The Gold Tone AC-1 is a lightweight openback 5-string banjo and one of the best-loved beginner banjos made, named a Best in Show pick at the 2016 Summer NAMM show. Its composite rim mates to a slim, easy-playing neck and brings the whole banjo in under four pounds, which makes it a natural choice for a first banjo, for travel, or for a younger player.

The open back gives the AC-1 the warm, woody tone that suits clawhammer and old-time playing, and the Zero Glide nut helps it play in tune right up the neck. With no resonator adding bulk, it is one of the most portable five-strings you can own, easy to throw in the car or carry to a jam. If you want more volume and projection later, a resonator can be added down the road, so the banjo can grow with you.

This makes a great first banjo. It is light enough for younger players and older hands alike, simple to care for, and forgiving to learn on, while still sounding like a real five-string banjo. It arrives set up and ready to play, with Gold Tone's three-year transferable warranty.

SPECIFICATIONS

Neck: Nato

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Frets: 22

Inlay: Dot

Nut: 1-3/16" Zero Glide

Truss Rod: Two-way adjustable

Tuners: Covered guitar-style

Scale Length: 26-3/16"

Rim: 11" composite

Head: 11" Remo LC Frosted

Tension Hoop: 11" flat bar, 16 brackets

Bridge: Maple with ebony cap

Tailpiece: Adjustable

Coordinator Rod: Single 11"

Hardware: Chrome plated

Binding: Black ABS

Finish: Black satin

Weight: 3.75 lbs

Tuning: gDGBD

Included: Gig bag

WHAT YOU GET FROM BANJO WAREHOUSE

Every Gold Tone is professionally set up at the Gold Tone factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships, so your banjo arrives ready to play. Banjo Warehouse has been selling fine banjos since 1980, now based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Owner Geoff Hohwald has been playing and selling banjos since 1963 and is the author of The Banjo Primer.

Questions? Send us a message here on Reverb and we will be glad to help.