Gold Tone CC-Carlin12 Bob Carlin Signature 12″ Clawhammer Banjo with Gig Bag

If you’ve ever looked for the ideal clawhammer banjo to start — or deepen — your Old Time journey, the Gold Tone CC-Carlin12 is hard to beat. Bob Carlin has spent decades teaching hundreds of players the art of clawhammer and frailing, and Gold Tone partnered with him to translate his professional-grade preferences into an accessible, affordably priced instrument. The result is a 12-inch open-back banjo that feels right the moment you pick it up: a 1-3/8″ ZeroGlide nut keeps string height consistent and intonation true, a scooped rosewood fingerboard with dot-and-star inlays invites the drooping wrist posture that clawhammer demands, and Gold Tone planetary tuners hold pitch reliably through a full picking session. At 5.8 lbs. and with a 26-3/16″ scale length, it sits comfortably whether you’re on a front porch or in a festival workshop.

The tone story starts with the 12-inch multi-ply maple rim paired with a 12-inch rolled brass flat-bar tone ring — a combination that produces the warm, woody, slightly dry voice Old Time players prize. A 12″ Remo MC Renaissance head gives the sound a focused clarity without the bright edge of a clear head, and dual 12″ coordinator rods keep the neck angle stable over years of play. The two-way adjustable truss rod in the maple neck means relief can be dialed in precisely as seasons change, something budget-tier instruments often skip. Twenty-four brackets, a flat-bar tension hoop, and a vintage-style tailpiece complete a chassis built to last well beyond the beginner stage. Whether you’re learning Bob Carlin’s own workshop curriculum or simply exploring Old Time on your own terms, the CC-Carlin12 is equipped to grow with you.

This instrument ships factory-fresh direct from Gold Tone, where every CC-Carlin12 receives a professional setup by Gold Tone’s luthiers at their Titusville, Florida shop before it leaves — so it plays comfortably straight out of the included gig bag. As an authorized Gold Tone dealer, we back every purchase with the full manufacturer warranty. Our team is here before and after the sale for setup questions, string recommendations, accessory pairing, and anything else you need to get the most from your new banjo.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means you receive a genuine, brand-new instrument backed by the full Gold Tone manufacturer warranty — not a gray-market or grey-import guitar. The shop is run by Geoff Hohwald, author of the Banjo Primer and co-designer of the Gold Tone OB-Standard, with over 45 years in the banjo world. That depth of experience means our team brings real, instrument-specific knowledge to every conversation — whether you’re choosing your first clawhammer banjo or adding a 12-inch open-back to a growing collection. We’re happy to answer questions about fit, setup, strings, and playing style before you buy and long after. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3-, 6-, 12-, or 24-month plans — all with no late fees — so the right banjo is within reach no matter your budget.

CC-Carlin12 Specifications

Nut Width	1-3/8″ ZeroGlide Nut
Tuners	GT Planetary
Headstock Buttons	B-Style
Neck Material	Maple
Truss Rod	Two-Way Adjustable
Fingerboard	Rosewood with Scoop
Frets	18
Inlay	Dot & Star
Scale Length	26-3/16″
Rim	12″ Multi-Ply Maple
Tone Ring	12″ Rolled Brass Flat Bar
Head	12″ Remo MC Renaissance
Tension Hoop	12″ Flat Bar
Brackets	24
Coordinator Rods	Dual 12″
Bridge	Maple with Ebony Cap
Tailpiece	Vintage Tailpiece
Binding	Black ABS
Armrest	Fits All GT Engraved
Hardware Finish	Chrome Plated
Body Finish	Natural / High Gloss
String Gauge	.011, .024w, .016, .013, .011
Tuning	GDGBD
Weight	5.8 lbs.
Included	Gig Bag
Optional Case	HD15-M
Setup	Gold Tone luthiers, Titusville, FL

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the CC-Carlin12 have a 12-inch rim instead of the standard 11-inch?

Most open-back clawhammer banjos use an 11-inch head, but Bob Carlin’s design specifies a 12-inch rim because it produces a fuller, deeper resonance that many Old Time players associate with the traditional mountain banjo sound. The larger diameter spreads the head tension differently, giving the instrument a slightly darker, woodier character compared to its 11-inch counterparts. It also pairs naturally with the flat-bar tone ring, which softens the attack and blends the banjo smoothly into ensemble Old Time playing.

Is the scooped fingerboard a problem for players who might also want to play melodic or three-finger styles?

The scoop — a gentle relief cut under the strings in the upper register — is specifically optimized for clawhammer technique, where the back of the finger drops down toward the head in the lower positions. It does not prevent single-note or melodic playing in the lower frets, but it does make precise fretting in the scooped area less predictable for three-finger Scruggs-style work. If you plan to focus primarily on clawhammer, frailing, or Old Time double-thumbing, the scoop is a genuine asset. Players who want one instrument to cover both worlds would be better served by a non-scooped open-back model.

What financing options are available for the CC-Carlin12?

We offer several flexible payment plans so the right banjo fits any budget. At checkout you can choose PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, or longer-term installment plans at 3, 6, 12, or 24 months — all with no late fees. Simply select your preferred option at checkout and complete the short application; approval is typically instant.

---

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

---

Videos