Gold Tone AC-1: 5-String Beginnner Banjo, Full Size with Gig-Bag, Bluegrass or Clawhammer

An entry level instrument, it sounds good. It was a gift for my grandson. He’s already made a video of his progress after having it only two days ago.

I am literally thrilled with this banjo. If you're looking for a featherweight 5-string banjo that sounds great, has an excellent set-up right out of the box, and has a very affordable price, the Gold Tone AC-1 is a winner. Whether clawhammer or Scruggs-style is your method, the banjo delivers superb sound for its price and weight. If you're a beginner and you're not sure you'll stick with it, the AC-1 is an excellent choice. It won't break the bank and you won't have to fight the instrument to play it. If you're a veteran player that wants to shed the typical heaviness of a Bluegrass banjo due to age or injury, the AC-1 will satisfy. As a travel banjo for camping trips, beach bonfires or risky airline handling, the Gold Tone AC-1 fills the bill. It's structurally made well and looks good, too. My only suggestion for improvement would be to add a strap button to the heel of the instrument. Other banjo players may make fun of you if you add your own strap button to the heel. Ignore them and do it if you want.

Bought as a Christmas gift for my brother, he loves it. Sounds great.

Banjo looks perfect, great shape and arrived quickly. It was accidentally delivered to a nearby neighbor but luckily they brought it over after a few days. I don't know them so I was really relieved when they brought it to me. It's for my granddaughter's 13th birthday next week. I'm sure she will love it!!! It looks like a fine instrument!!

I’d been playing my home-made banjo increasingly, but it’s shortcomings were beginning to be more and more apparent. Limited budget... I saw a couple of write-ups on this Gold Tone offering and decided to give it a try. I’d had a similarly-priced Epiphone some years back and it arrived badly in need of a setup. Head not tightened, bridge not placed, etc... Gold Tone advertises that each of these overseas-produced instruments is properly set up at thier center prior to shipment. I found this to be true. Head tensioned, action set, bridge placed.... All I had to do was tune up and play. This banjo features a one-piece composite rim... No “tone ring”. As a result, the instrument is very light. So light, in fact, that you’ll need a strap right away just to keep the neck up. No worries about shoulder pain, however. All the hardware seems fine...Tuners work smoothly, frets are well-finished, etc. Very comfortable to play. If you want, a composite resonator and an armrest are both available from Gold Tone. So, how’s it sound? Very good,, IMO. Quite loud for an open back, and seems to handle either Scruggs-style picking with fingerpicks and trailing/clawhammer just fine. Only downside is the “bag”... which does hold the banjo but offers about as much protection as a gunny sack. Protects from dust and scratches, but that’s all. Trying to keep that under-200-dollar price point, I imagine.

Very good little banjo. Would be a good banjo for a beginner . good tone and volume . fast delivery. The packaging leaves a lot to be desired. I'm surprised it wasn't damaged in shipment. Would recommend the banjo. 5 stars. I did add an armrest. Will leave the tuners as is.

This is a great banjo for the money. I have heard not so great things about imported cheap banjos, but this AC-1 was always talked highly of. Maybe because the company checks it out here in America and makes sure everything is good to go prior to shipping. It arrived ready to go, and includes a few tools and a letter explaining adjusting your banjo when needed. I liked it so much, I decided to upgrade to a few Deering banjos, but this Gold Tone is nice because composite plastic is not changed as mush as wood for traveling etc. It holds tune very well, unlike other cheap instruments. The only thing I can mention that might not be great, is the sound is slightly different than a wooden rim banjo. But it's just a little different, a beginner would not even know. There is not another in this price range better from what I can tell. If you can afford to pay double the price, the Deering Goodtime banjo is a steal for the money, and would be even better. When holding them both, you can tell this AC-1 is more cheaply built (rim/j hooks etc). But to get your feet wet, this one is excellent. Once you upgrade, this one can be used as a truck/camping banjo, and the wood one can stay home nice and dry. Also, this one looks great too. I included a pic of it sitting in my speakeasy.

This product was securely packaged and arrived in perfect shape. I bought this as a travel banjo. I was very pleased as this banjo was considerably well constructed for the price I paid for it. The frets are smooth and the action is good. The sound is clear and it tunes well. Awesome for beginners or people who want a cheap, playable banjo. I would definitely recommend this product and buy it again.

Exactly what I expected

Nothing to compare it to but sounds/feels great, I've played this for a lot of hours now and have had so much fun learning

Although I own several other stringed instruments this is my first banjo. It sounds fantastic, appears to be well made. The action and intonation are spot on. I would definitely recommend this Gold Tone.

I'm very happy with the banjo, although I am no expert banjo player this one does the job nicely and sounds great. It arrived well packaged and was set up ready to play. Now I'm just driving the family nuts practising picking styles!