Gold Tone WL-250/L Mastertone White Ladye Banjo with Case (Left-Handed)

I’ve been around a lot of banjos in my 45-plus years in this business, and the White Ladye tone ring is one of those design achievements that really stands the test of time. This is the left-handed version of the Gold Tone Mastertone WL-250 White Ladye, and I want to be absolutely clear about that upfront — the neck, head, pot assembly, and tailpiece configuration are all built specifically for left-handed players. The WL-250/L is a tribute to the A.C. Fairbanks White Laydie and Electric banjos produced in the late 1800s, instruments that are among the most sought-after by collectors and serious old-time musicians to this day. What made those Fairbanks banjos so special — and what makes this Gold Tone recreation so compelling — is that patented scalloped-style tone ring, first conceived between 1890 and 1895. It produces a bright, clear, open tone with a surprising amount of volume for an open-back design, qualities that made the original White Laydie name famous among the Victorian-era banjo set and that continue to make it the ring of choice for players who want that classic pre-war sound.

Gold Tone has done real homework on this one. The neck is maple with an ebony fingerboard featuring a scoop — a traditional touch that gives you that low, comfortable action in the upper positions beloved by clawhammer and two-finger players. The cloud inlays at the frets are gorgeous, the vintage brown high-gloss finish is appropriately period-correct without looking costume-y, and details like the ZeroGlide nut, GT planetary tuners, dual 11-inch coordinator rods, No Knot tailpiece, and notched tension hoop all reflect Gold Tone’s commitment to putting serious hardware on a seriously-priced instrument. The 11-inch 3-ply maple rim and 24-bracket setup give the pot real structural integrity, and the Remo Renaissance head is exactly the right choice tonally for this style of ring — warm enough on top to let those bright White Ladye characteristics shine without becoming harsh. This instrument ships with a hard case included.

Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. That means proper head tension for the White Ladye ring, action adjusted to a comfortable playing height, nut slots checked, intonation verified, and the instrument inspected top to bottom. You’re not just getting a factory-fresh banjo in a box — you’re getting a properly voiced, ready-to-play instrument.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means your WL-250/L comes with the full manufacturer’s warranty and the assurance that you’re getting a genuine, current-production instrument — not a gray-market or unauthorized import. I’ve been selling and teaching banjo since the 1980s, when I co-founded Watch & Learn in Atlanta and became Deering Banjo’s number-one dealer. I’ve written Banjo Primer, the top-rated beginner banjo method. I co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone, so I know this company’s instruments from the inside out. When I stock a Gold Tone model, it’s because I believe in it. Financing is available with no late fees — we accept PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and longer-term plans at 3, 6, 12, or 24 months. There’s no reason to let budget timing get between you and the right banjo.

Gold Tone WL-250/L Specifications

Handedness	Left-Handed
Model	WL-250/L (Left-Handed)
Series	Mastertone™
Headstock Style	A-Style
Nut	1-3/16″ ZeroGlide
Tuners	GT Planetary
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard	Ebony with Scoop
Frets	18
Inlay	Cloud
Truss Rod	Two-Way Adjustable
Scale Length	26-3/16″
Tone Ring	11″ White Ladye
Rim	11″ 3-Ply Maple
Head	11″ Remo HC Renaissance
Tension Hoop	11″ Notched
Brackets	24
Coordinator Rods	Dual 11″
Bridge	Maple with Ebony Cap
Tailpiece	No Knot
Armrest	Vintage-Style
Binding	White ABS
Finish	Vintage Brown / High Gloss
Hardware	Chrome Plated
Tuning	GDGBD
String Gauge	.010, .024w, .015, .012, .010
Weight	6.7 lbs.
Case	Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this banjo truly built for left-handed players, or is it just strung in reverse?

This is a purpose-built left-handed instrument — the WL-250/L. The neck is constructed as a left-handed neck, the pot is assembled to match, and the tailpiece and fifth-string configuration are oriented correctly for a left-handed player. This is not simply a right-handed banjo restrung, and that matters a great deal for playability and long-term setup stability.

Is the White Ladye tone ring suitable for clawhammer and old-time styles, or does it work for other playing approaches too?

The White Ladye ring is deeply rooted in the old-time and clawhammer world — its bright, open, projecting tone is exactly what that style calls for. That said, the ring also works beautifully for two-finger picking, melodic old-time, and even some early Scruggs-adjacent styles. It’s not a bluegrass resonator banjo by any stretch, but within the open-back world it’s one of the most versatile and historically significant ring designs ever made.

What does the professional setup actually include, and why does it matter at this price point?

At nearly $1,250, you deserve an instrument that’s fully optimized before it ever reaches you. Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida where the head tension is set to bring out the best of the White Ladye ring, string action is adjusted to a comfortable and accurate height, nut slots are checked and filed to proper depth, intonation is verified, and every mechanical component is inspected. Many instruments at this price point arrive from distributors with a factory setup that prioritizes shipping stability over playability. Gold Tone’s professional setup closes that gap entirely.

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