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

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 is a sweet little Banjo. Lightweight has a real good, plunky sound. I’m really enjoying it so far. It needed quite a bit of setting back up. It was packed horribly zero padding in the box. The internal box that the instrument was in was wide open. The instrument was flying around loose a giant box with zero padding. Still, a great addition to my Banjo family.

Good banjo for the money. Has many features that some more expensive banjos do not have. However I am returning it because the neck is slightly too slim for my hand due to my rheumatoid arthritis. I wanted this one because it is lighter than the one I own. It is well worth the money.

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.

Everyone I asked said this is the only banjo under $500 worth getting, they seem to be right. Arrived in a very large box, the smaller box containing the banjo had opened a little but everything was intact. A head key and allen wrench are contained in the maintenance manual in the gig bag.Checked the setup, it was perfect. Bridge already installed, head already tightened, no need to adjust the neck or intonation or action. Frets are smooth, no buzzing. Sounds great.Since it costs half the amount of the next best banjo everyone compares it to, I was able to spend the rest on a bunch of banjo books.

This beginner banjo came in great shape and ready to play. I have never played a stringed instrument and am enjoying learning the banjo.

First time buying or playing a banjo but looks great out the box. I see no issues with scratches or anything loose. Sounds very good. As I progress with skill I’ll leave another review. I made some very minor adjustments with the tuning but not much so far I recommend.

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.