volume control lets you manage your level at the instrument, which is genuinely convenient on a busy stage. Players consistently find that the pickup captures the fundamental warmth of the banjo bass tone without excessive boominess, and it sits well in a full-band mix. For very large venues you may want to experiment with a simple EQ pedal, but for most acoustic, folk, or small-to-medium venue gigs the SMP straight into your amp is all you need.

Is the left-handed BB-400+ identical in specs and quality to the right-handed model?

Yes — Gold Tone builds the left-handed BB-400+ to the exact same specifications as the right-handed model. The same 14-inch maple rim, rolled-brass tone ring, Remo Renaissance head, rosewood fingerboard, SMP pickup, and hard shell case are all included. The only difference is that the neck, nut, and tailpiece are configured for left-handed playing. Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships.

Want to know when new banjos arrive? Join our email list: Sign up here.

Videos