DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7232 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Ebay
Year Purchased: 2003
Price Paid: 550 ($US) (bought USED)
Great bluegrass banjo. Very loud, very good action up the neck and down. Holds up great in the many jams I've been to.
Sound Rating: 9
Banjo was not setup well when I got it. I don't know the history of the banjo so I can't blame Gold Tone. Local luthier setup it up, sound awesome after that.
Setup Rating: 6
Beautifull finish, the sunburst /flamed wood back is very pretty.
Only gripe is a wood knot on the neck, just a slight appearance issue.
Appearance Rating: 8
Hardware is pretty solid. I play virtually every data, no issues to date. Finish is perfect, no issues holding up wonderfull. Seems to resist the beltbuckle scratches better than my guitars. I don't gig, but I feel confident having this as my only banjo. Second winter with the banjo and it does not seem sensitive to seasonal change (I live in NE).
Reliability Rating: 9
Have not contacted Gold Tone
Customer Service: not rated
Hardware is pretty solid. Tuners have some slop, but no issues with staying in tune. Nickel plating is tarnishing, but that is pretty standard. I play virtually every data, no issues to date.
Tailpiece was bent when I received it. It is made of some "pot" metal, but was able to bend it back. Its no Price tailpiece, but it works just fine.
Components Rating: 7
This banjo was a upgrade from a Deering Goodtime2. No comparison, Gold Tone much fuller sound. Holds up with the Gibsons, Deerings I've played with at a fraction or thier price. This is THE (well maybe the new Gold Star would be close) banjo to get if you don't want to spend >$1500. Only thing I may replace is the tuners, otherwise love the banjo, a keeper.
Overall Rating: 8
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.