2010 Gold Tone BG-250 5-String Resonator Banjo

Aside from a couple of small dings (the only obvious one is below the high D tuner on the headstock face, but it's still hard to see), this is a basically-unused banjo.

The serial number dates it to 2010 and it's a Mastertone-a-like instrument rather than a "true" Mastertone clone. It features a flathead tonering on top of a multi-ply rim, but the rim features shoes for the hooks rather than a big old one-piece flange. That means that it can convert quite fast into a "true" openback, too, with the simple removal of the four mounting plates that allow attachment of the resonator. An openback with a flathead ring is a nice sound, too, folks... one of my favorites, actually!

As you might expect from a better-grade Gold Tone, it's a nice banjo and after a setup it plays fast. The neck reminds me of '60s and '70s Gibsons in profile. During setup I added some extra compensation to the bridge, too.

Repairs included: a quick setup.

Rim wood: maple

Tonering: flathead

Bridge: maple/ebony

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast)
String gauges: 10s

Neck shape: slim-medium C

Board radius: flat

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium/smaller

Scale length: 26 3/8"

Nut width: 1 1/8"

Head diameter: 11”

Resonator diameter: 13"

Depth overall at rim: 3 3/4"

Weight: 10 lbs 10 oz

Condition notes: it's essentially new with unplayed frets. There's a ding below the high D tuner on the face of the headstock and perhaps a tiny scratch or scuff here and there in the rest of the finish, but it looks more like something that's been hanging in a shop for 6 months than a 12-year-old banjo.

It comes with: an original hard case.