Gold Tone CC-Tenor/L Cripple Creek Left-Handed Tenor Banjo with Bag

If you’re a left-handed player looking for a genuinely versatile tenor banjo that doesn’t ask you to compromise on quality, the Gold Tone CC-Tenor/L deserves your serious attention. This is the left-handed version of Gold Tone’s Cripple Creek tenor — a model that has introduced thousands of players around the world to four-string banjo playing. The 19-fret neck, CGDA tuning, and removable resonator make it equally capable in a Dixieland front porch jam, an Irish session, or a living-room strum-along. That resonator removal is genuinely useful: snap it on for extra projection in a loud acoustic setting, pull it off for a softer, more open-back sound when you’re playing quietly at home. At $699.99 it sits in a sweet spot where real craftsmanship begins — and Gold Tone has never cut corners here.

The CC-Tenor/L is built around an 11-inch multi-ply maple rim paired with an 11-inch rolled brass flat-bar tone ring — a combination that produces the focused, cutting midrange that tenor banjo players have always prized. The 13-inch maple resonator, dual 11-inch coordinator rods, and chrome-plated hardware all reflect Gold Tone’s commitment to components that hold up under years of real playing. The maple neck carries a rosewood fingerboard with attractive snowflake inlays, and the 1-1/4-inch ZeroGlide nut keeps open strings in precise tune while reducing the string-height issues that plague many entry-level banjos. Sealed guitar-style tuners, a Maple-and-ebony-cap bridge, a Terminator tailpiece, and an 11-inch Remo LC Smooth head round out a parts list that honestly punches above this price point. The high-gloss natural finish is clean and professional, and the black ABS binding gives the whole instrument a polished look without any flash.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. That setup work makes a real difference — especially for a new player who might otherwise struggle with an instrument that came straight from a factory floor without individual attention.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means your CC-Tenor/L arrives with full manufacturer warranty coverage and the assurance that you’re receiving a genuine, current-production instrument. I’m Geoff Hohwald — I’ve spent more than 45 years in this industry, co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, and wrote Banjo Primer, the top-rated beginner banjo method on the market. I co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard alongside the Gold Tone team, so I know these instruments from the inside out. When I put a Gold Tone Cripple Creek in front of a new player, I do it because I believe in what it delivers. We’re located in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and we’re here to answer real questions before and after your purchase. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans — all with no late fees — so you can bring this banjo home on a schedule that works for you.

Gold Tone CC-Tenor/L Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CC-Tenor/L a good choice for Irish traditional music as a left-handed player?

Absolutely. The 19-fret neck, CGDA tuning, and 22-5/8-inch scale length are exactly what Irish tenor banjo players use, and the removable resonator lets you go open-back for the warmer, more acoustic tone that blends well in a session. Left-handed tenor banjos at this quality level are genuinely hard to find, and Gold Tone’s decision to offer the Cripple Creek in a left-handed configuration makes this one of the best values in the category. The professional factory setup ensures the action is light and responsive right out of the box, which matters a lot when you’re learning fast Celtic runs.

Can I remove the resonator and play this as an open-back tenor banjo?

Yes — the resonator on the CC-Tenor/L is fully removable, held in place by the coordinator rod system rather than permanently attached. Many players own a single CC-Tenor and simply swap between resonator and open-back configurations depending on the setting. With the resonator on, you get more volume and projection, which is great for Dixieland or ensemble playing. With it off, the tone opens up and softens slightly, which suits folk, Celtic, or quiet practice sessions. It takes about a minute to make the change, and neither configuration requires any special tools.

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