Gold Tone EBM-5, Tobacco Sunburst - Used
There is nothing quite like the Gold Tone EBM-5, and that is precisely the point. It is a genuine F-style 5-string banjo body — mahogany construction, an 8" head over an aluminum tone ring, ebony fingerboard with snowflake inlays, all the visual and acoustic character of a real banjo — built with electric playability in mind. Even unplugged, the hollow sound chamber gives it a legitimate banjo voice with fast response that makes hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides feel completely natural. Plugged in is where it gets interesting: a hidden humbucker sits under the head in the bridge position, and a single-coil sits at the neck, with a 3-way selector that switches between neck only, both pickups blended, or bridge only. The two independent volume knobs let you dial in the blend precisely when both pickups are active. It is a genuinely novel instrument for a player who wants banjo character with electric flexibility and stage volume.
This one is playing well with minor signs of cosmetic use consistent with a played instrument. Check the photos for the full picture on cosmetic condition. No case included.
- Make: Gold Tone
- Model: EBM-5
- Body style: F-style, single cutaway
- Top: Mahogany
- Back and sides: Mahogany
- Finish: Tobacco Sunburst
- Neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony, snowflake inlays
- Bridge: Maple with ebony cap
- Banjo head: 8"
- Tone ring: 8" aluminum
- Tension hoop: Top tension-style
- Binding: White celluloid
- Tuners: Gold Tone Master Planets, pearloid buttons
- Tailpiece: Straightline
- Truss rod: Two-way adjustable
- Hardware: Gold plated
- Bridge pickup: Humbucker, mounted under head
- Neck pickup: Single-coil
- Controls: Volume (neck), volume (bridge), master tone, 3-way pickup selector
- Weight: 8 lbs 7 oz
- Modifications: None
- Includes: None
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
