Gold Tone IT-17/L Left-Handed Irish Tenor Banjo with 17 Frets and Gig Bag

This listing is for the left-handed version of the Gold Tone IT-17 Irish Tenor Banjo — the IT-17/L. If you’re a left-handed player looking for a serious Irish tenor instrument that doesn’t force you to compromise or restring a right-handed model, this is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. The IT-17 has earned a genuine following among Irish session players, and it’s easy to hear why the moment you strum a chord: the 12″ multi-ply maple rim paired with a rolled brass flat bar tone ring produces that characteristic warm, full Irish tenor voice with just enough bass presence to cut through a busy session without sounding brittle or thin. The 17-fret neck keeps the scale traditional at 19-3/4″, and GDAE tuning means mandolin players will feel right at home. The clover inlays and satin Vintage Brown finish give the whole instrument a classic, understated look that fits right in at a pub session or a folk festival stage.

Gold Tone has a genuine gift for engineering instruments that punch well above their price point, and the IT-17 is a clear example of that. The ZeroGlide nut is a thoughtful touch — it dramatically reduces friction at the nut, which translates to better tuning stability during open-string passages, exactly the kind of thing that matters when you’re playing rapid Irish reels. GT Planetary tuners keep things locked in with minimal effort, the dual coordinator rods give the neck a stable, adjustable foundation, and the two-way adjustable truss rod means the neck can be dialed in for your preferred action and string gauge. The No Knot tailpiece, notched tension hoop, and 12″ HC Renaissance head round out a thoughtfully assembled package. The curly maple armrest with satin finish is a practical comfort feature that also adds a touch of visual warmth. A gig bag is included, so you’re covered for transport from day one.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. That means action adjusted at the nut and bridge, neck relief dialed in, head tension set, and every component inspected. For a left-handed player especially, having a proper setup on arrival matters more than people realize. You shouldn’t have to take a new banjo to a local shop before it’s playable.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell carries the full manufacturer warranty and comes from legitimate stock — not gray market or returned product. I’ve been working in the banjo world for more than 45 years. I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, wrote Banjo Primer (consistently rated the number-one beginner banjo method on the market), and co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone — so when I say I know these instruments, that’s not marketing language. I know what makes a good banjo and what doesn’t, and the IT-17 is genuinely good. We also offer flexible financing so the instrument you actually want doesn’t have to wait: PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans are all available with no late fees. Questions before you buy? I’m happy to talk through whether this is the right instrument for where you are in your playing.

Gold Tone IT-17/L Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This is a purpose-built left-handed instrument — the IT-17/L — not a modified right-handed version. The neck, tailpiece, and overall construction are configured for left-handed play from the factory. That matters for playability and long-term setup stability in a way that a quick string reversal simply can’t replicate.

How does 17 frets compare to other Irish tenor banjos, and does tuning stay GDAE?

Traditional Irish tenor banjos typically have either 17 or 19 frets. The 17-fret configuration with a 19-3/4″ scale length is the more traditional Irish choice — slightly shorter reach between frets, which many players find more comfortable for rapid ornamentation and rolls. Yes, tuning is standard GDAE, the same as a mandolin or Irish tenor fiddle, so players crossing over from those instruments will find the IT-17/L immediately familiar.

Can I use heavier strings for a darker, more traditional tone?

Absolutely. The two-way adjustable truss rod and ZeroGlide nut give you real flexibility for experimenting with string gauges. Many traditional Irish players prefer a slightly heavier set for a warmer, denser tone. If you want to go heavier than the factory strings, I’d recommend having a local luthier check the nut slots and neck relief after the change — a small adjustment can make a significant difference in playability.

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