Some instruments are fun to play. The Gold Tone LG-D/L Left-Handed Little Gem takes it a step further — it’s impossible to put down and impossible to ignore. Finished in a dazzling see-through Diamond (clear/crystal) acrylic, this left-handed banjo-ukulele won “Best in Show” at Summer NAMM 2018 and has been charming players of all ages and skill levels ever since. Whether you’re a ukulele player curious about banjo tone, a banjo player looking for something compact and travel-friendly, or a first-time player who wants an instrument that genuinely excites you, the Little Gem is a remarkable place to start — or to land.
The Diamond color is the most visually striking of the Little Gem family: the crystal-clear acrylic rim and resonator let you see straight through the instrument, showing off the inner hardware and catching the light in a way that no wood-bodied instrument can match. Beneath the showmanship is a genuinely playable, well-specified instrument. The maple neck is comfortable and stable, the 15-inch concert scale sits right between soprano and tenor for easy chord work, and the 8-inch clear head over the acrylic rim produces the bright, punchy tone that makes banjo-ukuleles so addictive. Eighteen frets, dot-and-star inlays, sealed guitar-style tuners, a maple bridge with ebony cap, and a bone nut round out a package that punches well above its price point. Strings are pre-installed and tuned to standard GCEA, so you can be playing within minutes of opening the box.
This instrument ships factory-fresh direct from Gold Tone, where every Little Gem receives a professional setup at their Titusville, Florida shop before it leaves — so the action, intonation, and string height are dialed in from day one. As an authorized Gold Tone dealer, we back your purchase with the full manufacturer warranty, and our team is here before and after the sale for setup questions, string recommendations, or accessory advice. A gig bag is included. This is a build-to-order item. Gold Tone builds left-handed Little Gems from their right-handed stock pool on demand — there is no standing left-handed shelf stock. Gold Tone typically ships your left-handed Little Gem within 1–2 weeks of your order.
Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse
Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell is a genuine new product backed by the full Gold Tone manufacturer warranty — not a gray-market or third-party listing. The shop is run by Geoff Hohwald, author of the Banjo Primer and co-designer of the Gold Tone OB-Standard, with over 45 years in the banjo world. Our team brings that same depth of knowledge to every customer interaction, whether you’re buying your first instrument or adding to a serious collection. Have a question about setup, tuning, or which accessories to grab first? We’re genuinely happy to help. 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 get playing now and pay on your schedule.
Gold Tone LG-D/L Specifications
| Model | LG-D/L (Left-Handed) |
| Color / Finish | Diamond (see-through clear/crystal) |
| Tuning | GCEA |
| Scale Length | 15″ Concert |
| Nut Width | 1-3/8″ Bone |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Maple |
| Frets | 18 |
| Inlay | Dot & Star |
| Rim | 8″ Acrylic (see-through) |
| Head | 8″ Clear |
| Tension Hoop | 8″ Rolled Brass Flat Bar |
| Bridge | 5/8″ Maple with Ebony Cap |
| Tailpiece | Banjo Uke Style |
| Brackets | 12 |
| Hardware | Chrome Plated |
| Tuners | Sealed Guitar-Style |
| Binding | Black ABS |
| String Gauges | .027, .038, .028, .022 |
| Weight | 2.63 lbs. |
| Bag | Included |
| Setup | Professionally set up at Gold Tone, Titusville, FL |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to receive my left-handed Little Gem?
Because Gold Tone builds left-handed Little Gems to order rather than keeping them on a shelf, fulfillment takes a little longer than a standard in-stock item. Gold Tone typically ships your instrument within 1–2 weeks of your order. Once it ships, standard delivery time applies. We’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Is the Diamond color truly see-through, and does it affect the sound?
Yes — the Diamond Little Gem features a fully transparent clear/crystal acrylic rim and resonator, so the inner hardware is completely visible. The acrylic construction is an intentional design choice: the hard, non-porous rim reflects sound efficiently and contributes to the instrument’s bright, cutting banjo-uke tone. It’s a genuinely distinctive sound that works beautifully in both solo and group settings.
Is the LG-D/L a good first instrument for beginners?
Absolutely. The concert scale (15 inches) is comfortable for most adult hands, the GCEA tuning is identical to a standard ukulele so existing uke players can transfer their chord knowledge directly, and the sealed tuners hold pitch reliably. The factory setup from Gold Tone’s Titusville shop means the action is already comfortable out of the box. Our team is happy to recommend beginner resources and accessories whenever you’re ready.
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