Gold Tone AC-1: 5-String Beginnner Banjo, Full Size with Gig-Bag, Bluegrass or Clawhammer

An entry level instrument, it sounds good. It was a gift for my grandson. He’s already made a video of his progress after having it only two days ago.

I am literally thrilled with this banjo. If you're looking for a featherweight 5-string banjo that sounds great, has an excellent set-up right out of the box, and has a very affordable price, the Gold Tone AC-1 is a winner. Whether clawhammer or Scruggs-style is your method, the banjo delivers superb sound for its price and weight. If you're a beginner and you're not sure you'll stick with it, the AC-1 is an excellent choice. It won't break the bank and you won't have to fight the instrument to play it. If you're a veteran player that wants to shed the typical heaviness of a Bluegrass banjo due to age or injury, the AC-1 will satisfy. As a travel banjo for camping trips, beach bonfires or risky airline handling, the Gold Tone AC-1 fills the bill. It's structurally made well and looks good, too. My only suggestion for improvement would be to add a strap button to the heel of the instrument. Other banjo players may make fun of you if you add your own strap button to the heel. Ignore them and do it if you want.

Bought as a Christmas gift for my brother, he loves it. Sounds great.

Good banjo for the money. Has many features that some more expensive banjos do not have. However I am returning it because the neck is slightly too slim for my hand due to my rheumatoid arthritis. I wanted this one because it is lighter than the one I own. It is well worth the money.

Very good little banjo. Would be a good banjo for a beginner . good tone and volume . fast delivery. The packaging leaves a lot to be desired. I'm surprised it wasn't damaged in shipment. Would recommend the banjo. 5 stars. I did add an armrest. Will leave the tuners as is.

It’s amazing. It came in the worlds biggest box and I have learned I’m terrible so far at the banjo.

This is a great banjo for the money. I have heard not so great things about imported cheap banjos, but this AC-1 was always talked highly of. Maybe because the company checks it out here in America and makes sure everything is good to go prior to shipping. It arrived ready to go, and includes a few tools and a letter explaining adjusting your banjo when needed. I liked it so much, I decided to upgrade to a few Deering banjos, but this Gold Tone is nice because composite plastic is not changed as mush as wood for traveling etc. It holds tune very well, unlike other cheap instruments. The only thing I can mention that might not be great, is the sound is slightly different than a wooden rim banjo. But it's just a little different, a beginner would not even know. There is not another in this price range better from what I can tell. If you can afford to pay double the price, the Deering Goodtime banjo is a steal for the money, and would be even better. When holding them both, you can tell this AC-1 is more cheaply built (rim/j hooks etc). But to get your feet wet, this one is excellent. Once you upgrade, this one can be used as a truck/camping banjo, and the wood one can stay home nice and dry. Also, this one looks great too. I included a pic of it sitting in my speakeasy.

Broke into upon delivery