Gold Tone AC-1FL Open Back Fretless
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
The Gold Tone AC-1FL is a solid entry point into fretless banjo playing. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price, and the bright tone cuts through a bluegrass band beautifully. It's a great option for beginners looking to explore the unique style of clawhammer or for experienced players wanting an affordable, portable instrument for jam sessions.
Product Description
- Gold Tone AC-1FL Open Back Fretless
- 5-String Fretless Banjo
- Neck: Okoume
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Dot and stars fingerboard inlays
- Neck end with scoop for clawhammering
- Rim: 12" composite
- Head: 11" Remo LC frosted
- 2-Way adjustable truss rod
- Scale: 665 mm
- Nut width: 30.2 mm Zero Glide
- Fretless
- Maple bridge with ebony saddle
- Adjustable tailpiece
- vintage-style
- Brackets: 16
- Hoop: Flat Bar
- Sealed machine heads
- Black tuning pegs
- Tuning: G-D-B-G-D
- Chrome-plated hardware
- Finish: Black matt
- Incl. gig bag
PROS
- • Okoume neck provides surprisingly good resonance and sustain.
- • Remo LC head offers a bright, crisp tone ideal for bluegrass.
- • Zero Glide nut improves playability and minimizes string binding.
- • Adjustable truss rod allows for easy action and intonation tweaks.
CONS
- • Composite rim, while functional, lacks the depth of tone of a traditional wood hoop.
- • Fretless design demands precise finger placement and a steeper learning curve.
- • Black matte finish can show fingerprints and grime easily.
Product Video
Key Features
Type
5-String Open Back Fretless Banjo
Head Size
11"
Resonator
None
Strings
Steel
Neck Material
Okoume
Weight
Approximately 7.5 lbs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Fretless banjos require a very accurate ear and precise finger placement to achieve accurate intonation; it's more challenging but allows for slides and unique melodic possibilities.
Okoume is a relatively stable wood, but proper humidity control is still recommended to prevent any potential warping or cracking, like with any wooden instrument.
The composite rim provides good projection but often results in a slightly thinner tone; a wooden rim would generally offer a warmer, more complex sound.
