Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$929.99
Amazon
3.1 (3)
$929.99
Reverb
4.0 (4)
$899.99 New
$750.00 Used
Thomann
4.2 (5)
$925.00 $919.00 $6.00 · All time low

Average Price: $893

Standard/Professional

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gold Tone CB-100". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gold Tone CB-100 is a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship, designed for musicians who cherish the authentic sound of clawhammer banjos. Its three-ply maple rim and solid maple neck deliver a resonant, warm tone that’s both clear and full-bodied, making it an ideal choice for folk and traditional music enthusiasts. The scooped rosewood fingerboard enhances playability, allowing for smooth transitions and effortless fingerwork. Thanks to the No Knot tailpiece, string changes are a breeze, while the Remo head and musical brass tone ring produce a mellow, old-timey sound perfect for clawhammer style.

This banjo isn't just about sound; it's built for durability and ease of use. The GT Planetary tuners ensure stable tuning and fewer breaks, and the faux dowel with a hidden coordinator rod allows for precise adjustments, maintaining its vintage aesthetic while offering modern functionality. Whether you're jamming on the porch or performing on stage, the CB-100 is ready to impress with its classic look and reliable performance.

Key Features:

  • 5-string open-back banjo tailored for clawhammer technique
  • Three-ply maple rim and solid maple neck for distinctive tone
  • Scooped rosewood fingerboard with inlays for smooth playability
  • Brass tone ring and Zero Glide bone nut for enhanced sound quality
  • Remo HC Fiberskyn head and No Knot tailpiece for vintage tone
  • GT Planetary tuners for stable tuning
  • Hidden coordinator rod for easy neck and string action adjustments
  • Includes a durable case for safe transport

Product specs

Brand Gold Tone
Model CB-100 Openback 5-String Resonator Banjo
Finish Vintage Brown
Year 2010s
Categories Banjos

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gold Tone CB-100 banjo?

The Gold Tone CB-100 features a comfortable neck profile that is ideal for both beginners and experienced players, making it easy to navigate the fretboard for various playing styles.

Is the Gold Tone CB-100 banjo suitable for clawhammer style playing?

Yes, the open-back design of the Gold Tone CB-100 makes it particularly well-suited for clawhammer and old-time styles, offering a warm and resonant tone.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gold Tone CB-100 banjo?

The Gold Tone CB-100 is constructed with a maple neck and a multi-ply maple rim, providing durability and a classic banjo tone.

Does the Gold Tone CB-100 come with a resonator?

The Gold Tone CB-100 is an open-back banjo, meaning it does not include a resonator, which contributes to its lighter weight and traditional sound.

How does the Gold Tone CB-100 compare in weight to other banjos?

The Gold Tone CB-100, being an open-back banjo, is generally lighter than resonator banjos, making it easier to handle and ideal for long playing sessions.

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Gold Tone CB-100 Banjo

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone CB-100 Banjo by Gold Tone

Gold Tone CB-100 Banjo

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone CB-100 Demo - Brad Kolodner - Lost Girl by Brad Kolodner

Gold Tone CB-100 Demo - Brad Kolodner - Lost Girl

Brad Kolodner

Brad Kolodner

Video thumbnail for GoldTone CB100 Old Time Clawhammer Banjo Demo Video by GoldtoneDemoVideos

GoldTone CB100 Old Time Clawhammer Banjo Demo Video

GoldtoneDemoVideos

GoldtoneDemoVideos

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone CB-100 Open Back Banjo by WC Quick Author, Writing from the Wayside

Gold Tone CB-100 Open Back Banjo

WC Quick Author, Writing from the Wayside

WC Quick Author, Writing from the Wayside

Video thumbnail for GoldTone CB-100 Openback Banjo @ Fazio's Frets and Friends by Ernie Williamson Music

GoldTone CB-100 Openback Banjo @ Fazio's Frets and Friends

Ernie Williamson Music

Ernie Williamson Music

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone CB-100 Clawhammer Banjo by クロサワ楽器 Dr.Sound

Gold Tone CB-100 Clawhammer Banjo

クロサワ楽器 Dr.Sound

クロサワ楽器 Dr.Sound

Reviews

PROS

  • Rich sound quality that exceeds expectations for an intermediate-level instrument

  • Smooth neck with a comfortable C-shaped taper for easy playability

  • Classic design with excellent workmanship and solid construction

  • Positive "old-fashioned" tonal quality appreciated by traditional music lovers

  • Well-suited for beginners and intermediate players looking to grow

  • Reasonable pricing for mid-range quality, offering good value

  • Attractive aesthetics, resembling classic instruments from popular culture

  • Owner involvement ensures personalized customer service and potential upgrades

CONS

  • Initial setup often required, not always playable out of the box

  • Occasional quality control issues, such as skewed neck and tailpiece

  • Some units have minor cosmetic blemishes or damaged tuners upon arrival

  • Does not include a gig bag, which would be expected at this price range

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone CB-100.

Comparisons

  • The CB-100 is favored for its superior rim quality, while the CC-Carlin 12 is noted for its desirable 12-inch size.

    Source
  • Some players prefer the CC-Carlin 12 over higher-end models, finding its sound initially more appealing.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the CB-100 as a reliable "work horse" with a beautiful and comfortable design.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used Gold Tone models, originally priced around $1200, can often be bought for under $1000 in mint condition.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The CB-100 features a faux dowel stick hiding a single co-rod; action height adjustments should be done with a shorter bridge, not the co-rod.

    Source
  • Regular head tensioning and bridge replacement are crucial as heads stretch over time, leading to bridge warping.

    Source
  • A forward neck bow, or "scallop," can be corrected by measuring neck relief and adjusting the truss rod accordingly.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Sullivan Banjo offers quality bridges starting at $15 for effective action adjustment, with other makers providing options in the $25-35 range.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Valerie June uses Gold Tone CB-100

Valerie June

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this 2013 video June is playing a Gold Tone CB-100 Banjo, which she also uses on stage.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Gold Tone Banjos

Gold Tone GT-750: Banjitar Deluxe

$1,260.99 - $1,299.99

# 10

Rank

Pomme Avi Kaplan
2 artists using
Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo

$1,299.99 - $1,399.99

# 11

Rank

Ryan Ross Julien Baker Winston Marshall
3 artists using
Gold Tone Banjo OB-250+

$1,499.00 - $2,199.99

# 16

Rank

Winston Marshall
1 artist using
Gold Tone AC-1

$299.99 - $309.00

# 45

Rank

 
Gold Tone CC-100

$489.00 - $777.00

# 76

Rank

Alynda Segarra Jack Steadman
2 artists using
Gold Tone Banjo CC-100

$489.00 - $629.99

# 77

Rank

Sufjan Stevens Julian Koster
2 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides