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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!

very disappointed in the cheap carrying case. Gives no protection to the banjo itself. The case had no padding in it whatsoever. Would not recommend this item if you are looking for a more sturdy case for it. It also shipped very poorly protected. shipped in a cardboard box one size but then put into another box that could have held 5 banjos and it flopped around in that box during shipment, just poorly packaged all around . Would not recommend this item.

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

El banjo es de muy buena calidad y de buen sonido, siendo Gold Tone un fabricante con reputación. Sin embargo, el tailpiece llegó con un defecto de fábrica donde el tornillo entró a un ángulo de 45° en vez de estar paralelo al mástil. Como esa es una pieza que eventualmente cambiaré y que no afecta, de momento, la funcionalidad ni el sonido del instrumento, no creo que valga la pena el proceso de devolución y de volver a comprar el artículo. Como llegó en caja cerrada, asumo es un defecto de fábrica y por eso le pongo 4 estrellas.

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!