Gold Tone BU-1/L Concert-Scale Banjo Ukulele with Gig Bag (Left-Handed)

Let me be honest with you: at this price, there is simply nothing else on the market that does what the Gold Tone BU-1/L does. This is the left-handed version of the BU-1, a concert-scale banjo ukulele built for players who want real banjo character in a compact, approachable instrument. Whether you are a ukulele player curious about that distinctive banjo snap, a banjo player looking for a travel-friendly companion, or a complete beginner who just wants something fun and easy to carry anywhere — this instrument punches well above its price. The 15-5/8″ concert scale sits comfortably between a soprano and tenor uke, giving left-handed players a familiar feel with just a little more room on the fretboard.

What really sets the BU-1/L apart from other banjo ukes in this range is the combination of thoughtful components Gold Tone chose to include. The 8-inch multi-ply maple rim and hard maple neck give the instrument structural integrity and a warm, punchy resonance. The genuine Remo Fiberskyn head — the same style used on many professional open-back banjos — delivers that papery, vintage banjo-uke tone that players love. Gold Tone’s patented Zero Glide nut improves intonation noticeably over a standard plastic nut, which matters on a short-scale instrument where tuning accuracy is critical. The rosewood fingerboard has 18 frets with dot inlays, the hardware is chrome-plated, and the vintage-style tailpiece completes the classic look. And then there is the Hot Dot pickup, factory-installed and ready to plug into any amp or PA — something you simply do not find on competitors at this price point. A padded gig bag is included as well, so you are truly ready to go.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. For a small instrument like this, a proper setup makes a bigger difference than most players realize — it is the difference between an instrument that stays in tune and plays cleanly and one that frustrates you into putting it back in the bag.

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 manufacturer warranty and backed by our own customer service. I have been working with fretted instruments for over 45 years — I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, wrote Banjo Primer (the top-rated beginner banjo method), and co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone — so when I say the BU-1/L is a genuinely good instrument for the money, I mean it. We are not here to move boxes; we are here to help you find the right instrument and make sure it plays its best when it arrives. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans with no late fees, so there is no reason to wait on an instrument you are excited about.

Gold Tone BU-1/L Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this truly set up as a left-handed banjo ukulele, or is it just a right-handed instrument with the strings reversed?

The BU-1/L is a purpose-built left-handed instrument from Gold Tone — the neck, nut, and overall configuration are designed for left-handed playing, not simply a restrung right-handed model. Left-handed players can pick this up and play it naturally without any modifications.

Do I need an amp to use the built-in pickup, or can I play it acoustically too?

The Hot Dot pickup is completely passive — you can play the BU-1/L acoustically anytime with no cables or batteries required. When you want amplified sound, just plug into any instrument amp, PA system, or acoustic preamp using a standard 1/4″ cable. It is a genuinely useful feature for open mics, small venues, or practicing with a band.

What tuning does the BU-1/L use, and is it the same as a standard ukulele?

Yes — the BU-1/L is tuned to standard GCEA, exactly the same as a concert or soprano ukulele. If you already play ukulele, you can pick this up and use all the same chords and scales you already know. The banjo-style construction changes the tone and feel, but the tuning and fretboard layout are familiar territory.

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