One Banjo, Two Styles — and Room to Grow Into Both
There's a moment every new banjo player hits where they realize they want to try more than one style. Maybe you started with three-finger bluegrass picking, but a clawhammer tune caught your ear. Or maybe you're just getting started and want the flexibility to explore before you commit. The Gold Tone CC-100R+ Cripple Creek is built exactly for that crossroads — a resonator banjo that converts to open-back in minutes, so you're not buying two instruments to find your sound.
The CC-100R+ is the upgraded version of Gold Tone's long-running Cripple Creek line, which has put tens of thousands of players on a real, properly built banjo without asking them to spend serious money. The Plus model adds GT Master planetary tuning machines, an engraved armrest, 24 tension hooks, a vintage-style high-gloss sunburst finish, and a wide 1-5/16" nut — all on top of the already solid foundation of the standard CC-100R.
Every CC-100R+ ships after a professional setup at Gold Tone's factory in Titusville, Florida, so string action is dialed in before it ever reaches your hands. That's not marketing — it's a genuine difference you'll feel the first time you sit down to play.
A Maple Foundation That Actually Matters
The neck, rim, and resonator are all built from hard rock maple — a tonewood chosen for its strength, clarity, and bright attack. The 3-ply maple rim supports a rolled brass tone ring, which adds mass and projection to the pot assembly for a sound that can hold its own in any picking circle. The 13" maple resonator fires that sound forward, which is exactly what you want when you're playing alongside guitars or fiddles.
The rosewood fretboard features snowflake inlays and accepts standard refret work, so you're not locked into a proprietary setup if you ever need fret work done. Dual coordinator rods and a 2-way adjustable truss rod let a tech dial in neck relief and string action precisely — and because the resonator detaches, both open-back and resonator setups are accessible with the same instrument.
Upgraded Hardware Where It Counts
The GT Master planetary tuning machines — the same tuners found on Gold Tone's higher-end models — are one of the most meaningful upgrades on the Plus. Planetary tuners give you smooth, precise tuning with a gear ratio that makes fine adjustments easy, which matters especially when you're learning. The 24 tension hooks (vs. the standard model's fewer brackets) pull the head tighter and more evenly, contributing to a more even, consistent tone across the head.
The Terminator tailpiece locks strings parallel to the bridge for consistent break angle, and handles both loop- and ball-end strings. The engraved Gold Tone armrest keeps your forearm comfortable during longer playing sessions — a small detail that makes a real difference over time. The wide nut (1-5/16") gives players with larger hands noticeably more room between strings.
Product Features:
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String Count: 5-String, tuned GDGBD
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Back Style: Convertible resonator — removable for open-back play
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Neck: Hard rock maple with 2-way adjustable truss rod
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Fingerboard: Rosewood with snowflake inlays
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Rim: 3-ply maple with dual coordinator rods
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Resonator: 13" maple, vintage-style high-gloss sunburst finish
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Tone Ring: Rolled brass
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Head: 11" Remo banjo head
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Tuners: GT Master planetary tuning machines (upgraded)
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Tailpiece: Terminator tailpiece (loop- and ball-end compatible)
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Tension Hooks: 24-count (upgraded)
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Nut Width: 1-5/16" wide neck
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Armrest: Gold Tone engraved armrest
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Headstock Veneer: Curly maple
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Factory Setup: Professionally set up at Gold Tone's Titusville, FL facility
Brand: Gold Tone
Model: CC-100R+ Cripple Creek Resonator Banjo Upgraded
SKU: CC-100R+W/BAG
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
