Gold Tone IT-19/L Irish Tenor Banjo 19-Fret Left-Handed with Gig Bag

If you’re a left-handed player looking for a serious Irish tenor banjo, this is the one to know about. The Gold Tone IT-19/L is the left-handed version of Gold Tone’s popular 19-fret Irish tenor model, built specifically for players who need a proper mirror-image instrument — not a conversion, not a compromise. Tuned GDAE and scaled at 19-3/4″, it sits right in the sweet spot for Irish session playing, whether you’re coming from fiddle, mandolin, or just drawn to the tenor banjo’s particular voice in traditional music. The 12″ multi-ply maple rim and rolled brass flat bar tone ring deliver strong projection with a warmth and bass fullness that’s become increasingly sought after in session circles — present enough to cut through a busy session, but never harsh or thin.

Gold Tone built this instrument with the details that matter: a maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, 17 frets, clover inlays, and a ZeroGlide nut at 1-1/4″ width — a zero-fret system that improves open-string intonation and keeps action consistent. GT planetary tuners provide smooth, reliable tuning stability. The curly maple armrest with satin finish is a thoughtful touch for extended playing comfort, and the no-knot tailpiece and notched tension hoop round out a package that punches well above its price. The Vintage Brown satin finish gives it an understated, traditional look that won’t look out of place at a pub session or a folk festival stage.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. Left-handed instruments require particular attention during setup to make sure everything is dialed in for a southpaw player, and that care is built into every IT-19/L that leaves the factory — head tension, action, nut slots, bridge placement, intonation. You’re not getting a banjo off a peg — you’re getting an instrument that’s ready to play the moment you open the case.

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 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. I co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone, and have been cited on Wikipedia for Banjo roll and Scruggs style. I know these instruments inside and out, and I only carry models I genuinely believe in. Financing is available with no late fees — choose from PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, or 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans at checkout.

Gold Tone IT-19/L Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a true left-handed banjo or just a standard model with the strings flipped?

This is a genuine left-handed model — the IT-19/L is built from the ground up as a mirror-image instrument. The neck, headstock, and all hardware are configured for left-handed playing. Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you, so action, intonation, and string spacing are all dialed in correctly for a southpaw player.

What’s the difference between a 17-fret and a 19-fret Irish tenor banjo?

The 17-fret and 19-fret designations refer to the number of frets on the neck, which affects the scale length and upper-register reach. This IT-19/L has a 19-3/4″ scale and 17 frets — a common and comfortable configuration for Irish session players that balances playability with tonal warmth. Players coming from fiddle or mandolin often find the 19-fret scale length familiar and easy to adapt to.

Does the gig bag offer enough protection for gigging and travel?

The included gig bag is a solid everyday option for transport to sessions, lessons, and local gigs. For touring or airline travel, Gold Tone offers the optional HDIT15 hard case, which we can include — just reach out before placing your order and we’ll add it for you.

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