Gold Tone HM-100A A-Scale High Moon Open-Back Banjo

Gold Tone HM-100A A-Scale High Moon Open-Back Banjo

The Gold Tone HM-100A High Moon A-Scale is a boutique-inspired open-back banjo crafted for modern clawhammer players. Developed by Gold Tone’s master luthier Chris Pariso, this banjo incorporates over 60 custom components, including a dowel-stick style neck adjuster, 14 pawn-lug brackets, a scooped ebony fingerboard, and convenient peghead truss rod access for seasonal neck adjustments. Its 12" Remo Renaissance head paired with a rolled brass flat bar tone ring provides both traditional charm and precise, refined design.

Tonally, the HM-100A produces a warm, clear, and woody sound that projects beautifully in old-time, festival, or solo settings. Lightweight at just 6 lbs., it allows for extended play without fatigue, while the Trillium bridge, Crescent tailpiece, Gotoh tuners, and Zero Glide nut ensure accurate intonation and consistent tone. The sound continues to mature with regular playing, developing depth, richness, and character over time.

Perfect for old-time and clawhammer banjoists, the High Moon A-Scale combines traditional tonal character with modern playability. Its boutique-level craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and professional-grade features make it a standout instrument for musicians seeking quality and performance at an accessible price.

FREE GIFTS: Complimentary Deluxe Case
Your instrument arrives protected, tuned, and ready for immediate performance, exactly as Gold Tone intends.

Key Features

• Handcrafted from mahogany and maple with 3-ply maple rim
• Finished with mahogany satin
• Fitted with ebony fingerboard with dot & moon inlays
• Equipped with Trillium bridge, Crescent tailpiece, Gotoh tuners, and Zero Glide nut
• Includes Complimentary Deluxe Case

Specifications

Size / Scale Length: 23-1/2" (A-Scale)
Top / Back & Sides: 12" Remo HC Renaissance Head / 3-Ply Maple Rim
Neck: Mahogany
Finish: Mahogany Satin
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Trillium Bridge
Tailpiece: Crescent Tailpiece
Tuners: GT Master Planetary
Coordinator Rods: Single Rod w/ Dowel
Tension Hoop: 12" Notched, 14 Bracket
Tone Ring: 12" Rolled Brass Flat Bar
Binding: Maple
Brackets: 14 Pawn Lugs
Hardware: Nickel Plated
Weight: 6 lbs.
String Gauge: .09, .022w, .013, .011, .09
Tuning: AEAC#E
Included Accessories: Complimentary Deluxe Case