Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,188
Standard/Professional
$499
$1300+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gold Tone ES-Banjitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience an extraordinary fusion of musical worlds with the Gold Tone ES-Banjitar, a remarkable instrument that harmoniously blends the familiar feel of a six-string guitar with the unmistakable twang of a banjo. This innovative hybrid is designed for musicians who crave the rich, resonant tones of a banjo without having to navigate the traditional 5-string setup. With its mahogany body and maple neck, the ES-Banjitar delivers a balanced and resonant sound that remains powerful and warm, even at higher volumes.
The ES-Banjitar is equipped with Gold Tone's signature Straightline tailpiece and Zero Glide nut, ensuring precise intonation and smooth playability. Its 8-inch Remo HC Smooth head and aluminum tone ring create a classic banjo sound, enhanced by a sound chamber that captures authentic tones even when unplugged. For amplified performances, the instrument features a unique dual pickup system: a stacked humbucker at the neck and an under-head SMP bridge pickup, delivering a wide array of tonal possibilities from pure banjo twang to full-bodied guitar sounds.
This versatile instrument is perfect for country, blues, jazz, and any genre where a banjo's character is desired. Crafted with attention to detail and set up in Gold Tone's Florida factory, the ES-Banjitar is ready to inspire musicians at every level.
Key Features:
- 6-string electric design merging guitar and banjo tones
- 8-inch Remo HC Smooth head with aluminum tone ring
- Dual pickup system with stacked humbucker and under-head SMP pickup
- Mahogany body and maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
- 25.5-inch scale length with 21 frets
- Straightline tailpiece and Zero Glide nut for superior tuning stability
- Available for both right and left-handed players
Product specs
| Type | Electric |
| String Type | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Body Style | Solidbody |
| Top Material | 8" HC Smooth |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Dots |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Nut Material | ZeroGlide |
| Nut Width | 1.69" |
| Bridge Material | Maple |
| Tuners | Sealed |
| Hardware | Chrome |
| Electronics | Stacked Humbucker at Neck, SMP Humbucker Under Head |
| Strings | Goldtone Banjitar, .010, .013p, .020w, .032, .042, .052 |
| Case Included | Hardshell Case |
FAQs
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What makes the Gold Tone ES-Banjitar different from a standard banjo?
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The Gold Tone ES-Banjitar combines the look of an electric guitar with the sound of a banjo, featuring six strings like a guitar for familiar playability. Its unique design includes an 8" aluminum tone ring and dual humbucker pickups for a versatile tonal palette.
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Is the Gold Tone ES-Banjitar suitable for guitar players?
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Yes, the Gold Tone ES-Banjitar is ideal for guitarists looking to explore banjo sounds without learning a new instrument, as it features a six-string setup similar to a guitar, making it easy to transition.
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What kind of pickups are used in the Gold Tone ES-Banjitar?
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The Gold Tone ES-Banjitar uses a stacked humbucker at the neck and an SMP humbucker under the head, providing a range of electric tones that complement its banjo-like sound.
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Does the Gold Tone ES-Banjitar come with a case?
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Yes, the Gold Tone ES-Banjitar includes a hardshell case, offering protection and convenience for transport and storage.
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What is the body material of the Gold Tone ES-Banjitar?
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The Gold Tone ES-Banjitar features a solid mahogany body, which contributes to its rich tone and durability.
Videos
Gold Tone
Gold Tone ES-Banjitar
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone ES-Banjitar.
Features and functionality
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A Gold Tone banjitar is noted for having a removable drone string, allowing for versatility in playing styles like Travis fingerpicking and clawhammer.
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A clawhammer guitar technique is possible on a banjitar but lacks the authentic sound of a 5-string banjo due to the absence of a true drone string.
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The Gold Tone ES-Banjitar is essentially a guitar tuned to drop D, allowing for easy chord transfer from guitar knowledge.
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Setup and maintenance
Use cases and applications
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Banjitars are considered effective in large ensembles where a normal guitar may be inaudible due to their louder volume.
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Some players utilize thinner strings on the lower E and A for better tone, with gauges of 11 for the top E and 13 for the lower E.
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Travis picking is highlighted as a lively and enjoyable style on the banjitar, offering a unique sound distinct from traditional banjo techniques.
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The banjitar is particularly enjoyed for its ability to mix guitar fingerpicking techniques while maintaining a banjo-like sound, offering a unique musical experience.
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User experience
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Owners report that the unique tone of banjitars can lend itself well to grungy, chuggy metal chords and fast leads.
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One owner noted that using a very light string (.008 or less) to achieve the drone effect on a 25.6" scale banjitar can lead to frequent string breakage, approximately one per week.
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Some players found transitioning from guitar to banjitar challenging due to the different playing styles required, which can lead to new strumming patterns and techniques.
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Mods and upgrades
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Swapping the low E string for a high E and adding spikes to the fretboard could create a banjo-like drone string effect.
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Installing a railroad spike at the fifth fret allows a high string to be tuned up to match a banjo's drone string, enabling tuning to Open G (g[G]DGBD).
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Users recommend using D'Addario XL Nickel Electric Guitar Strings (EXL150H) for a more authentic banjo-type sound on the banjitar.
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