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
$629.99 1 available New
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$449.99
Thomann
4.0 (1)
$483.00 $479.00 $4.00 · All time low

Average Price: $485

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 (Left-Handed)". 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 (Left-Handed) is the ultimate blend of tradition and modern craftsmanship, designed for both budding musicians and seasoned players alike. This left-handed model is specifically crafted to ensure that every player can enjoy the folksy, warm resonance that Gold Tone is revered for. Its open-back design is perfect for clawhammer and old-time folk styles, providing an airy yet distinct tone that resonates comfortably in any setting, from porch gatherings to stage performances.

Crafted with a sturdy maple neck and multi-ply maple rim, the CC-50 delivers a clear, resonant twang that is synonymous with high-quality banjos. The 11-inch Remo head complements this by adding a layer of iconic banjo tone. One of the standout features of this model is the proprietary Terminator tailpiece, which offers a bend-free experience, allowing players to use loop- or ball-end strings with ease. This, combined with a Zero Glide bone nut, ensures superior tuning stability and enhanced playability.

The rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also provides excellent fret-hand comfort, making it an ideal choice for beginners and experienced players alike. Gold Tone's commitment to quality shines through in the details, from the sealed chrome-plated tuners to the meticulous setup each banjo receives at their Florida facility.

Key Features:

  • Left-handed 5-string openback banjo ideal for folk and clawhammer styles
  • Hard maple neck and multi-ply maple rim for clear, resonant tone
  • Proprietary Terminator tailpiece for enhanced string performance
  • Zero Glide bone nut for improved tuning stability and playability
  • Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays for comfortable fretting
  • 11-inch Remo LC Coated Topside head for iconic banjo sound
  • Full setup at Gold Tone’s Florida facility for quality assurance

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 type of music is the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Openback 5-String Banjo best suited for?

The Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo is ideal for folk, bluegrass, and old-time music due to its open-back design, which provides a warm, mellow tone.

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

Yes, the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo is well-suited for beginners, offering ease of play with its comfortable neck profile and quality construction, making it a great choice for learning.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo?

This banjo features a multi-ply maple body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, providing durability and a rich tonal quality.

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

Yes, the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo includes a padded gig bag for easy transport and protection.

What is the scale length of the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo?

The scale length of the Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Banjo is 26.19 inches, which contributes to its playability and tonal response.

Reviews

PROS

  • Perfect action and playability straight out of the box

  • Excellent sound quality for both finger style and metal picks

  • Notable comfort enhances playing experience

  • Great option for beginners

  • Personal selection process with pre-shipment photos

  • Consistently arrives in excellent condition

CONS

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 (Left-Handed).

User experience

  • Owners find clawhammer style easier to pick up initially, with a small learning curve compared to Scruggs style.

    Source
  • Fingertip pain is a common issue for beginners, suggesting the need for gradual practice to build finger endurance.

    Source
  • The banjo is often revisited by players, even after acquiring more advanced instruments, indicating its enduring appeal and playability.

    Source
  • An owner of the Gold Tone CC-50 for over 2.5 years considers it their best purchase, indicating long-term satisfaction.

    Source
  • Owners report happiness with the Gold Tone CC-50 after installing a Renaissance head, noting improved playability and tone.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Clawhammer style is recommended for those interested in singing due to its straightforward sound production.

    Source
  • The Gold Tone CC-50 is well-suited for clawhammer style, providing satisfactory tone and playability for beginners.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Gold Tone CC-50's rim uses lower quality plywood, unlike the Goodtime's hard rock maple, affecting tone and sustain.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the CC-50 features a tone ring and fingerboard, the Goodtime offers better note separation and intonation due to its wood choice.

    Source
  • Some prefer the Recording King RK-OT25 over both the Goodtime and Gold Tone, citing overall better build and tone quality.

    Source
  • The Gold Tone CC-50 is preferred over the Goodtime for its tone and playability, despite lacking heirloom aesthetics.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Installing a Renaissance head and new bridge significantly enhances tone and playability for the Gold Tone CC-50.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Gold Tone CC-50 offers value for money, being a solid choice for novices looking to eventually upgrade to a custom instrument.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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