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Gold Tone HM-100A A-scale High Moon 5-string Open-back Banjo - Mahogany Satin

5-string Open-back A-scale Banjo with 12" Maple Rim, Mahogany Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, and Single Coordinator Rod - Mahogany Satin

A Banjo in a League of its Own

Gold Tone’s shop luthier, Chris Pariso, designed the HM-100A High Moon open-back banjo through a decade of experimentation and refinement. This stunning banjo is designed to give today’s clawhammer players a wonderfully resonant and effortless playing experience. After hearing and playing the HM-100A, Sweetwater can confirm that Pariso’s design hits the nail right on the head. The banjo’s pot comprises a 12-inch maple rim, a brass flat bar tension hoop, and 14 Pawn lugs. You also get a modified V-shaped neck, an ebony fingerboard, and an adjustable armrest. All in all, the High Moon banjo is the ideal instrument for clawhammer players who enjoy a more resonant tone. This version of the High Moon banjo features an "A" scale length for playing fiddle tunes.

Pot designed for resonance and sustain

The HM-100A High Moon’s pot starts with a 12-inch rim made from three maple plies. You’ll notice that it only comes with 14 Pawn lugs (other Gold Tone banjos feature 26). Why is this? Mr. Pariso reports you don’t need as many lugs for lower, more traditional tunings. A rolled brass flat bar tone ring delivers an added dose of resonance. The HM-100A’s “Little Mountain” armrest features independent posts, so you can float the armrest over your tension hoop, preventing the weight of your arm from deadening the Remo MC Renaissance head. Finally, the banjo comes with a maple and ebony bridge. Those design features give you extra sustain without sacrificing the cluck and pluck that defines the contemporary banjo sound.

Uniquely comfortable neck

Playing the HM-100A is a pleasure. This banjo comes with a mahogany neck and a single coordinator rod hidden within the turned dowel. The neck’s modified “V” shape is incredibly comfortable to play. It’s softer than a traditional V, but the shoulders of the neck aren’t quite as aggressive. The neck’s profile and satin finish supply slick and speedy playability. You’ll also appreciate the premium ebony fingerboard with a scoop and 19 frets.

Patented ZeroGlide nut system

Gold Tone’s patented ZeroGlide nut system makes the HM-100A High Moon even more impressive. The ZeroGlide is a revolutionary system that combines a traditional banjo nut with a removable zero fret. This system reduces contact between the string and nut by 93%, which results in improved tuning stability. Moreover, the ZeroGlide nut system increases the sonic consistency between the open and fretted notes — a trait that Scruggs-style players love. Your ZeroGlide system ships with three interchangeable zero frets to fine-tune the string height. Plus, you’ll never have to re-cut the nut if you change string gauges.

A host of player-focused features

The HM-100A High Moon banjo was designed by a banjo player for other traditional-style players. First and foremost, its truss rod is adjusted at the headstock, so you don’t have to take the neck off to compensate for seasonal relief changes. The peghead also features Gold Tone Master planetary tuners for impeccable tuning stability. Down in the pot, the dowel hides a single coordinating rod with a built-in angle adjuster so you can tweak the neck angle by hand. Finally, this banjo ships with a modified Crescent tailpiece compatible with loop-end nylon banjo strings.

Gold Tone HM-100A A-scale High Moon Open-back Banjo Features:

Open-back pot produces a softer sound
A scale length makes it easy to play fiddle tunes
12-inch, 3-play maple rim delivers a bright tone and excellent sustain
14 Pawn lugs make it easy to adjust the head
Mahogany neck and soft “V” profile feel comfortable in your hand
Ebony fingerboard and scoop smooth playability
ZeroGlide nut improves tuning stability and makes open stings sound more vibrant
Single-rod neck angle adjuster makes it easy to fine-tune your setup
Gold Tone Master Planetary tuners for smooth, even tuning
Crescent tailpiece is compatible with steel and nylon loop-end strings
Ebony and maple “Moon” inlays add a touch of luxury

Specification	Detail
Type	Acoustic
String Type	Steel
Number of Strings	5
Body Style	Open Back
Color	Mahogany
Finish	Satin
Top Material	12" Remo HC Renaissance
Body Material	3-ply Maple
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard Material	Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay	Dot and Moon
Number of Frets	17
Scale Length	23.5"
Nut Material	ZeroGlide
Nut Width	1.38"
Bridge Material	Maple
Tuners	GT Master Planetary
Hardware	Nickel
Strings	.010, .024w, .014, .012, .010
Case/Gig Bag	Hardshell Case

RETURN INFORMATION

We want you to be completely happy with your purchase from Sweetwater. If you are not satisfied with your product, you may return it for a refund of the purchase price within 30 days. If your purchase was eligible for Free Shipping, the shipping cost will be deducted from your credit or refund. Returns must be in the complete and original packaging with all accessories and complete documentation (Owner's Manual, warranty card, quick start guides, etc.), show no signs of wear or use, and include a Return Authorization number or be subject to a restocking fee.