Gold Tone CC-Carlin12/L Left-Handed Cripple Creek Bob Carlin 12-Inch Clawhammer Banjo with Gig Bag

I want to be straightforward with you about this one: the CC-Carlin12/L is something special, and not just because left-handed 12-inch open-back clawhammer banjos are hard to find. This instrument was designed in collaboration with Bob Carlin, who has spent decades teaching old-time banjo and building a legacy as one of the most generous educators the genre has ever produced. Gold Tone took his preferred specs — a wider 1-3/8″ ZeroGlide nut, a full 12-inch rim, a rolled brass flat-bar tone ring, and a scooped fretboard — and made them available in their more affordable Cripple Creek line so that players who are just starting out (or who simply want a great value) don’t have to compromise. This is the left-handed version, built as a true mirror-image instrument, not a right-handed banjo strung in reverse. If you’re a lefty who’s been frustrated by the slim pickings in open-back old-time banjos, this is your answer.

The 12-inch format is central to what makes this banjo sound the way it does. A 12-inch rim is larger than the 11-inch you’ll find on most entry-level open-back banjos, and that extra inch translates directly into a fuller, warmer, more resonant tone — the kind of round, woody voice that sits perfectly in an old-time jam or a front-porch session. The Remo 12-inch MC Renaissance head pairs beautifully with the rolled brass flat-bar tone ring to produce that slightly muted, old-timey timbre that clawhammer players love. The maple neck carries a two-way adjustable truss rod, which means a qualified tech can dial in the relief precisely — that’s not a given at this price point. The rosewood fretboard is scooped in the upper register, a practical detail that makes fretting-hand technique easier in the positions where old-time melodic playing often lives. Twenty-four brackets, dual 12-inch coordinator rods, GT planetary tuners, and a vintage-style tailpiece round out a build that punches well above its weight.

Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. The setup includes checking and adjusting the neck angle and coordinator rods, setting the head tension, fitting the bridge to the correct position, dressing any fret ends that need attention, and setting the action at both the nut and the bridge so the instrument plays cleanly and comfortably right out of the bag.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell comes with the full manufacturer’s warranty and the confidence that you’re getting a genuine, current-production instrument sourced directly through official channels. We don’t sell banjos we wouldn’t recommend to a student or a friend. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4 and longer-term 3, 6, 12, and 24-month plans with no late fees, plus Afterpay, so there’s a payment option that fits most budgets. Questions before you buy? Reach out — we’re happy to talk banjos.

Gold Tone CC-Carlin12/L Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the CC-Carlin12 use a 12-inch rim instead of the more common 11-inch?

Bob Carlin specifically prefers the 12-inch format for its tone characteristics — the larger rim produces a fuller, warmer, more resonant sound that is well-suited to old-time and clawhammer playing styles. Most beginner open-back banjos use an 11-inch rim to keep costs down, so getting a 12-inch rim at this price point is a genuine advantage. If you’ve ever played a standard-size open-back and thought it sounded a little thin or bright, a 12-inch banjo may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.

Is this truly a left-handed banjo, or is it just a right-handed model with the strings reversed?

This is a true left-handed instrument. The CC-Carlin12/L is built as a mirror image of the right-handed model, with the neck, headstock, and hardware configured for left-handed playing from the ground up. It is not a right-handed banjo with the strings flipped — that approach creates ergonomic and intonation problems that a properly built left-handed banjo avoids entirely.

What does the ZeroGlide nut do, and why does it matter for a beginner?

The ZeroGlide nut replaces the traditional bone or plastic nut with a system that incorporates a small roller or zero-friction slot, which significantly reduces the chance of strings binding at the nut during tuning. For a beginner, this means more stable tuning and less frustration — strings return to pitch more reliably after you use the tuners. It’s a small detail that makes a real difference in the playing experience, especially on the fifth string, which can be notoriously stubborn on a standard nut.

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