BUS Banjo Ukulele: The Best of Folk Worlds
By administering exquisite tonewoods and delicate high-end appointments, Gold Tone has ensured its banjo-ukulele construction process is second to none. At a smaller scale than most conventional banjos, these hybrid models feature the comfort and mobility of a standard ukulele with the playing field of a tried-and-true folk classic. Maple tonewoods are what set these models apart from the rest, producing a much more authentic sound and incredible dynamics. Additional features include a banjo-uke-style tailpiece, a rosewood fingerboard with mini dot inlays, and chrome-plated hardware. Take it from Sweewater's Americana musicians: if you're looking for a uke-style instrument to add to your arsenal or just need an on-the-go folk companion, then you've hit pay dirt with the BUS soprano-scale banjo ukulele from Gold Tone.
Powerful maple folk tone with modern appointments
Each Gold Tone banjo-ukulele is constructed of meticulously picked maple, giving each instrument a distinct folk voice with powerful projection and ample sustain. Sweetwater musicians have also noted that the instrument's true bone nut and maple/ebony bridge provide excellent intonation stability and authentic string vibration. The BUS soprano-scale model stretches to 13.5 inches, providing a familiar ukulele build proficient in comfort and sound. This particular size is suitable for almost any player, but it proves especially worthy for younger musicians or those with a smaller reach. It's also an excellent option for practice and beginner coordination, as well as a number of professional recording and performance scenarios.
Zero Glide: patented precision makes playability smooth
Gold Tone’s Zero Glide nut is a tiny piece of hardware that enhances instrument performance drastically. The patented design pairs a sustain-boosting bone nut with a hard nickel-silver “zero fret” for enhanced reliability and sound. Zero Glide nuts grace the headstocks of electric guitars, acoustic guitars, banjos, and even ukuleles. The benefits are clearly universal! Zero Glide’s precision-cut string slots further reduce string contact by a staggering 93% at the nut — meaning fewer tuning breaks and better resonance, especially when playing gets aggressive. Zero Glide also narrows sonic differences between fretted- and open-string notes while solving common intonation issues for innovative accuracy without compromising character.
Gold Tone: a legacy of music
The origins of Gold Tone go back to the folk music scene of the ’70s, when musicians Wayne and Robyn Rogers opened a small music shop. Fifteen years later, they founded Gold Tone Banjos in Titusville, Florida. Their first product, the TB-100 banjo, was designed by Wayne. As demand for this critically acclaimed instrument increased, the company expanded its offerings to include a selection of fretted instruments that combine modern innovation and timeless vintage design. The goal? To inspire all musicians, from beginners to professionals, to realize their musical dreams. Today, Sweetwater is pleased to offer you Gold Tone’s exciting range of 4-, 5-, and 6-string banjos, banjo ukuleles, metal- and wood-bodied resonator guitars, Weissenborn Hawaiian steel guitars, and mandolins.
Gold Tone BUS Soprano-scale Banjo Ukulele Features:
- Soprano-scale banjo ukulele with patented top-shelf appointments
- Maple rim and flat back resonator produce naturally warm folk tone with high clarity and ample sustain
- 8-inch Remo head for powerful, sonically balanced projection
- Smooth maple neck with bound rosewood fingerboard grants easy access to all 20 frets
- 2-way adjustable truss rod for simple and effective setup changes
- Onboard Zero Glide bone nut and maple/ebony bridge offer enhanced tuning stability
- Complimentary chrome-plated hardware and open-gear guitar-style tuning machines
- Included hardshell case for safe and stylish travel
- Set up at Gold Tone’s Florida workshop for optimal performance
