Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$449.99
Amazon
3.9 (19)
$449.99
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$439.99 New
$399.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$449.99
Thomann
4.0 (1)
$485.00 $483.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $446

Budget/Beginner

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Openback 5-String Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Openback 5-String Banjo is your gateway into the world of old-time banjo music, perfect for beginners and seasoned pickers alike. This banjo captures the essence of tradition with its open-back design, providing that iconic, folksy twang that’s perfect for clawhammer and other old-time styles. Built with a sturdy maple neck and rim, the CC-50 delivers a warm, resonant tone complemented by an 11-inch Remo head.

What sets the CC-50 apart is its focus on playability and durability. The rosewood fingerboard ensures a smooth playing experience, while the Zero Glide nut and Terminator tailpiece enhance tuning stability and sustain. The rolled brass tone ring adds a rich layer of resonance, making every note you play vibrant and clear. Whether you're strumming on your porch or jamming with friends, the CC-50 offers a classic banjo sound with modern reliability.

Complete with guitar-style tuners and a light-duty gig bag for easy transport, this banjo is fully setup at Gold Tone’s Florida facility, ensuring it’s ready to play right out of the box. Whether you're just starting out or need a reliable backup, the Gold Tone CC-50 is a solid choice for any musician looking to explore the authentic sounds of folk and world music.

Key Features:

  • Open-back design ideal for old-time and clawhammer styles
  • Hard maple neck and rim for clear, resonant tone
  • Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays for comfortable play
  • Zero Glide nut for enhanced tuning stability
  • Terminator tailpiece compatible with loop- or ball-end strings
  • Rolled brass tone ring for rich resonance
  • Sealed guitar-style tuners for easy tuning
  • Includes a light-duty gig bag for transport
  • Fully setup at Gold Tone’s Florida facility

Product specs

Type Acoustic
String Type Steel
Number of Strings 5
Body Style Open Back
Top Material 11" Remo LC Coated Topside
Body Material Multi-ply Maple
Neck Material Maple
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlay Dots
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 26.19"
Nut Material ZeroGlide
Nut Width 1.19"
Bridge Material Maple
Tuners Sealed
Hardware Chrome
Strings .011, .024w, .016, .013, .011
Case Included Gig Bag

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo?

The Gold Tone CC-50 features a maple neck with a comfortable profile that is suitable for both beginners and experienced players, providing smooth playability and easy access across the fretboard.

Is the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gold Tone CC-50 is well-suited for beginners due to its lightweight open-back design and user-friendly setup, making it easier to handle and play.

What type of music is the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo best suited for?

The Gold Tone CC-50 is ideal for traditional bluegrass and folk music, offering a bright and clear tone that complements these genres well.

Does the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo come with a case?

Yes, the Gold Tone CC-50 includes a padded gig bag, providing protection and easy transport for the banjo.

What is the tonewood used in the construction of the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo?

The Gold Tone CC-50 is constructed with a multi-ply maple body and a maple neck, contributing to its resonant and bright tonal qualities.

Jamie Boss

Jamie Boss

Goldtone CC-50 Open Back Banjo

Video thumbnail for Goldtone CC-50 Open Back Banjo by Jamie Boss

Goldtone CC-50 Open Back Banjo

Jamie Boss

Jamie Boss

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone CC-50 Banjo by Gold Tone

Gold Tone CC-50 Banjo

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone CC-50 and CC-OT banjo review | Music shop reviews by BanjoLemonade

Gold Tone CC-50 and CC-OT banjo review | Music shop reviews

BanjoLemonade

BanjoLemonade

Video thumbnail for The Cripple Creek Banjo from Gold Tone | CC-50 by Gold Tone

The Cripple Creek Banjo from Gold Tone | CC-50

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Reviews

PROS

  • Perfect action and playability right out of the box

  • Great sound for both fingerstyle and with metal finger picks

  • High comfort level; easy to play even for beginners

  • Sturdy and high-quality build, not flashy or cheap

  • Offers clear, crisp, and good tone

  • Geared 5th string tuner is a useful upgrade

  • Excellent for folk and traditional music styles

  • Inspires beginners to learn and play regularly

  • Well-built, fits the needs of learners without breaking the bank

CONS

  • Case quality is poor; flimsy and prone to breaking

  • Some users find tuning keys at odd angles, making tuning difficult

  • Perceived as having a plastic toy-like feel by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Openback 5-String Banjo.

Features and functionality

  • The brass tone hoop enhances clarity, note separation, brightness, and midrange, vital for those desiring distinct tone separation in folk music.

    Source
  • The resonator on the CC-50 can be removed quickly using four finger bolts, allowing for easy conversion between resonator and open-back styles.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Investing $25 in a "vintage style" tailpiece and new bridge offers a different sound profile for the CC-50.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The CC-50 is noted for its wood body, influencing tone quality differently from the composite-bodied AC-1.

    Source
  • The Recording King RK-R20 is often considered better specced than the CC-50, particularly the newer version designed by luthier Greg Rich.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the CC-50 report extended use, retaining it for years and appreciating its comfortable playability and tone.

    Source
  • Owners often experience initial finger soreness, especially in the left hand, when starting with the CC-50.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts with ADHD report that the CC-50's price point helps maintain their commitment to learning the instrument.

    Source
  • Clawhammer style is noted for having a minimal learning curve, allowing players to quickly progress in skill.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Many beginners find clawhammer technique easier to pick up due to its simpler strumming method compared to Scruggs-style picking.

    Source
  • Clawhammer style is favored for its forgiving nature, where even less precise playing often sounds good.

    Source

Build quality

  • The redesigned RK Songster is noted for having hardware and construction similar to higher-end models, offering significant value for its price.

    Source

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