Gold Tone: Cripple Creek CC-100R

Submitted by Vincent52 on 1/19/2007

Where Purchased: Banjo Hangout Classifieds

Year Purchased: 2007
Price Paid: 249 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

For the money, I think the CC-100R sounds great. I had borrowed a Fender FB-54 to begin learning. The Gold Tone is far superior once I set it up properly. I originally replaced the strings with d'addario J60 lights. The sound was pretty average to weak. Switched to GHS Sonny Osborne medium light PF175. That switch really gave this thing a great sound. All the pop, ring & volume a bluegrasser could ask for!

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

No. It was used and was in good, but not great condition. The action was too high to suit me. Strings were old & corroded. Fingerboard/frets needed clean & polish. Setup was pretty simple when following instructions found on web and in particular on Gold Tone site. I did play a new CC-100R in a local shop before making this purchase. It was set up very well, except the action being slightly higher than I like.

Setup Rating: 3

Appearance

Natural finish is mostly plain maple with slight amount of birdseye on resonator. Chrome hardware. Nice bound rosewood fingerboard. Curly maple headstock veneer. Not real bluegrass looking. However, I think it is attractive. (But then I always have preferred blondes!)

Appearance Rating: 8

Reliability

Reliability Rating: not rated

Customer Service

No dealings with Gold Tone other than reseaching on their site.

Customer Service: not rated

Components

All wood components seem to be well made and sound. I would expect that the tuners may not last a lifetime. They are kind of cheap. Everything else seems pretty good considering the low cost.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

I would absolutely recommend this to others looking for a good quality beginner instrument. I plan to move up trough the Gold Tone line once I gain sufficient playing ability. I think they made about the best banjo that i have seen compared to the cost. I've really got my eye on the new OB-250. Sweet!

Overall Rating: 10