Gold Tone AC-5 5 String Resonator Banjo
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
The Gold Tone AC-5 is a solid entry point into resonator banjo playing, especially for bluegrass beginners or those wanting a compact, portable instrument. It delivers a respectable sound and good playability for a budget-friendly option, though experienced players might notice limitations in its tonal depth and overall build quality compared to higher-end models.
Product Description
- Gold Tone AC-5 5 String Resonator Banjo
- 5-String Banjo
- Neck: Maple
- Firetboard: Blackwood
- Rim: Composite
- Head: 11" Remo LC coated
- Resonator: Composite
- Dot fretboard inlays
- Black ABS binding
- 2-Fold adjustable tension rod
- Scale: 665 mm
- Nut width: 30.2 mm
- Nut: Bone
- 0-Fret Zero Glide
- Bridge: maple
- with ebony top layer
- Adjustable tailpiece: 5 String Terminator
- 22 Frets
- 16 Clamping screws
- Flat Bar Tyres
- Armrest: Chrome
- Closed mechanisms
- Tuning: G-D-G-B-D
- Chrome hardware
- Colour: Matte "Composite" black
- Includes gigbag
PROS
- • Composite rim and resonator offer surprising projection and resonance for the price.
- • Zero Glide nut and bone nut contribute to smooth, clean action and improved intonation.
- • The 5 String Terminator tailpiece allows for fine-tuning string tension and tone.
- • Maple neck provides a stable platform with a comfortable, familiar feel for most players.
CONS
- • Composite construction, while affordable, lacks the tonal complexity of a traditional wood rim.
- • The matte black finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- • While playable, the neck profile might feel a bit thin for players accustomed to wider banjo necks.
Product Video
Key Features
Type
5 String Resonator Banjo
Head Size
11 in
Resonator
Composite
Strings
5
Neck Material
Maple
Weight
Approximately 8 lbs
Similar Products
Kawai K-200 ATX 4 WDB Piano
Pianos
$9,119
Piano, With AnytimeX-4 equipment, Millennium III mechanics with ABS carbon parts of...
Taylor GS-Mini-e Sakuraburst
Folk Acoustic Guitars
$989
*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...
Manuel Rodriguez Superior Anniversario 120 J-SB
4/4 Size Classical Guitars
$1,099
Classical Guitar, Special model for the anniversary of Guitarras...
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite rims generally produce a brighter, more focused sound, but lack the warmth and complexity of a wood rim. It’s a tradeoff for affordability and consistent manufacturing.
The neck width of 30.2mm is fairly standard, but the thinner profile might feel cramped for players with very large hands. It's best to try one if possible.
The included gigbag is functional for storage and basic transport, but it's a basic model. Serious gigging might warrant a more robust, padded hard case.
