Gold Tone EBM Electric Banjo  

I own a Gibson Mastertone, a Deering Golden era, a Vega longneck (by Deering), a custom "Jubilo" open back made by Bob Flesher (flesher banjo.com) and an electric Gold Tone Dojo.  I have played in bluegrass bands starting way back in the 1960's but just recently I finally retired and moved to Arizona and fell into a band that plays mostly country with a bluegrass flavor.  Although I have the wonderful acoustical instruments I named above, it was still a little harder trying to use the microphone to compete with the guitar and bass amps.  My Gold Tone Dojo fit in perfectly, the band members love the dobro type sound.  The Gold Tone Dojo was such a success that I began looking into the Gold Tone EBM 5 Electric Banjo.  Since the Dojo was such a great find, I decided to buy (without playing) the Gold Tone electric Banjo.  When it came I immediately examined it and was very impressed with the craftsmanship.  Gold Tone instruments are superb in sound, performance and appearance. I am still tryng out differenct settings on my amp and banjo but I know it will make a huge difference once I start playing it on stage.  I will have the freedom of not having to be glued to the mic, the satisfaction of great playability and tone and pleased with the beauty of the instrument.  I recommend this for anybody playing in a band that has to compete with amps.  Of course the acoustical banjo is always best and that is what I will still play if playing with other acoustical instruments.  In my opinion Gold Tone is a great dollar value item, you certainly get a bit more than what you paid for.

This banjo could have gotten a "10" from me if the thin areas on the peg head, between the curly cuts, had been sanded and finished better.  It is a hard to see area and I am very particular about my instruments.  Perhaps I am being too picky here, but if that area were sanded and finished better then there would be no room anywhere to criticize.  The action and feel of the neck is on the thin side which is great for faster left hand movement.  It plays very well up the neck and the gold plated metal and flat black tuners are a breath of fresh air!!

You certainly get what you pay for here.  It is not priced to scare you away, and the overall appreciation makes it satisfying in the sense that you may have gotten more than you really expected. A very, very good investment.

As mentioned above;  a real beauty to look at, affordable and great action up and down the neck.  The sunburst tobacco stain and F4 mandolin peg head is a real treat.  Whomever thought that one up should get a raise over at the Gold Tone Factory.  The black head and tuners go well with the gold plated hardware.(I have the 2011 model).  The white heads look awesome too.