AudioFu

Gold Tone

USA, est. 1970s · 65 products across 1 categories

65
Total Products
1
Categories
$1,155
Avg Price
$349
From

About Gold Tone

Gold Tone has carved a niche as a provider of affordable, quality instruments, particularly focused on bluegrass and folk music. Founded in the 1970s, the company initially gained recognition for its innovative, often unconventional, instrument designs and its focus on accessible pricing. Today, Gold Tone remains a respected name for musicians seeking dependable instruments without breaking the bank.

Founded
1970s
Country
USA
Segment
Mid-range
Target
Gold Tone instruments cater to bluegrass, folk, and Americana musicians seeking
Known For
Open-back banjos with innovative hardware Affordable resonator guitars Unique lap steel designs Their wide variety of bluegrass instruments Accessible, entry-level instruments
PROS
  • • Excellent value for the money
  • • Broad range of bluegrass instrument options
  • • Innovative, sometimes quirky, designs
  • • Durable construction for gigging
  • • Good for beginners and experienced players alike
CONS
  • • Finish quality can be inconsistent
  • • Some designs prioritize function over aesthetics
  • • May lack the prestige of premium brands
  • • Parts sourcing can sometimes impact availability
  • • Not always ideal for advanced, nuanced playing

Gold Tone Products

Gold Tone GM-10 Frypan Mandoline w/Case - Mandolins

Gold Tone GM-10 Frypan Mandoline w/Case

Mandolins

$862
Scale 349 mm (13.74") Frets 18 frets Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard
Mandolin, Back and sides: Solid maple, Top: Solid spruce, Neck: Mahogany,...
4.9 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone MM-150 Mountain Banjo w/Case - Banjos

Gold Tone MM-150 Mountain Banjo w/Case

Banjos

$1,632
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 18 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Rim: multi-ply maple, Head:...
4.8 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone BC-350 Bob Carlin Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone BC-350 Bob Carlin Banjo

Banjos

$1,983
Nut width 34.9 mm (1.37") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 18 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Bob Carlin model, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Ebony, Bone nut, Scale:...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone ME-BASS - Short Scale Basses

Gold Tone ME-BASS

Short Scale Basses

$582
Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") Scale 584 mm (22.99") Frets 24 frets
Electric Bass, Top: Mahogany, Back and sides: Mahogany, Neck: Mahogany, Fretboard: Walnut, Dot...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-50 Vintage Braun Satin - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-50 Vintage Braun Satin

Banjos

$582
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
Gold Tone CC 50, 5-String Open-Back Cripple Creek Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Blackwood, Fretboard inlays: Dots, 22...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone Irish Tenor Banjo 11" IT-250 - Banjos

Gold Tone Irish Tenor Banjo 11" IT-250

Banjos

$1,166
Scale 502 mm (19.76") Frets 17 frets
Gold Tone Irish Tenor Banjo 11", Irish 11" tenor banjo, Maple neck, Ebony fretboard, Maple rim, "White Lady" tone ring,...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone Micro Bass 23 w/Bag LH - Fretless Acoustic Basses

Gold Tone Micro Bass 23 w/Bag LH

Fretless Acoustic Basses

$524
Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") Scale 584 mm (22.99") Frets 20 frets
Acoustic Bass, Left-hand model, Ergo Glide top: Mahogany, Back and sides: Mahogany,...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone Micro Bass 25 Fretless w/Bag - Fretless Acoustic Basses

Gold Tone Micro Bass 25 Fretless w/Bag

Fretless Acoustic Basses

$559
Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") Scale 635 mm (25")
Acoustic Bass, Fretless, Top: Ergo Glide mahogany (Entandrophragma...
4.8 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone LS-6 - Lap Steel Guitars

Gold Tone LS-6

Lap Steel Guitars

$932
Nut width 50.8 mm (2") Scale 635 mm (25")
Lap Steel Guitar, Top: Mahogany, Back and sides: Mahogany, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Blackwood, Dot...
4.8 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone AC 6+ - Banjos

Gold Tone AC 6+

Banjos

$692
Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") Scale 648 mm (25.51") Strings 6-string
6-String Banjo, Body: Composite, Armrest with Gold Tone engraving, Resonator: Composite, Neck: Maple,...
4.3 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone OB-150WF 5 String Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone OB-150WF 5 String Banjo

Banjos

$2,099
Nut width 33.3 mm (1.31") Scale 667 mm (26.26") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Fingerboard inlays: Vintage...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone OB-2JM 5 String Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone OB-2JM 5 String Banjo

Banjos

$3,850
Nut width 31.8 mm (1.25") Scale 665.2 mm (26.19") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Mastertone Joe Mullins Bowtie model, Neck: Mahogany, Fingerboard:...
4.8 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone OB-100 Orange Blossom Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone OB-100 Orange Blossom Banjo

Banjos

$1,739
Scale 666.7 mm (26.25") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard
5-String Banjo, Orange Blossom Mastertone banjo, 3-ply tone rim: Canadian maple...
4.4 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone OB-12 Mastertone Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone OB-12 Mastertone Banjo

Banjos

$5,473
Nut width 31.8 mm (1.25") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Top Tension Resonator Mastertone banjo, 3-ply tone rim: Maple (11"),...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone 5-String Orange Blossom LW - Banjos

Gold Tone 5-String Orange Blossom LW

Banjos

$2,099
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Lightweight model, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Ebony, Rim: 11"...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone OB-150RF Orange Blossom w/Case - Banjos

Gold Tone OB-150RF Orange Blossom w/Case

Banjos

$1,749
Nut width 31.7 mm (1.25") Scale 667 mm (26.26") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Rim: 11" multi-ply maple,...
4.3 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-Mini Cripple Creek - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-Mini Cripple Creek

Banjos

$582
Scale 502 mm (19.76") Frets 22 frets
Open Back Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Blackwood, Rim: 3-ply Canadian maple, Head:...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone OB-250 Orange Blossom - Banjos

Gold Tone OB-250 Orange Blossom

Banjos

$2,322
Nut width 30 mm (1.18") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Ebony, Rim: 3-ply Canadian maple, Head: 11"...
4.8 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone EB-5 Electric 5 string Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone EB-5 Electric 5 string Banjo

Banjos

$991
Nut width 30 mm (1.18") Scale 648 mm (25.51") Frets 24 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Electric Banjo, Body: Mahogany, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Blackwood,...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone Micro Bass 25 w/Bag - 4-String Acoustic Basses

Gold Tone Micro Bass 25 w/Bag

4-String Acoustic Basses

$559
Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") Scale 635 mm (25") Frets 20 frets
Acoustic Bass, Ergo Glide top: Mahogany, Back and sides: Mahogany, Neck: Mahogany,...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone Micro Bass 23 w/Bag - 4-String Acoustic Basses

Gold Tone Micro Bass 23 w/Bag

4-String Acoustic Basses

$518
Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") Scale 584 mm (22.99") Frets 20 frets
Acoustic Bass, Top: ergo glide from mahogany, Back and sides: mahogany, Neck mahogany,...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone OB-150 Orange Blossom - Banjos

Gold Tone OB-150 Orange Blossom

Banjos

$1,866
Nut width 31.7 mm (1.25") Scale 667 mm (26.26") Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, 3-Ply Canadian maple rim, Bronze sand cast tonering, Brass hoops,...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone OB-300 Orange Blossom Master - Banjos

Gold Tone OB-300 Orange Blossom Master

Banjos

$5,006
Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard
5-String Banjo, Orange Blossom "The Gold-Plated Beauty", 3-ply tone rim:...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone MC-150R/P Maple Classic Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone MC-150R/P Maple Classic Banjo

Banjos

$1,739
Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard
5-String Banjo, 3-ply tone rim: Maple (11"), Tone ring: Steel alloy (11"),...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone GME-6 w/Bag - Alternative Design Guitars

Gold Tone GME-6 w/Bag

Alternative Design Guitars

$617
Scale 352 mm (13.86") Frets 20 frets Strings 6-string Body Alder body
6-String Electric Mandolin, Body: Alder, Neck: Bolt-on maple, Fingerboard: Maple, Scale: 352 mm...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-Irish Tenor Cripple Creek - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-Irish Tenor Cripple Creek

Banjos

$816
Scale 501 mm (19.72") Frets 17 frets Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard
Tenor Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Rim: Maple, Tonering: Brass,...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone AC-1FL Open Back Fretless - Banjos

Gold Tone AC-1FL Open Back Fretless

Banjos

$466
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Strings 5-string Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard
5-String Fretless Banjo, Neck: Okoume, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Dot and stars...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone AC-1LN Openback Long Neck 5Str - Banjos

Gold Tone AC-1LN Openback Long Neck 5Str

Banjos

$454
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 813 mm (32.01") Frets 25 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Neck: Nato, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Rim: Composite, Head: 11"...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone GT-WB Weissenborn - Lap Steel Guitars

Gold Tone GT-WB Weissenborn

Lap Steel Guitars

$524
Nut width 49.2 mm (1.94") Scale 629 mm (24.76") Fingerboard Walnut fingerboard
Weissenborn Guitar, Top: Sapele, Back & sides: Sapele, Fingerboard: Walnut, Cream coloured...
4.3 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-50/L Cripple Creek Lefthand - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-50/L Cripple Creek Lefthand

Banjos

$617
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Blackwood, Rim: Multi-ply maple,...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone TS-250 Tenor Banjo w/Case - Banjos

Gold Tone TS-250 Tenor Banjo w/Case

Banjos

$1,866
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 575 mm (22.64") Frets 19 frets Strings 4-string
4-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Ovangkol, Rim: 3-ply maple, Skin: 11"...
4.8 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone EB-6 E-Banjo w/Bag - Banjos

Gold Tone EB-6 E-Banjo w/Bag

Banjos

$909
Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") Scale 648 mm (25.51") Frets 24 frets Strings 6-string
6-String Electric Banjo, Neck: flamed maple, Fingerboard: Blackwood, Rim: Maple, Contour...
4.3 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-50RP Cripple Creek Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-50RP Cripple Creek Banjo

Banjos

$734
Nut width 30 mm (1.18") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia Latifolia), Rim:...
4.4 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-Carlin 12 LH 5-str.Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-Carlin 12 LH 5-str.Banjo

Banjos

$874
Nut width 35 mm (1.38") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 18 frets Strings 5-string
5-string banjo, Lefthand / left-handed model, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Selected...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-Carlin 12 5-str.Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-Carlin 12 5-str.Banjo

Banjos

$932
Nut width 35 mm (1.38") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 18 frets Strings 5-string
5-string banjo, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Selected wood, Rim: Multi-ply maple,...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone AC 6+ Lefthand - Banjos

Gold Tone AC 6+ Lefthand

Banjos

$676
Nut width 43 mm (1.69") Scale 648 mm (25.51") Strings 6-string
6-string banjo / banjitar, Lefthand / left-handed model, Body: Composite, Armrest with gold...
4.9 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone GME-5 E-Mandoline - Mandolins

Gold Tone GME-5 E-Mandoline

Mandolins

$676
Scale 349 mm (13.74") Frets 20 frets Body Alder body
Electric Mandoline, Body: Alder, Bolt-on neck: Maple, Fretboard: Maple, 20 Frets, Scale:...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone IT-250-F Irish Tenor Banjo w/C - Banjos

Gold Tone IT-250-F Irish Tenor Banjo w/C

Banjos

$2,089
Scale 502 mm (19.76") Frets 17 frets Strings 4-string
4-String Irish Banjo, 3-Ply maple rim, 14" Mahogany resonator, 11" Remo...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone A-6 Mando Guitar TS - Mandolins

Gold Tone A-6 Mando Guitar TS

Mandolins

$641
Nut width 46 mm (1.81") Scale 381 mm (15") Frets 21 frets
Guitar Mandolin, A-Style, Tuning: E-A-D-G-B-E, Top: solid spruce, Back and sides: Maple,...
4.8 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CB-100 Clawhammer Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone CB-100 Clawhammer Banjo

Banjos

$1,107
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 17 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Maple rim, Fretboard: Blackwood, Brass tone ring,...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone BG-150F Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone BG-150F Banjo

Banjos

$1,049
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Bluegrass Banjo, Head: 11" Remo HC frosted, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Blackwood, Hearts...
4.9 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone Irish Tenor Banjo 12" - Banjos

Gold Tone Irish Tenor Banjo 12"

Banjos

$1,026
Nut width 31.7 mm (1.25") Scale 495 mm (19.49") Frets 17 frets
Gold Tone Irish Tenor Banjo 12", Irish 12" Tenor Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Blackwood, Rim: Maple, Tone ring:...
4.9 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone GT-500 6 String Banjitar - Banjos

Gold Tone GT-500 6 String Banjitar

Banjos

$1,166
Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") Scale 648 mm (25.51") Frets 21 frets Strings 6-string
6-String Banjo, Neck: Maple, Radial fretboard: Blackwood, Rim: Maple, Head: 11" HC,...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-100RW 5 String Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-100RW 5 String Banjo

Banjos

$874
Nut width 33.3 mm (1.31") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Resonator Banjo, Neck: Maple, Fretboard: Blackwood, Rim: Maple, Head: 11"...
4.6 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone CC-100R 5 String Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone CC-100R 5 String Banjo

Banjos

$932
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 665 mm (26.18") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Resonator Banjo, Tuning: G-D-G-B-D, Neck: Maple, Fingerboard: Rosewood, Rim:...
4.3 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone SM+ Weissenborn - Lap Steel Guitars

Gold Tone SM+ Weissenborn

Lap Steel Guitars

$1,271
Nut width 49.2 mm (1.94") Scale 628 mm (24.72") Body Mahogany body
Slide Guitar, Weissenborn Hawaiian-style, Body: Mahogany, Top: Solid mahogany,...
4.5 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone AC-4 Openback Tenor Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone AC-4 Openback Tenor Banjo

Banjos

$349
Nut width 30.2 mm (1.19") Scale 575 mm (22.64") Frets 19 frets Strings 4-string
4-String Tenor Banjo, Neck: Mahogany, Fingerboard: Blackwood, Rim: Composite,...
4.7 AudioFu Score
Gold Tone AC Traveler 5 string Banjo - Banjos

Gold Tone AC Traveler 5 string Banjo

Banjos

$349
Nut width 31.8 mm (1.25") Scale 596.9 mm (23.5") Frets 22 frets Strings 5-string
5-String Banjo, Maple neck, Blackwood fretboard, 11" Composite rim, Head: Coated...
4.9 AudioFu Score
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Tone

Gold Tone instruments are primarily manufactured in China, with design and quality control overseen from their headquarters in Petaluma, California. They maintain a strong focus on affordability through overseas production.

Absolutely. Gold Tone offers several models designed specifically for beginners, providing a great entry point into the world of bluegrass banjo playing with a focus on playability and affordability.

Gold Tone is known for its innovative lap steel designs, often incorporating unique headstock shapes, bracing patterns, and pickup configurations to achieve a distinctive tone and feel.

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