Gold Tone MM-150/L Maple Mountain Openback Banjo with Case (Left-Handed)

I want to be upfront right away: this listing is for the left-handed version of the Gold Tone MM-150 Maple Mountain Openback Banjo. If you’re a left-handed player, you already know how rare it is to find a quality openback banjo built specifically for you — and the MM-150/L is exactly that. This instrument has been one of my favorites in the Gold Tone lineup since its introduction, and for good reason. It’s the banjo that launched Gold Tone’s openback series, and it still punches well above its price class. Whether you’re just diving into clawhammer, deep into old-time circles, or a seasoned frailing player looking for a reliable second instrument, the MM-150/L deserves your serious attention.

What sets the MM-150/L apart from other banjos in this range is the combination of a half-inch-thick three-ply maple rim and an authentically-designed Whyte Laydie-style scalloped three-piece brass tone ring — features you’d typically expect to pay considerably more for. That tone ring gives this banjo a warm, focused, and slightly bell-like openback voice that sits beautifully in an old-time jam. The 11″ Remo Renaissance head contributes to that mellower, acoustic character that clawhammer players love. The maple neck is comfortable and fast, and the rosewood fingerboard is fitted with elegant snowflake inlays and — critically for frailing players — a proper frailing scoop at the upper bout. Vintage details like the Fairbanks-style headstock, planetary tuners, a reproduction early 1900s armrest secured by the bracket hooks, and a No Knot tailpiece give the MM-150/L a look and feel that honors the tradition. A ZeroGlide nut and dual coordinator rods round out a spec sheet that would embarrass instruments costing twice as much.

Every MM-150/L receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. The setup includes checking and adjusting the neck relief, setting the action at the nut and bridge to playing height, verifying intonation, and making sure the head tension is dialed in for an openback voice. The banjo you receive will be genuinely ready to play — not a banjo that needs a trip to a repair shop before you can enjoy it.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, and that matters — you get the full manufacturer’s warranty, proper documentation, and the assurance that you’re receiving a genuine, factory-fresh instrument. I’ve been selling and teaching banjo for over 45 years. I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, I wrote Banjo Primer (the top-rated beginner banjo method on the market), and I co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone — so when I say the MM-150 is one of the best values in the openback banjo world, I’m speaking from real experience with hundreds of instruments across decades. I’ve been in the trenches with Gold Tone long enough to know which instruments are genuinely worth recommending, and this one is. We also know that $1,199.99 is a real investment, which is why we offer flexible financing through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, and 24-month payment plans — with no late fees. Play the banjo while you pay for it.

Gold Tone MM-150/L Maple Mountain Specifications

Handedness	Left-Handed
Headstock Style	Vintage Fairbanks-Style (A-Style Buttons)
Nut	1-3/16″ ZeroGlide Nut
Tuners	GT Planetary Tuners
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood with Frailing Scoop
Frets	18
Inlay	Snowflake
Truss Rod	Two-Way Adjustable
Scale Length	26-3/16″
Rim	11″ 3-Ply Maple
Tone Ring	11″ Whyte Laydie-Style Scalloped Three-Piece Brass
Head	11″ Remo Renaissance (HC)
Tension Hoop	11″ Notched
Brackets	24
Bridge	5/8″ Maple with Ebony Cap
Tailpiece	No Knot
Armrest	Vintage-Style (Reproduction Early 1900s)
Coordinator Rods	Dual 11″
Binding	Black ABS
Finish	Natural / High Gloss
Hardware	Chrome Plated
Tuning	GDGBD (Standard 5-String)
String Gauge	.010, .024w, .015, .012, .010
Weight	6.5 lbs.
Case	HD14 Hardshell Case (Included)
Setup Location	Gold Tone Factory, Titusville, FL

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this banjo genuinely built left-handed, or is it just a right-handed banjo strung in reverse?

The MM-150/L is a purpose-built left-handed instrument — the neck, headstock, frailing scoop, and all hardware are oriented for left-handed playing. It is not simply a right-handed banjo restrung. Gold Tone manufactures true left-handed versions of select models, and this is one of them. That matters for comfort, playability, and the integrity of the frailing scoop, which is positioned correctly for left-handed frailing technique.

What is the Whyte Laydie-style tone ring, and why does it matter for old-time playing?

The Whyte Laydie was a landmark Vega banjo design from the early twentieth century, prized by old-time and early jazz players for its warm, clear, and focused tone. The scalloped brass construction of the tone ring allows the rim to breathe acoustically in a way that a solid ring does not, producing that characteristic mellow-but-defined openback sound that sits so well in old-time jams. It’s a historically appropriate choice for clawhammer and frailing, and it’s one of the main reasons the MM-150 sounds as good as it does at this price point.

Does this banjo come with a case?

Yes — the Gold Tone MM-150/L includes the HD14 hardshell case at no additional charge. This is a substantial inclusion at this price point and means your instrument is protected from the moment it leaves our shop.

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