Gold Tone IT-19 Irish Tenor Banjo with Gig Bag

If you’ve been searching for an Irish tenor banjo that sits comfortably in a live session and sounds the part without breaking the bank, the Gold Tone IT-19 is worth your serious attention. The 19-3/4″ scale length and standard GDAE tuning make it immediately familiar to mandolin and fiddle players crossing over to banjo, while the 12″ multi-ply maple rim paired with a rolled brass flat bar tone ring delivers exactly the kind of warm, punchy voice that cuts through a busy session without being shrill. That brass tone ring adds a pleasant low-mid presence that I find increasingly popular among Irish players — it’s less ice-pick and more round, which suits the dance tunes beautifully. The 17-fret rosewood fingerboard with clover inlays, the curly maple armrest, and the vintage brown satin finish give this instrument a look and feel that punches well above its price point.

Gold Tone has been building quality instruments in Titusville, Florida for decades, and the IT-19 reflects their genuine understanding of what working folk musicians need. The ZeroGlide nut is a thoughtful touch — it reduces friction and improves tuning stability significantly on an instrument that’s going to be retuned and played hard night after night. The GT planetary tuners are smooth and precise. The No-Knot tailpiece, notched tension hoop, and dual coordinator rods round out a well-considered package. The HC Renaissance head gives the banjo a slightly warmer character than a clear head, which I think suits Irish music perfectly. Whether you’re playing jigs and reels at your local session or working through your first tenor banjo repertoire at home, the IT-19 is a genuinely capable instrument that won’t hold you back.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. That means neck relief, action at the nut and bridge, intonation, and overall playability are all dialed in — the kind of setup you’d pay $75 to $100 for at a shop, included at no charge. Your IT-19 will be ready to play the moment you open the box.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell comes with full manufacturer support and a valid warranty. I’m Geoff Hohwald — I’ve been in the banjo world for more than 45 years, co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, and wrote Banjo Primer, the top-rated beginner banjo method in the country. I co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard, and I’ve been cited on Wikipedia for banjo roll and Scruggs style. When you buy from us, you’re buying from people who actually play, teach, and live this music. We offer flexible financing through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, and 24-month plans — no late fees — so you can get playing without waiting.

Gold Tone IT-19 Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the IT-17 and the IT-19, and which scale length is right for me?

The IT-17 has a shorter 17-fret neck with a slightly more compact feel, while the IT-19 — this model — has a 19-3/4″ scale length, which is the more traditional Irish tenor banjo scale. The longer scale gives you a bit more tension and brightness, and many players find it produces a fuller, more authoritative tone for session playing. If you’re coming from fiddle or mandolin, the GDAE tuning is identical on both; the IT-19 just gives you a touch more resonance and that classic tenor feel.

Does the IT-19 come with a gig bag, and is a hard case available?

Yes — a gig bag is included with every IT-19. If you need more protection for gigging or travel, Gold Tone’s HDIT15 hard case fits this banjo and is available as an optional add-on. Just reach out to us at Banjo Warehouse and we can add it to your order.

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