Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek Banjo with Bag

If I had to recommend one banjo to a brand-new player without hesitation, the Gold Tone CC-100 Cripple Creek — an open-back 5-string banjo — would be at the top of my list — and that’s not something I say lightly after more than 45 years in this industry. This is a banjo with real bones: a hard maple neck and multi-ply maple rim, a genuine rosewood fretboard with 22 frets and snowflake inlays, a two-way adjustable truss rod, dual 11″ coordinator rods, and a rolled brass flat bar tone ring that gives it a warm, focused sound well above its price point. Gold Tone has shipped over 25,000 Cripple Creek banjos into the world, and the reason they keep selling is simple — players pick them up, play them, and realize they sound and feel far better than the price tag suggests. Whether you’re just getting started with Scruggs-style bluegrass rolls or working through my Banjo Primer method book, the CC-100 is the kind of instrument that won’t hold you back.

The details on this banjo matter. The ZeroGlide nut (1-3/16″ width) keeps the strings seated cleanly and helps with tuning stability. Sealed guitar-style tuners with B-style buttons hold pitch reliably even with vigorous playing. The chrome-plated hardware is clean and consistent. The black ABS binding adds a sharp look to the natural high-gloss finish, and the curly maple headstock veneer gives it a touch of elegance you don’t often see at this price. The included gig bag means you’re ready to take it to a jam session the day it arrives. For players who want a step up in protection, the optional HD14 case is worth considering. This is a genuinely well-built beginner-to-intermediate banjo that you can grow into — not one you’ll need to trade up from in six months.

Every CC-100 receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. The action is checked and adjusted, the bridge position is set for accurate intonation, the nut slots are inspected, the coordinator rod tension is verified, and the head is properly tuned. Most banjos at this price point come from the factory playable but not truly optimized — this professional setup ensures the CC-100 you receive plays as well as an instrument costing considerably more.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every CC-100 we sell is a genuine instrument backed by Gold Tone’s manufacturer warranty — no gray-market inventory, no surprises. I’ve been playing and teaching banjo since the late 1970s, and I co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard with the Gold Tone team, so I know this brand from the inside. When I put the CC-100 in front of students at Watch & Learn or recommend it in my Banjo Primer method, I’m doing it because I genuinely believe in it — not because of a sales target. You’re also getting professional factory setup included at no extra charge, which alone is worth the peace of mind. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans — all with no late fees — so there’s no reason to wait on getting started.

Gold Tone CC-100 Specifications

Nut Width	1-3/16″ ZeroGlide Nut
Tuners	Sealed Guitar-Style
Buttons	B-Style
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Frets	22
Inlay	Snowflake
Truss Rod	Two-Way Adjustable
Rim	11″ Multi-Ply Maple
Tone Ring	11″ Rolled Brass Flat Bar
Head	11″ Remo LC Coated Topside
Coordinator Rods	Dual 11″
Tension Hoop	11″ Flat Bar
Brackets	24
Bridge	Maple with Ebony Cap
Tailpiece	Terminator
Binding	Black ABS
Hardware	Chrome Plated
Finish	Natural / High Gloss
Armrest	Fits All GT Engraved
Scale Length	26-3/16″
Weight	6 lbs.
Tuning	G D G B D
String Gauge	.011, .024w, .016, .013, .011
Bag	Included
Optional Case	HD14

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gold Tone CC-100 a good banjo for a complete beginner?

Absolutely. The CC-100 is one of the best entry points in the entire market. The ZeroGlide nut and sealed tuners make it easier to keep in tune, the two-way adjustable truss rod means the neck can be properly set for your playing style, and the real rosewood fretboard is comfortable under the fingers. I’ve recommended it to hundreds of students over the years, and it pairs especially well with a structured method like Banjo Primer. The professional factory setup at Gold Tone means you’re not fighting the instrument — you can focus on learning.

Does the CC-100 come with everything I need to start playing?

It comes with a gig bag included in the box, and the banjo ships already strung and set up. You’ll want to pick up some fingerpicks (a thumbpick and two fingerpicks) and a tuner if you don’t already have one — a clip-on chromatic tuner works perfectly. If you want more protection for transport or storage, the optional HD14 hardshell case is a worthwhile upgrade. Everything else you need to start learning is right there with the instrument.

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