Gold Tone AC-1 Acoustic Composite 5-String Banjo, Open Back Beginner Instrument with Gig Bag, Lightweight 3.75 lbs, Great Gift for Banjo Players
Condition: New
$314.99
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Availability:
In Stock.
Arrives
Thursday, Nov 5
At a glance
- Condition
- New
- Size
- Right-Handed
- Model
- AC-1
- Dimensions
- 38.5 x 11.5 x 4 in
- Weight
- 16 oz
- Color
- Black
- Material
- Stainless Steel
- Warranty
- 1 year warranty to original owner.
Features 4
- Composite rim open back
- Zero-glide nut system
- Includes Gig Bag
- Gold Tone 12-point set-up
Description
Made for beginners; this banjo is affordable, lightweight, and durable. This is the perfect banjo for beginner and kids that are looking for their first banjo that with sounds great and last a lifetime. All Gold Tone instruments are individually set up in Titusville, Florida! This ensures optimal quality and excellent playability! The set-up of an instrument is the most important part of a great sounding instrument. Composite material that produces a loud and bright sound while maintaining a strong and durable construction that is also lightweight. The AC-1 features a classic headstock shape with guitar-style tuners that allow for precise tuning adjustments. The open back design allows for a lightweight and multi-purposeful playability. An added coordinator rod and truss rod through the neck allows for long-term stability and adjustability. That is a feature competitors don't offer at this price range. Gold Tone was founded by Wayne and Robyn Rogers, who still operate it to this day. Our extended family works hard every day to ensure that each instrument that leaves our facility meets the highest standards of utility and value. At Gold Tone, we care about YOU, the player. Anyone who has ever owned a Gold Tone instrument is truly part of our family.
Specs 25
| Brand | Gold Tone |
|---|---|
| Size | Right-Handed |
| Color | Black |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 38.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches |
| Top Material Type | Remo frosted head |
| Back Material Type | Open |
| String Material Type | Nickel-plated steel |
| Finish Type | Black / Satin |
| Instrument | Banjo |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
| Brand Name | Gold Tone |
| Manufacturer | Gold Tone Musical Instruments |
| UPC | 875116005665 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 65 |
| Number of Items | 2 |
| Item Type Name | Banjo |
| Model Name | AC-1 |
| Model Number | AC-1 |
| Manufacturer Part Number | AC-1 |
| Instrument Size | Right-Handed |
| Item Dimensions | 38.5 x 11.5 x 4 inches |
| Body Material Type | Composite |
| Material Type | Stainless Steel |
| Operation Mode | Acoustic |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
No specs match.
Frequently asked questions
If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is:
Thursday, Nov 5
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
Cheap, Light, Sturdy and sounds incredible!
Size: Right-Handed
I bought this to be a cheap travel Banjo. Something light that I could stash in an overhead bin and wouldn't be brokenhearted if it ended up being busted by turbulence or stolen during the trip. I totally wasn't expecting it to sound SO GREAT! This thing really twangs and cracks like a proper bluegrass Banjo, has perfect intonation all the way up the neck...and it weighs less than my cat! I highly recommend this for travel/camping/couch Banjo. Would be a great starter Banjo too. The only downside to the thing is that the "gig-bag" that comes with it is totally inadequate and has no padding, so get a proper bag or case and toss the one that came with it. I give this 5 stars for totally succeeding at what it was designed for...to be cheap, light and sound great.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2026 by Thomas R. Allison
Thrilled
Size: Right-Handed
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 Joyce Croes
Pleasantly surprised, good beginner banjo!
Size: Right-Handed
Bought this as a gift for my husband and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality. It’s a good beginner banjo and it was nice that it came with a gig/travel bag. Good for the price and easy to figure out for beginners!
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2026 by Aiyana
Great entry-level banjo
Size: Right-Handed
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
Great quality!
Size: Right-Handed
An excellent instrument for a beginner. Great quality. Lovely sound.
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026 by michael
Great for the Money!
Size: Right-Handed
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
Nice!
Size: Right-Handed
I am extremely happy with this banjo. Just received it in a totally smashed outer box. The inside box and banjo were fine. The tone, volume, set up and play ability are amazing. I added a Gold Tone armrest which looks great and is comfortable. Buy one, you'll love it. Michael
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2026 by Marcia Cunningham
Sounds Amazing
Size: Right-Handed
If I could give this banjo 10 stars I would. Who would think that a composite banjo could sound so good I have one that’s twice the price and this sounds much better so good. I’m thinking about buying the 12 inch pot from gold tone. You’ll find me in the mountains playing.
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2026 by Super Duper D