Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $874
Standard/Professional
$499
$1300+
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Budget
Standard
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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
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What type of music is the Gold Tone IT-250 4-String Openback Irish Tenor Banjo best suited for?
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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.
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Is the Gold Tone IT-250 suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gold Tone IT-250?
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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.
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Does the Gold Tone IT-250 come with a case?
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Yes, the Gold Tone IT-250 includes a hardshell case, offering protection and easy transportation for the instrument.
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What is the scale length of the Gold Tone IT-250, and why is it important?
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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.
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What kind of tuning pegs does the Gold Tone IT-250 use?
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The Gold Tone IT-250 is equipped with GT Master Planetary Tuners, ensuring precise and stable tuning for optimal performance.
Videos
Gold Tone
Gold Tone IT-250 Irish Tenor Banjo
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Features and functionality
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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.
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Value and pricing
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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The IT-250 is suitable for both Irish/Celtic music and jazz, making it versatile for players interested in either genre.
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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.
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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.
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User experience
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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.
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