Gold Tone AC-12: Acoustic Composite 5-String Openback Banjo with Gig Bag
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Gold Tone AC-12 Series – Lightweight, Versatile Clawhammer Banjos
The Gold Tone AC-12 Series offers the perfect blend of tradition, comfort, and affordability for players of all skill levels. Built on a durable 12-inch composite rim with a coordinator rod for fine action adjustment, each model features a nato mahogany neck with a separate rosewood fretboard, a frailing scoop, and our standard ZeroGlide nut. The adjustable two-way truss rod with peghead-located adjuster ensures precise setup, while the functional tailpiece allows for quick string changes and optimal down-pressure.
At just five pounds, these featherweight instruments are ideal for long sessions or travel, reducing strain while delivering excellent tone. The lineup includes:
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AC-12 – Full-scale model with 1 7/16" nut width, perfect for new old-time players seeking comfort and tone in a festival-ready banjo.
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AC-12A – Short-scale (23.5"), 17-fret model tuned to A, ideal for travel or extended A/D tune sessions, with the same build quality as the AC-12.
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AC-12FL – Lined fretless model, designed for first-time fretless players looking to achieve authentic slides and expressive old-time styles without breaking the budget.
Every AC-12 Series banjo comes with a serviceable gig bag, making it an exceptional value for those who want portability, playability, and performance in one package
Specifications
Category | Specification | AC-12 | AC-12A | AC-12FL |
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Headstock | Buttons | Black | Black | Black |
Nut Width | 1-7/16" ZeroGlide Nut | 1-7/16" ZeroGlide Nut | 1-7/16" Nut | |
Tuners | Covered Guitar-Style | Covered Guitar-Style | Covered Guitar-Style | |
Neck | Fingerboard | Rosewood | Rosewood | Rosewood |
Frets | 18 | 17 | 18 | |
Material | Nato | Nato | Nato | |
Truss Rod | Two-Way Adjustable | Two-Way Adjustable | Two-Way Adjustable | |
Body | Binding | Black ABS | Black ABS | Black ABS |
Brackets | 16 | 16 | 16 | |
Bridge | 5/8" Maple w/ Ebony Cap | Maple w/ Ebony Cap | Maple w/ Ebony Cap | |
Coordinator Rods | Single 12" | Single 12" | Single 12" | |
Finish | Black / Satin | Black / Satin | Black / Satin | |
Hardware | Chrome Plated | Chrome Plated | Chrome Plated | |
Head | 12" Remo LC Renaissance | 12" Remo LC Renaissance | 12" Remo LC Renaissance | |
Rim | 12" Composite | 12" Composite | 12" Composite | |
Tailpiece | Vintage Style Tailpiece | Vintage Style Tailpiece | Vintage Style Tailpiece | |
Tension Hoop | 12" Flat Bar | 12" Flat Bar | 12" Flat Bar | |
Dimensions | Scale Length | 26-3/16" | 23-1/2" | 26-3/16" |
Weight | 5 lbs. | 5 lbs. | 5 lbs. | |
Other | Bag Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
String Gauge | — | — | .020, .024, .029, .040, .019 (Aquila Nylgut) | |
Tuning | — | — | GDGBD |