Gold Tone CC-OT/L Cripple Creek Clawhammer Banjo Package (Left-Handed)

If you’ve been wanting to get into clawhammer banjo and you play left-handed, the Gold Tone CC-OT/L is one of the smartest starting points I know of. This is the left-handed version of the CC-OT, purpose-configured for players who fret with the right hand and strum with the left. What sets it apart from a generic beginner banjo is that every design choice here is intentional for old-time, down-picking style: the 11-inch Remo Fiberskyn head gives you that muted, earthy thump that clawhammer demands, the rolled brass flat-bar tone ring adds just enough projection without pushing the sound into bluegrass territory, and the rosewood fretboard includes a scoop at the upper register — exactly the kind of detail that matters once your drop-thumb technique starts developing. The vintage Fairbanks-style headstock, the No Knot tailpiece, and the reproduction early-1900s armrest aren’t just cosmetic; they reflect a genuine commitment to old-time aesthetics that makes this instrument feel at home in a session or on a porch. Gold Tone put serious thought into this one.

The maple neck is comfortable and well-proportioned, with an 18-fret rosewood fingerboard, dot-and-star inlays, and a two-way adjustable truss rod that gives you long-term stability as the instrument settles in. The ZeroGlide nut at 1-3/16 inches keeps open strings in tune with the fretted notes — a feature I really appreciate on a beginner instrument where intonation frustration can derail progress fast. Gold Tone’s planetary tuners are smooth and precise, far above what you’d expect at this price point. The finish is a rich vintage brown satin over both the maple neck and the multi-ply maple rim, giving it a cohesive, old-timey look that suits the music it’s built for. The package rounds out with a gig bag, Swift Clip tuner, strap, fifth-string spike, and the Bob Carlin clawhammer instructional video — everything a new player needs to get started without a separate shopping trip.

Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. They check and adjust the neck angle, action at the nut and bridge, head tension, and overall playability so that what arrives at your door is genuinely ready to play — not a banjo that needs a trip to a repair shop before it makes sense. That setup makes a real difference, especially on an instrument you’re learning on.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell is covered by Gold Tone’s full manufacturer warranty and backed by our own commitment to getting you the right instrument. I’ve spent more than 45 years in this industry — I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, wrote Banjo Primer (the top-rated beginner banjo method in the country), and co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone — so when I stock an instrument, it’s because I genuinely believe in it. The CC-OT/L earns its place here because it’s one of the few beginner clawhammer packages that doesn’t cut corners where it counts. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans with no late fees, so you can get playing without waiting.

Gold Tone CC-OT/L Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CC-OT/L truly configured for left-handed playing, or is it just a reversed right-handed banjo?

It’s a genuine left-handed model built from the ground up for left-handed playing — the neck, pot, and all components are set up so that a left-handed player frets with the right hand and strums or picks down with the left. It isn’t simply a right-handed banjo with the strings flipped, which matters a lot for comfort and playability.

Why does a clawhammer banjo have a Fiberskyn head instead of a clear or frosted head?

The Remo Fiberskyn head is specifically designed to produce the warm, slightly muted tone that’s central to old-time clawhammer sound. Clear or coated Mylar heads, more common on bluegrass banjos, produce a brighter, more cutting sound that works well for Scruggs-style picking but can feel harsh for down-picking. The Fiberskyn gives you that rounder, earthy thump that sits beautifully in old-time jams and fits the rolled brass tone ring on this instrument perfectly.

What does the fretboard scoop do, and do I need it for clawhammer?

The scoop is a gradual relief carved into the upper register of the fingerboard — typically above the 17th fret or so — that lets the string vibrate freely without buzzing when you’re playing in that area. In clawhammer style, players frequently use the upper register for melodic runs and the drop-thumb technique, so having that clearance makes a noticeable difference. It’s a small detail that shows Gold Tone was thinking specifically about clawhammer players when they designed this instrument.

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