Most banjo players agree that the ideal Bluegrass banjo was the flathead built in very limited quantities during the 1930’s. Earl Scruggs, Sonny Osborne, and J.D. Crowe have all owned these models valued in excess of $10,000. Gold Star is a replica of the design and captures the sound of these classic banjos at a price within the reach of any serious banjo player.

Extensive metallurgical research in the laboratories of the University of California has resulted in the copper rich bell bronze alloy used in the tone ring of the GF-100 series. Each tone ring is cast, machined, and plated, then carefully hand fitted. The rim itself is made of three overlapping plys of rock maple, routed to the exact configuration used in the nineteen thirties flatheads – the only construction that can duplicate the old sound.

Available in three models, distinguished by their inlay patterns, every Gold Star flathead has the utmost in volume and cutting power combined with every nuance and shading of tone.

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Gold Star GF-85 5-String Banjo GF-85 Click on link for current price After a ten year hiatus, Gold Star banjos are back and represent quality and value more than ever. With older models fast becoming collectors items, the New GF-85's Pre-War sound and flathead design will assure it will be added to the list! Three-ply rock maple rim Traditional Mahogany neck with adjustable truss rod and double cut headstock Rosewood fingerboard with medium nickel-silver frets Beautiful mother-of-pearl, Gold Star script and style 3 inlay pattern Single piece die-cast resonator flange 20-hole flathead-style tone ring Deluxe mahogany resonator P-140 Planetary tuners (4) P-142 Geared fifth-peg (1) P-118 Old Presto tailpiece P-104 armrest Deluxe maple bridge All hardware is triple-nickel plated Shop adjusted

Gold Star GF-100HF Mahogany Hearts and Flowers 5-String Banjo GF-100HF Click on link for current price Most banjo players agree that the ideal bluegrass banjo was the flathead built in very limited quantities during the 1930's. To meet this demand and to offer it at a price any player could afford, Saga Musical Instruments introduced the original GF-100 banjo in the early 1970's. Ever since these banjos were discontinued in the late 1980's due to costly manufacturing methods in Japan, they have continued to be topics of discussion for their legendary sound and value. It's 2005 and the new Gold Star GF-100HF (Hearts and Flowers) is back and better than ever before. With close to 25 years to improve these already legendary instruments, we are sure you will agree that these banjos are the best value available on the market today! Select mahogany neck Bound mahogany resonator with inlaid double concentric rings Cast Bell Bronze Tone Ring Deluxe 3-ply rock maple rim Double coordinator rods Single piece die-cast flange Triple nickel-plated hardware Presto Tailpiece P-142 geared fifth peg P-140 geared planetary tuners Hand-cut mother-of-pearl inlays carefully laid out in the "Hearts and Flowers" pattern on both the ebony fingerboard and peghead overlay Deluxe re-issue Gold Star hardshell case Shop Adjusted