Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
$1,049.99
Guitar Center
$1,049.99
Amazon
4.7 (21)
$19.99
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$1,199.99 1 available New
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$1,049.99

Average Price: $874

Standard/Professional

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Gold Tone IT-250 4-String Openback Irish Tenor Banjo". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the world of traditional Irish folk music with the Gold Tone IT-250 4-String Openback Irish Tenor Banjo. Designed with the discerning musician in mind, this banjo offers a seamless transition for mandolin players looking to expand their horizons. Its Whyte Laydie tone ring is a standout feature, providing unmatched punch and projection without sacrificing the warmth and clarity that define the genre. Crafted from high-quality materials, the IT-250 boasts a 17-fret short-scale neck and heavy-gauge strings, tuned to GDAE, giving it the iconic plunky tone perfect for Celtic ensembles.

The banjo's construction is both elegant and robust, featuring an 11-inch 3-ply maple rim and an ebony fingerboard for a comfortable, responsive playing experience. The ZeroGlide nut and Gold Tone Planetary tuners ensure stable tuning, so you can focus on your performance, not adjustments. Whether you're a seasoned banjoist or a mandolin player eager to explore new musical landscapes, this instrument enriches your repertoire with authenticity and precision.

Ideal for live performances, the IT-250's open-back design and No Knot tailpiece allow quick string changes and customization, providing versatility for any playing style. Its chrome-plated hardware adds a touch of class, making it as visually appealing as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • 11-inch, 3-ply maple rim for a balanced tonal foundation
  • Whyte Laydie tone ring for extra punch and projection
  • Short-scale neck with 17 frets, tuned an octave below mandolin
  • Ebony fingerboard for supple playability
  • ZeroGlide nut and Gold Tone Planetary tuners for stable tuning
  • No Knot tailpiece compatible with gut and nylon strings
  • Dual coordinator rods and 2-way truss rod for precise neck adjustment
  • Chrome-plated hardware for a polished appearance on stage

Product specs

Type Acoustic
String Type Steel
Number of Strings 4
Body Style Open Back
Top Material 11" Remo HC Renaissance
Body Material 3-ply Maple (rim)
Neck Material Maple
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Clouds
Number of Frets 17
Scale Length 19.75"
Nut Material ZeroGlide
Nut Width 1.06"
Bridge Material Maple
Tuners GT Master Planetary
Hardware Chrome
Strings .040w, .030w, .020w, .010
Case Included Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of music is the Gold Tone IT-250 4-String Openback Irish Tenor Banjo best suited for?

The Gold Tone IT-250 is ideal for traditional Irish music and folk genres, thanks to its 4-string configuration and open-back design which provide a bright, resonant tone.

Is the Gold Tone IT-250 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Gold Tone IT-250 is suitable for beginners due to its manageable scale length and comfortable playability, though some familiarity with string instruments may be beneficial.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gold Tone IT-250?

The Gold Tone IT-250 features a maple neck and rim, an ebony fingerboard, and a Remo HC Renaissance head, providing a robust build and rich tonal quality.

Does the Gold Tone IT-250 come with a case?

Yes, the Gold Tone IT-250 includes a hardshell case, offering protection and easy transportation for the instrument.

What is the scale length of the Gold Tone IT-250, and why is it important?

The scale length of the Gold Tone IT-250 is 19.75", which contributes to its playability and the tension of the strings, making it suitable for Irish tenor banjo tuning.

What kind of tuning pegs does the Gold Tone IT-250 use?

The Gold Tone IT-250 is equipped with GT Master Planetary Tuners, ensuring precise and stable tuning for optimal performance.

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Gold Tone IT-250 Irish Tenor Banjo

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone IT-250 Irish Tenor Banjo by Gold Tone

Gold Tone IT-250 Irish Tenor Banjo

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone Irish Tenor 250 Series  |  IT-250 & IT-250F by Gold Tone

Gold Tone Irish Tenor 250 Series | IT-250 & IT-250F

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone IT-250 4-String Openback Irish Tenor Banjo.

Comparisons

  • The Gold Tone IT-250 is a significant step up from the IT-19, which is considered a nicer banjo than the AC series due to its tone ring and build quality.

    Source
  • The Gold Tone IT-250 is often compared to Recording King's RK-R35 and R36 for its tonal qualities and features within a similar price range.

    Source
  • The Gold Tone Cripple Creek series features wooden rims with small tone rings, offering better sound compared to the composite rim of the AC series.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Gold Tone IT-250 is available as an openback model and also as an IT-250F archtop with a resonator, both featuring 17 frets.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The IT-250 is positioned as a higher-tier option than entry-level models like the AC-4, justifying its price with enhanced features and build quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The IT-250 is suitable for both Irish/Celtic music and jazz, making it versatile for players interested in either genre.

    Source
  • The IT-250 is appreciated for its suitability in both folk and old-time music, offering a rounder, laid-back sound that complements these genres.

    Source
  • Open-back banjos like the IT-250 are favored for their versatility in configurations and sound diversity, especially in genres like clawhammer and old-time music.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners transitioning from resonator to open-back banjos, like the IT-250, note a more diverse range of tonal options suitable for folk and clawhammer styles.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report minor blemishes or imperfections in Gold Tone banjos due to their import status, affecting resale value.

    Source

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