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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: First Banjo: Gold Tone CC-50 or CC-OTA?


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/408872

eddiebanjo - Posted - 06/03/2026:  02:36:45

Hi all,

First time poster at the beginnings of a potential banjourney.

I am looking to get my first banjo on the second hand market and have two options: Gold Tone CC-50 or CC-OTA. I intend to focus on clawhammer style. This will be my learning instrument - hopefully getting me from nothing -> something. Both in great quality (photos attached) and very similar prices, so could get either.

Looking for some advice. Would you always strongly advise against going A scale for a first and only banjo (to my understanding I can still tune down to standard G)? Does the scoop neck give any points to the OTA over the 50?

Thanks in advance for any help on the topic!

Best.
-E


Gold Tone CC-50


Gold Tone CC-OTA


Bill Rogers - Posted - 06/03/2026:  03:13:30

A quick and opinionated answer from a 65-year player: 1) The scoop is irrelevant; 2) don’t get an a-scale. You need to stretch your left hand.

KCJones - Posted - 06/03/2026:  05:11:48

Don't get the OTA, you don't want that as your first banjo.

The only reason I'd recommend an A-scale is if you intend on playing exclusively fiddle tunes with fiddle players and don't want to use a capo. A scale banjos are great for that because the tunes are always in A or D.

lucas73b - Posted - 06/03/2026:  05:17:10

It is odd that the OTA in the photo has only 16 frets: at some point this could make you feel limited. It makes me wonder if the scoop could be non original.

Peter C - Posted - 06/03/2026:  08:34:26

The CC-50 was my first and it served me very well.

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