Gold Tone LG-R Little Gem Banjo Ukulele – Ruby (See-Through) with Bag

When the Gold Tone Little Gem won “Best in Show” at Summer NAMM 2018, nobody who had played one was surprised. I’ve been working with banjos and ukuleles for over 45 years, and the Little Gem is genuinely one of those instruments that makes people stop and stare before they even hear a note — and then makes them smile the moment they do. This Amethyst version features a stunning see-through purple acrylic 8″ rim and resonator that lets you see straight through the body of the instrument. It’s a conversation piece, yes, but first and foremost it’s a real, playable banjo ukulele with a maple neck, sealed guitar-style tuners, and a maple bridge with an ebony cap that contributes to a clear, focused tone with good sustain for the size.

The Little Gem is tuned GCEA — standard ukulele tuning — on a 15″ concert scale, which makes it immediately approachable for anyone who already plays uke, and a natural stepping stone for banjo players who want to dabble in the ukulele world without learning a new tuning system. The 8″ clear head over the acrylic rim gives you that characteristic banjo-uke snap and cut that a traditional wooden uke simply can’t produce. Eighteen frets, dot-and-star inlays, chrome hardware, and black ABS binding round out an instrument that feels cohesive and well-considered at every price point. At 2.63 lbs., it travels beautifully and is a genuinely kid-friendly size without feeling like a toy.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell is covered by Gold Tone’s full manufacturer warranty with no gaps or gray-market concerns. I’m Geoff Hohwald — I’ve been in this business since the late 1970s, co-founded Watch & Learn in Atlanta, wrote Banjo Primer (still the top-rated beginner banjo method out there), and co-designed the Gold Tone OB-Standard. When I choose instruments to carry, I’m choosing them the way I’d choose something to hand to a student on their first day. The Little Gem passes that test easily. We offer flexible financing through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, and 24-month plans — no late fees — so there’s no reason to wait on an instrument this enjoyable.

Gold Tone LG-R Little Gem Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Little Gem a good first instrument for a child or beginner?

Absolutely. The 15″ concert scale and lightweight build make it very comfortable for smaller hands, and standard GCEA tuning means there’s a huge library of ukulele tutorials and chord charts that apply directly. The sealed tuners hold pitch well, which matters a lot when you’re just starting out and learning to tune by ear. The professional factory setup means the action is dialed in so it doesn’t fight you, which makes learning far less frustrating.

Can I use standard ukulele strings on the Little Gem?

Yes — it’s tuned and set up for standard concert ukulele strings (GCEA). Most concert ukulele string sets will fit and work well on this instrument. Many players enjoy experimenting with fluorocarbon strings to get a slightly warmer tone, though the acrylic rim naturally leans bright and clear regardless of string choice.

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