The Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek is a 5-string open-back banjo engineered to deliver an authentic, old-time acoustic voice for players exploring folk, clawhammer, and frailing styles.
Multi-Ply Maple Architecture & Brass Tone Ring
Designed to provide a high-quality alternative to plastic-rim entry instruments, this banjo combines traditional materials with modern structural components.
Weighing just 5.5 lbs, this lightweight instrument is highly manageable for extended practice sessions, lessons, and casual jams, offering a solid platform for students and a dependable backup for experienced players.
The physical foundation of the CC-50 consists of an 11-inch multi-ply maple rim paired with a hard maple neck, finished in a non-reflective vintage brown satin coating.
Unlike basic beginner models, this banjo incorporates an 11-inch rolled brass flat-bar tone ring.
This metallic ring adds a focused midrange attack, enhanced projection, and natural sustain to the acoustic profile.
The body assembly is fitted with an 11-inch Remo LC coated topside head, an 11-inch flat-bar tension hoop, 18 brackets, and a single internal 11-inch coordinator rod for structural stability.
Reliable Neck Specifications & Heavy-Duty Hardware
The maple neck features a comfortable rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets, classic dot position inlays, and an internal two-way adjustable truss rod for precise neck alignment over time.
Tuning is handled by a set of sealed, guitar-style tuning machines with matching guitar-style buttons, running through a 1-3/16 inch ZeroGlide nut for improved tuning stability.
The strings anchor to Gold Tone's high-mass, bend-proof Terminator tailpiece, which is designed to accept both loop-end and ball-end string variants.
The setup is completed by a maple bridge topped with an ebony cap and a black ABS body binding.
Gold Tone CC-50 Cripple Creek Openback Banjo Features & Specifications
Five-string open-back banjo layout optimized for traditional clawhammer, frailing, and folk music
Eleven-inch multi-ply maple rim paired with a resilient hard maple neck
Integrated 11-inch rolled brass flat-bar tone ring provides a punchy attack and increased sustain
Rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets, clean dot inlays, and an accessible two-way adjustable truss rod
High-mass, bend-proof Terminator tailpiece compatible with both loop-end and ball-end strings
Eleven-inch Remo LC coated topside head secured by a flat-bar tension hoop with 18 brackets
Sealed guitar-style tuning machines ensure reliable pitch retention and smooth operation
Specialized 1-3/16 inch ZeroGlide nut helps eliminate string binding at the headstock
Stable maple bridge construction outfitted with a dense ebony top cap
Single internal 11-inch coordinator rod and clean black ABS body binding
Lightweight 5.5 lb build allows for comfortable standing or seated play over long periods
Completed in a smooth, protective vintage brown satin finish
Factory inspected and set up at the manufacturer facility in Titusville, Florida
Complete outfit includes a dedicated fabric gig bag for transport to lessons and jam sessions