Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo

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$1,299.99 to $1,399.99 Price Tier: High-end

4.0 (2)

1 Review

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4 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated June 30, 2026.

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Price

$1,399.99

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$1,399.99

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4.7 (2)

$1,399.99

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5.0 (3)

$1,299.99 6 available New

$1,299.00 1 available Used

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4.0 (8)

$1,399.99

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Average Price: $1,366

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

In the Banjos category, Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo is a fusion of traditional banjo craftsmanship and modern electric innovation, perfect for the adventurous musician looking to push boundaries. With its solid mahogany body and distinctive F-style design, this electric banjo is not only a visual showstopper but also delivers a captivating sonic experience. Featuring a versatile pickup configuration, the EBM-5 incorporates dual SMP humbuckers cleverly concealed under the banjo head and a visible single coil pickup, ensuring a full-bodied sound that's resistant to feedback.

Its maple neck and ebony fingerboard provide a smooth, responsive playing surface, while the 26-3/8-inch scale length and 21 frets allow for expansive musical expression. Gold Tone has also equipped this banjo with their innovative Zero Glide nut and Straightline tailpiece, enhancing tuning stability and intonation. Whether you're crafting intricate folk melodies or rocking out with a band, the EBM-5 offers a seamless blend of classic banjo tones and electric versatility, making it a must-have for any musician's collection.

Key Features:

5-string electric design for expanded sonic possibilities
Solid mahogany body with maple neck and ebony fingerboard
Dual SMP humbuckers and single coil pickup for diverse tonal options
8-inch Remo drumhead and aluminum tone ring for distinct resonance
26-3/8-inch scale with 21 frets for versatile playability
Zero Glide nut and Straightline tailpiece for enhanced tuning stability
F-style aesthetics with full body binding and gold hardware

Product specs

Type	Electric
String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	5
Body Style	Solidbody
Finish	Gloss
Top Material	8" Remo MC Smooth
Body Material	Mahogany
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard Inlay	Snowflakes
Number of Frets	21
Scale Length	26.38"
Nut Material	ZeroGlide
Nut Width	1.19"
Bridge Material	Maple
Tuners	GT Master Planetary
Hardware	Chrome
Electronics	Gold Tone Humbucker, SMP+ Single-coil
Strings	.011, .024w, .016, .013, .011
Case Included	Sold Separately

FAQs

What is the primary use of the Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo?: The Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo is designed for musicians wanting to explore genres beyond traditional bluegrass, such as jazz or rock, thanks to its electric capabilities and solidbody construction.
What type of pickups does the Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo have?: This electric banjo features a Gold Tone Humbucker and an SMP+ Single-coil, providing versatile tonal options suitable for various musical styles.
How many strings does the Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo have?: The Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo is a 5-string instrument, which is standard for most banjos and allows for traditional playing techniques.
What materials are used in the construction of the Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo?: The Gold Tone EBM-5 features a mahogany body, maple neck, and an 8" Remo MC Smooth top, offering a durable build with quality sound projection.
Does the Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo come with a case?: No, the Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo does not include a case; it is sold separately, allowing you to choose a case that suits your needs.

Videos

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Gold Tone EBM5 Electric Banjo

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Reviews

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PROS

Beautiful sunburst tobacco stain and F4 mandolin peg head design
Great action and fast left-hand movement due to thin neck
No feedback issues when played through guitar amplifiers at high volumes
Versatile sound with three different pickup options
Excellent for stage presence and commands attention
Surprising value and quality for the price paid
Bell-like tone from mini-humbucker in the neck position
Durable construction with potential to increase in value over time

CONS

Some minor flaws in Chinese workmanship, particularly in scroll and headstock cuts
Tuning stability can be an issue, may require higher quality tuners
Rear pickup could better capture head vibrations for improved sound
Slightly lacking in traditional acoustic banjo tone

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo.

Features and functionality

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The Gold Tone EBM-5 has two pickups: one on the neck and one under the head, enhancing its ability to capture a banjo-like sound.
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The EBM-5+ includes a foam insert, enhancing its ability to manage high volume and amplification without feedback.
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Use cases and applications

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Ideal for playing in loud band settings due to its electric setup, helping minimize feedback issues common with acoustic banjos.
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The EBM-5 is favored for indoor practice due to its quieter acoustic nature compared to traditional banjos.
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In jamgrass bands, players use Nechville Warp Drive with effects pedals for a versatile sound, balancing between traditional and electric tones.
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Comparisons

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Owners compare the EBM-5 to the Deering Crossfire, noting advancements in under-head pickups make the EBM-5 less attractive now.
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When plugged in, the EB-5 produces a sound similar to an electric guitar, due to the resonator's limited impact on sound with pickups not positioned behind the head.
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The Nechville Comet and Meteor are considered superior electric banjo options, with the Gold Tone EBM-5 positioned as a more affordable alternative.
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User experience

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Some users report difficulty playing up the neck, attributed to the body shape of the EBM-5.
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Owners appreciate the EBM-5+ as dependable, with minimal maintenance required, ideal for regular gig settings.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users recommend using a dedicated electric amplifier for optimal performance; one user mentions using a small white Supro amp.
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Users have replaced poor-quality pickups on other banjos with inexpensive Amazon pickups featuring three contact points on the head for improved sound.
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Setup and maintenance

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The EBM-5+ is noted for its ability to handle high volume without feedback issues, making it suitable for loud stage environments.
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The Nechville Warp Drive utilizes double-sided tape for its contact pickup, allowing for easier transfer between banjos compared to glue-based attachments.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Julien Baker

Singer, Guitarist

boygenius

Verified via Photo

During Phoebe Bridgers’ opening act for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, in Nashville, Julien Baker can be seen using the Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo.

Ryan Ross

Singer, Guitarist

Panic! at the Disco

Verified via Photo

In this picture, Ryan Ross can be seen using the Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo. This image appears to date back to the era of "A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out" and the "Nothing Rhymes With Circus" tour. ![Ryan Ross with Gold Tone EBM-5 Electric Banjo](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/151124/IMG_4738.jpeg)