Gold Tone CC-50RP Cripple Creek Resonator Banjo with Planetary Tuners

The Gold Tone CC-50RP Cripple Creek is the CC-50 platform with two meaningful upgrades: a full-walled removable resonator for bluegrass volume and projection, and high-quality planetary-gear tuning machines for improved tuning stability. It is one of the best value first bluegrass banjos we carry at this price.

The resonator is flangeless and removes easily — pop it off and you have an open-back banjo for clawhammer or folk playing whenever you want. One banjo, two styles.

Every CC-50RP we sell is inspected and set up by our banjo tech Tara at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio before it ships. Tara trained at the Huber Banjo factory under Steve Huber and Bennie Boling. Gold Tone also sets up every CC-50RP at their factory in Titusville, Florida — so this instrument has been through two professional setups before it reaches you.

Watch the Gold Tone CC-50RP

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

Geoff plays the CC-50RP and the CC-50 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-50RP we sell is inspected and set up by our banjo tech Tara before it ships. You will not receive an unplayable instrument from us.

Gold Tone CC-50RP Specifications

Price	$699.99
Strings	5-string
Style	Resonator (convertible to open back)
Neck material	Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Frets	22
Inlay	Dot
Nut	1-3/16″ ZeroGlide Nut
Truss rod	Two-way adjustable
Tuners	GT Planetary
Tuner buttons	A-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″
Resonator	Full-walled, flangeless, removable
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	6.5 lbs
Tuning	GDGBD
Strings	.011, .024w, .016, .013, .011
Includes	Gig bag
Optional case	HD15 hardshell case (sold separately)
Made in	China, set up in Titusville FL and Yellow Springs OH

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the CC-50 and the CC-50RP?

Both the CC-50 and CC-50RP share the same maple rim, rolled brass flat bar tone ring, two-way adjustable truss rod, 18 brackets, and single coordinator rod. The CC-50RP upgrades to GT planetary tuners for better tuning stability and adds a full-walled removable resonator for more volume and projection. If you want to play bluegrass, the CC-50RP is the right choice. If you want a pure lightweight open-back for old-time or folk, the CC-50 is simpler and a pound lighter at 5.5 lbs.

What is the difference between the CC-50RP and the CC-BG?

Both are $699.99. The CC-50RP has a wooden maple rim, GT planetary tuners, and a flangeless removable resonator — a better instrument if tuning stability and convertibility are priorities. The Gold Tone CC-BG is a complete starter package that includes the banjo, gig bag, strap, clip tuner, and a link to Geoff Hohwald’s Banjo Primer video series. If you want the best hardware package, choose the CC-50RP. If you want everything in one box including instruction, choose the CC-BG.

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

The Gold Tone AC-5 at $499.99 has a composite rim and resonator making it lighter and more travel-friendly, with guitar-style tuners. The CC-50RP has a traditional wooden maple rim, GT planetary tuners for better tuning stability, and a removable resonator. If weight is a priority or you travel frequently, the AC-5 is the better choice at a lower price. If you want traditional wooden construction and better tuning stability, the CC-50RP is worth the extra $200.

Can the CC-50RP be played as an open-back banjo?

Yes. The resonator is flangeless and removes easily — pop it off and you have an open-back banjo for clawhammer or folk playing. It’s one of the CC-50RP’s most practical features for players who want to explore both styles without buying two instruments.

Is the CC-50RP good for beginners?

Yes. It is a strong first bluegrass banjo at this price point. Planetary tuners improve tuning stability significantly over guitar-style tuners, and the resonator gives you the volume needed to play in a group setting.

Does the CC-50RP come set up?

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

Is the CC-50RP available left-handed?

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

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