Gold Tone GT-500 6 String Banjitar
Banjos
$1,114€999Check ↗
Brand profile · USA, est. 1970s
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.
Open-back banjos with innovative hardwareAffordable resonator guitarsUnique lap steel designsTheir wide variety of bluegrass instrumentsAccessible, entry-level instruments
1970sfounded
USAcountry
65products in stock
$333–$5,229price range
Gold Tone in the charts
Every chart where Gold Tone has five or more models — ranked by the AudioFu Index inside each.
All 65 Gold Tone products
Sorted by AudioFu Index — the strongest models of every category first. Page 2 of 2.
Gold Tone AC-4 Openback Tenor Banjo
Banjos
$333€299Check ↗
Gold Tone GME-4 E-Mandoline
Mandolins
$590€529Check ↗
Gold Tone GME-6 w/Bag
Alternative Design Guitars
$559€499Check ↗
Gold Tone Irish Tenor Banjo 12"
Banjos
$980€879Check ↗
Gold Tone BUT Banjo Ukulele w/Case
Banjos
$601€539Check ↗
Gold Tone GM-10 Frypan Mandoline w/Case
Mandolins
$824€739Check ↗
Gold Tone GME-5 E-Mandoline
Mandolins
$646€579Check ↗
Gold Tone A-6 Mando Guitar TS
Mandolins
$612€549Check ↗
Gold Tone Irish Tenor Banjo 11" IT-250
Banjos
$1,114€999Check ↗
Gold Tone CC-Mini Cripple Creek
Banjos
$556€499Check ↗
Gold Tone ABS Banjo-Resonator Mic
Miscellaneous Pickups
$367€329Check ↗
Gold Tone IT-250-F Irish Tenor Banjo w/C
Banjos
$1,996€1,790Check ↗
Gold Tone Micro Bass 23 w/Bag
4-String Acoustic Basses
$495€444Check ↗
Gold Tone ME-BASS
Short Scale Basses
$556€499Check ↗
Gold Tone PBS
Resonator Guitars
$1,560€1,399Check ↗
Gold Tone CC-OTA Clahammer Banjo Set
Banjos
$701€629Check ↗
Gold Tone, honestly
What Gold Tone does well
- 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
What to watch for
- 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
Questions about Gold Tone
Where are Gold Tone instruments made?
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.
Are Gold Tone banjos good for beginners?
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.
What makes Gold Tone's lap steel guitars unique?
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.