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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!
7235 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Instrument Alley (through Amazon)
Year Purchased: 2023
Price Paid: $249.99 ($US)
It's not going to be a gigging instrument but for $250, it has a great sound for the price. I bought it to learn finger styles; I've been playing tenor and plectrum for a long time but have never checked out two finger or clawhammer. It has a pleasant balanced sound and sufficient volume for practicing; that's all I was looking for.
Sound Rating: 6
The banjo was playable right out of the box; all I did was tune it and put on a strap. I don't feel the need to make any changes yet. Fretwork is good, especially at this price point. It tunes easily and the string height, intonation, etc. were set well as it is. Kudos to Gold Tone for that; I've picked up a few banjos from other companies I can't say that about, including a Tradesman knockoff for two and a half times the price that had an abysmal setup.
Setup Rating: 9
It's definitely not fancy, just a basic black with chromed metal hardware, but the understated look is fine with me. Just simple white plastic position dots in the fingerboard and on the sides of the neck. Its simplicity reminds me of those old Harmony Resotones that got many of us started years ago.
Appearance Rating: 7
I think the hardware will hold up well; I have the matching Gold Tone tenor that I've played many an outdoor gig with in humid conditions and that one's done just fine. I expect this one will perform as well. I've been especially happy with the plating on the hardware; it looks more substantial than I've seen on other economy banjos.
Reliability Rating: 10
I have exchanged email with Gold Tone about a slight setup problem I had with the tenor. They were very responsive and helpful; their advice enabled me to easily correct the problem.
Customer Service: 10
I really like the neck shape they chose: not too narrow, not too wide. The medium-C profile feels good in my hand. Tuners are basic covered-gear guitar tuners: nothing special but they hold tune well and are easy to use. I'm impressed with the amount of tone coming from the plastic shell; it sounds much better than one would expect and better than some of the plywood rims I've played. The zero fret is also a very nice touch not found on many low-cost banjos.
The gig bag is one thing I think could be better; it's fairly cheesy but it's fine for light travel and is also very lightweight. A little more padding would be welcome, however.
Components Rating: 8
For $250 brand new, I don't think there's anything that can beat it! I've been taking the tenor version out for a busy gigging schedule for about two years and it has never let me down. I won't be gigging with this 5-string for some time, if ever, but if I needed to I wouldn't hesitate. And if someone were looking for their very first banjo, I'd recommend the Gold Tone in a heartbeat. My main indoor gigging banjos are a Bacon and Day tenor and a Bacon plectrum, but if I need to play outdoors on a hot and/or humid day, the Gold Tone still gets the call because it plays well, sounds pleasing and it's sturdy as all get-out! (And did I mention that it's nice and light?)
My overall rating is based on how much banjo quality you get for such a small amount of money. It's also based on how well designed the banjo is: for a beginner, you will probably just start hankering for a new banjo well before this thing outlives its usefulness. As a recreational banjo (camping, beach, etc.), it's good-sounding and easy to haul around. Again, for $250 I think it's an amazing value!
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: South Austin Music
Year Purchased: 2022
Price Paid: 259 ($US)
It's an open back, so it can be used for clawhammer, but works with bluegrass as well
Sound Rating: 7
The banjo was already set up with perfect intonation. Changes could be easily made. Would like to get an armrest for it.
Setup Rating: 10
Solid work for an inexpensive banjo
Appearance Rating: 7
This would primarily be for when you need a light banjo, for camping or outdoor activities. I needed one after my surgery. It is not going to be the primary banjo of a professional player.
Reliability Rating: 8
Gold Tone has a top-notch service record
Customer Service: 10
The composite pot is what makes it so light, there is no resonator, but one could be added
Components Rating: 8
Best thing going for an entry level model.
Overall Rating: 9
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