Gold Tone AC-12A Oldtime SC 5 St Banjo
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
The Gold Tone AC-12A is a solid, affordable banjo perfect for beginners or players wanting a versatile instrument. The scoop makes clawhammering a breeze, while the overall build is surprisingly good for the price point. It's a great entry into old-time and bluegrass without breaking the bank.
Product Description
- Gold Tone AC-12A Oldtime SC 5 St Banjo
- 5-String Banjo
- Neck: Okoume
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Dot and stars fingerboard inlays
- Scoop for clawhammering
- Rim: 12" composite
- Head: 11" Remo LC frosted
- 2-Way adjustable truss rod
- Scale: 597 mm
- Nut width: 36.5 mm Zero Glide
- 18 Frets
- Maple bridge with ebony saddle
- Adjustable tailpiece
- vintage-style
- 16 Brackets
- Hoop: Flat Bar
- Enclosed machine heads
- Black tuning pegs
- Tuning A-E-A-C#-E
- Chrome-plated hardware
- Colour: Black Matte
- Includes gig bag
PROS
- • Okoume neck provides a surprisingly resonant and stable platform for playing.
- • Remo LC head delivers a bright, clear tone well-suited for clawhammer and Scruggs.
- • The 2-way truss rod allows for easy neck adjustments, crucial for stability.
- • Flat bar hoop construction contributes to a focused, less boomy tone.
CONS
- • Composite rim, while practical, lacks the complex overtones of a traditional wood rim.
- • Enclosed machine heads are functional, but may not offer the smoothest tuning experience.
- • The matte black finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be prone to fingerprints.
Product Video
Key Features
Type
5-String Banjo
Head Size
11 in
Resonator
No
Strings
Steel
Neck Material
Okoume
Weight
Approximately 11 lbs
Similar Products
Taylor 814ce Special Edition Sedona
Other Acoustic Guitars
$5,499
*Note:* Register your Taylor guitar to extend your warranty to 12 years.
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Flamenco Sabicas C3-F
Flamenco Guitars
$957
Flamenco Guitar, Top: Solid European Carpathian spruce, Back and...
Applause Jump Dark Matter
Other Acoustic Guitars
$362
Acoustic Guitar with Pickup, Type: OM with cutaway, Top: Solid European spruce, Back and...
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s brighter and more focused than a traditional wood rim, but lacks some of the warmth and complexity. The composite rim is a tradeoff for affordability and stability.
Yes, it’s designed for ease of adjustment, but a basic understanding of banjo setup is still recommended for optimal playability.
While capable, the neck profile and rim construction aren’t ideal for highly technical melodic playing; it excels in traditional styles.
