Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Open Back Banjo

The Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek is the best new wooden open-back banjo we carry at this price. It is an authorized Gold Tone dealer instrument, professionally inspected and set up by our banjo tech Tara at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio before it ships to you. Every CC-50 includes a Gold Tone gig bag.

The CC-50 is ideal for old-time and folk-style playing. It is lightweight at 5.5 lbs, easy to play, and built to last. If you want a real wooden banjo at an entry price, this is where we start.

Watch the Gold Tone CC-50

Watch: Gold Tone CC-50 vs CC-50RP Comparison

Geoff plays the CC-50 and the CC-50RP side by side so you can hear the difference. Same pot, same tone ring. The CC-50RP adds a removable resonator and planetary tuners.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio is an authorized Gold Tone dealer. We have sold Gold Tone banjos since Wayne Rogers founded the company. Every CC-50 we sell is inspected and set up by our banjo tech Tara before it ships. Tara trained at the Huber Banjo factory under Steve Huber and Bennie Boling. You will not receive an unplayable instrument from us.

Gold Tone also sets up every CC-50 at their factory in Titusville, Florida before it leaves — so this instrument has been through two professional setups before it reaches you.

Gold Tone CC-50 Specifications

Price	$474.99
Strings	5-string
Style	Open back
Neck material	Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Frets	22
Inlay	Dot
Nut	1-3/16″ ZeroGlide Nut
Truss rod	Two-way adjustable
Tuners	Sealed guitar-style
Rim	11″ multi-ply maple
Tone ring	11″ rolled brass flat bar
Tension hoop	11″ flat bar
Head	11″ Remo LC Coated Topside
Brackets	18
Coordinator rods	Single 11″
Tailpiece	Terminator
Bridge	Maple with ebony cap
Armrest	Fits all GT engraved
Binding	Black ABS
Finish	Vintage Brown / Satin
Hardware	Chrome plated
Scale length	26-3/16″
Weight	5.5 lbs
Tuning	GDGBD
Strings	.011, .024w, .016, .013, .011
Includes	Gig bag
Made in	China, set up in Titusville, FL

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gold Tone CC-50 good for beginners?

Yes. The CC-50 is one of our recommended entry-level banjos for players who want a real wooden open-back instrument at an accessible price. It is professionally set up before it ships and includes a gig bag. It is ideal for old-time and folk-style playing.

What is the difference between the CC-50 and the CC-100R?

Both the CC-50 and CC-100R have the same rolled brass flat bar tone ring. The CC-100R steps up with a convertible resonator, 24 brackets vs 18, dual coordinator rods vs single, and GT planetary tuners vs sealed guitar-style tuners. If you want a resonator but aren’t ready for the CC-100R, the Gold Tone CC-50RP at $699.99 adds a resonator and planetary tuners to the CC-50 platform at a lower price point. If you want a lightweight open-back for old-time or folk, the CC-50 is the right call.

What is the difference between the CC-50 and the AC-5?

The CC-50 is a traditional all-wooden open-back banjo. The Gold Tone AC-5 at $499.99 is a composite resonator banjo — same weight at 5.5 lbs, but with a resonator for bluegrass volume and projection. If you want old-time or folk playing on a traditional wooden instrument, the CC-50 is the right call. If you want a lightweight resonator banjo, the AC-5 is worth a look.

Does the CC-50 come set up?

Yes. Gold Tone sets up every CC-50 at their factory in Titusville, Florida. We then inspect and set up every instrument again at Banjo Warehouse before it ships to you. You will receive a playable banjo.

What style of banjo is the CC-50?

The CC-50 is an open-back 5-string banjo, best suited for old-time and folk-style playing. If you want bluegrass tone and volume, you will want a resonator banjo. See our buying guide for a full price-by-price comparison.

Is the CC-50 available left-handed?

Yes. Contact us at banjowarehouse.com/contact to ask about left-handed availability.

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