Gold Tone ML-1 Missing Link Bela Fleck Baritone 5-String Banjo

Designed with Bela Fleck, tuned cGCEG (a fifth below standard pitch).

Inspired by John Hartford’s love for low-tuned banjo, Bela Fleck conceived the Missing Link, Baritone Banjo. Bela’s previous experience with the Gold Tone Cello Banjo brought him to Wayne Rogers. The two collaborated in the design and, after many months of experimentation and various challenges, we are ecstatic to present the ML-1!

To produce the lower tone with a traditional sound in the lower register, Gold Tone uses a 12 inch, 3 ply Maple Rim with a Bronze Tone Ring.

After beta testing a variety of neck and bridge options, Bela signed off on the Compound Radius (5”-9”) Ebony Fingerboard attached to a Hard Rock Canadian Maple Neck and a Cathedral-like Radius Bridge standing 7/8” over the signature black Remo head.

Jumbo Frets, our exclusive Terminator Tailpiece and Gold Tone's Patented ZerO Glide Nut complete the perfect formula for the throaty ML-1.

Bela’s Noveau inlay design courses the length of the fingerboard and finishes on our C-Cut Headstock.  Black Binding, Black Tuner Buttons and the Black Head create a bold, autonomous look.

Played by Bela Fleck and Steve Martin! How can you go wrong?

Resonator 14" Mahogany
Bridge Maple w/ Ebony Cap -Radius-3/4"
Fingerboard Inlay Noveau
Neck Binding Black Abs 
Tuners Master Planetary Tuners
Plating Chrome
Strings CGCEG - .018, .038w, .028, .022, .018
Tailpiece Terminator

Hardshell Case Included