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This item is eligible for return within 30 days of receipt
To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.
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Availability:
In Stock.
Arrives
Saturday, Jun 28
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Features
- Composite rim open back
- Zero-glide nut system
- Includes Gig Bag
- Gold Tone 12-point set-up
Description
Entry level 5-string with a powerful punch. This piece has a composite rim and mahogany neck for a rounded tone, A zero Glide nut system for playability, and a transferable 5-year warranty.
Item Weight: 1 pounds
Product Dimensions: 38.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches
Item model number: AC-1
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
Date First Available: May 31, 2016
Back Material: Mahogany
Color Name: Natural
String Material: Nickel
Number of Strings: 5
Instrument Key: G
Frequently asked questions
If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is:
Saturday, Jun 28
Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
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Top Amazon Reviews
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.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2018 by Mark J. Werner
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.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2021 by ShadowRaven
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.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2019 by Kenneth Croes
As advertised. I bought it to take to my boat. The composite construction and light weight is perfect for that. It sounds decent and playing it is fun. It is definitely not my main banjo, but perfect for the job I wanted it for. The tuning pegs... ORDER THE BETTER SET. These do not hold a tuning. The "gig" bag is almost paper. I ordered a padded one, so if you are traveling with this (why I bought it) you will need a better bag. Add on that cost for the "real" package deal. That is why I have the 4 stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2017 by Captain Kathy ST
I'm an absolute beginner so while shopping around for my first banjo, so this one recommended for beginners. I think it is amazing for the price, the sound it makes is just lovely! I am not very good of course but I do love this instrument. When restringing, the tailpiece is a bit annoying to work with which is the only drawback I can think of. I have a pair of jewelry pliers I used to get the string hoops over the ends of the tailpiece, so that might be something to consider.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2021 by skagAnthropologist
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.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2021 by Rosa Rugosa
Great value and works well as traveling banjo. Light and tough. Had excellent reviews and is from Gold Tone
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2021 by Absentmindedprof
Unbelievable value - long time fiddle guitar player and I know what a good instrument feels like. 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2020 by Brennan BROOKER