Gold Tone: Cripple Creek CC-100R

Submitted by Bob Robert on 3/24/2007

Where Purchased: BHO

Year Purchased: 2006
Price Paid: 250 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

This banjo sounds good to me, but this is my first (and only) banjo, and there are no others here for me to compare it with (China).

Sound Rating: not rated

Setup

The banjo was damaged in shipping, though I do not believe that was the fault of the previous owner. I put the blame on the shipping company. Two or three of the blocks inside the resonator that the bolt anchors are set in were broken off. I was able to repair the damage.

This banjo has an Elite head on it, and I like the appearance of it very much.

I have not attempted any setup work on it, other than changing the strings.

Setup Rating: 9

Appearance

I like the light wood of this banjo. It is a light maple with black trim on the edges of the resonator. The marker inlays are nice diamond shapes rather than plain dots. I think this adds a lot to the overall looks of the banjo.
Guitar style tuners, but I know that if you buy a new one from Gold Tone, you can opt for planetary tuners.

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

I haven't had any problems with this banjo. I think it seems as though it is very well built and will last for many years. It also seems to stay in tune really well.

There is a very small amount of corrosion on one bracket.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

The warranty is only valid for the first owner. Therefore, I'm on my own for repairs.

Customer Service: not rated

Components

I like everything about this banjo - looks, sound, reliability. I really like the fact that it stays in tune, so I don't have to waste a lot of time retuning it. I only get to play for about an hour a day, sometimes not even that long, so the reliability is appreciated greatly.

Components Rating: 8

Overall Comments

I would HIGHLY recommend this banjo for the price I paid, or even at the new instrument price. I love playing it, and if it were stolen, I'd replace it with one exactly like it (since I still wouldn't be able to afford to upgrade.) I can't remember ever reading a negative review about the CC100-R

Overall Rating: 10