Gold Tone AC-12 Banjo 5
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- This item is covered for 3 years
Essential Information About the 5-String Banjo (11" Head)
Essential Information About the 5-String Banjo (11" Head)
- Designed for clawhammer: rosewood fingerboard with a scoop to provide more space for the right hand.
- Modern playing comfort: okoumé neck with a double-action truss rod for well-controlled action.
- Optimized intonation: compensated maple/ebony bridge and ZeroGlide nut.
- Robust and stable: composite rim and finish, metal hardware with chrome plating.
Manufacturer Information
Gold Tone
https://www.goldtonemusicgroup.com
contact@goldtone.com
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Safety manager:
EMD MUSIC Europe
Email: g.baldocci@emdmusic.com
Address:
A banjo designed for regular practice, with a "modern" approach to luthiery
With its composite rim, this banjo is built for stability and ease of maintenance, ideal for back-to-back sessions without worrying about environmental changes. The instrument retains the essential 5-string specs (11" / 279.4 mm head, adjustable tailpiece, 16 tension hooks) while adding comfort and precision features such as the double-action truss rod and carefully selected intonation components.
Who is it for, and what styles?
This model is especially suited for beginner to intermediate players seeking a responsive and enjoyable banjo, as well as more advanced players looking for an efficient instrument for old-time and clawhammer styles. The G-D-G-B-D tuning (open G) is a 5-string standard, perfect for working on drones, percussive rhythms, and melodic variations typical of traditional repertoire.
Sound
The 11" head size offers a convincing balance between precision and warmth, with good definition in the attack. The frosted (LC) head generally provides a drier tone and a clear response, ideal for highlighting the rhythmic character of clawhammer playing. The compensated maple bridge with ebony top helps maintain a clear attack and more consistent intonation along the 26 3/16" / 665 mm scale length. The smooth metal tension hoop and adjustable head tension via 16 hooks also allow you to fine-tune projection and snap according to your touch.
Recommended compatible accessories
To maintain the original feel, you can choose a 5-string string set with gauges .010, .024w, .015, .012, .010, as well as a replacement 11" / 279.4 mm frosted head if needed. A chromatic tuner is also perfectly suitable for reliably tuning the G-D-G-B-D setup on a daily basis.
Technical specifications
| Rim | composite | Tension hoop | smooth metal |
| Finish | composite | Tension hooks | 16 |
| Head | 11" / 279.4 mm LC frosted | Bridge | maple with ebony top, compensated |
| Neck | okoumé | Tailpiece | adjustable |
| Fingerboard | rosewood, with scoop for clawhammering | Tuners | covered |
| Fingerboard markers | dots and star at 5th fret | Plating | chrome |
| Truss rod | double action | Tuning | G-D-G-B-D |
| Scale length | 26 3/16" / 665 mm | String gauges | .010, .024w, .015, .012, .010 |
| Nut width | 36.5 mm / 1.44" | Weight | 2.3 kg |
| Nut | ZeroGlide | Included | gig bag |
Questions frequently asked
Is the Gold Tone AC-12 5-string Banjo suitable for clawhammer playing?
The rosewood fingerboard features a scoop specifically designed for clawhammer technique, facilitating access to the strings above the fretted area. The 11-inch frosted head promotes a dry and articulate attack.
What is the original tuning of this 5-string banjo?
The indicated tuning is G-D-G-B-D, corresponding to the standard 5-string banjo open G tuning.
What tonal qualities does the composite rim provide?
The rim is made of composite material, chosen here for stability and ease of maintenance. The 279.4 mm frosted LC head contributes to a clear response. The 16 tension hooks allow adjustment of the head tension according to the desired attack.
Which strings are compatible with this banjo?
The gauge specified is .010, .024w, .015, .012, .010 for a 5-string banjo string set. The compensated maple bridge with an ebony top helps maintain consistent intonation over the 665 mm scale length.
Is a case included with the banjo?
A case is included with this instrument, which has a listed weight of 2.3 kg.



