Ross Nickerson Signature Models at BanjoTeacher.com!
"The Cracka"
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The "Cracka" is beautiful banjo made from African Mahogany. I never heard a banjo with such a crack to it. It has a specially designed lighter tone ring and hardware which reduces the weight considerably but does not affect the tone, in fact it has a lot of punch and volume. Notes from luthier Peter Nahuysen The Cracka “I have been working on the Cracka model with Ross for 2 years now and this is no ordinary banjo. Ross loves the sweeter tone of mahogany but he was after a banjo that really had that “crack” that every player is looking for, but without sacrificing superb tone. The answer was to use a very special timber, a type of African Mahogany. It possesses incredible power, clarity and tone. The precision made block pot and neck are made from the same piece of timber which enhances the harmonic qualities of this instrument. Top it off with our own special light weight “Classica” tone ring and light alloy parts and you have the complete package that you can play all night long. The Cracka is a magnificent banjo.” Peter Nahuysen-Bellbird banjos |
Other Features Ebony or Rosewood fingerboard. Choice of Custom Flying Eagle or Custom Bellbird Inlay pattern (others available on request) Mirror nitrocellulose finish -in color of choice (see Custom Sunburst note above) Fultz Straight Line Tailpiece for improved tone, intonation and volume. Gotoh tuners. 5 Star banjo head. Dual-action truss rod. Pearl Truss rod cover. GHS PF 175 banjo strings. Railroad 5th string capo spikes standard on all instruments at frets 7,8,9 and 10. TKL Deluxe Archtop Case |
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More Demo Videosof the Cracka in full size
Contact us for prices on all banjos.
From the standard model range, the customer may choose to customize the banjo a little, which in some instances (eg gold plating, bound headstock, abalone instead of pearl inlay etc…) adds to the cost. See these specs below.
The True Blue (Curly Maple) ….. $5,250.00
The Cracka (Mahogany) …….$4,950.00 Demo video
The Larakin (Maple/Mahogany) …….$4,950.00
The Bushmaster (Special Rim) …….$4,250.00
The King Brown(Walnut) …………$5,250.00
Standard Included Features (for above models)
Nickel Plated
Choice of 3 headstock shapes –
Bellbird “Bird Wing” headstock shape
Traditional Gibson double-cut, or
Gibson fiddle-cut
Standard weight or light alloy construction
5th string capo spikes installed
Ebony or Rosewood fingerboard and headstock
Choice of 14 inlay patterns
Colour of choice (sunburst extra)
TKL American Vintage Series Case (the best)
Most models are colour of your choice, with the True Blue (being lighter colour maple) having the most flexibility, could be any colour of the rainbow. The Larakin model (being a brown mahogany to start with is limited to the brown and red spectrum).
The King Brown model (Burl Walnut) is clear lacquered only, and therefore natural walnut brown is the only colour option.
Custom Extras Cost
Gold Plating $ 450.00
Sunburst finish (maple) $ 250.00
Bound Headstock (ivoroid) $ 150.00
Bound Headstock (pearl) $ 200.00
Bound Headstock (abalone) $ 250.00
Radiussed fingerboard $ 150.00
Abalone Inlays $ 200.00
Customized inlay design by negotiation
Payment Details
All banjos are custom made to order, a 50% deposit is required to start the job, and final payment is made when the banjo is ready to ship. The customer needs to allow a 20 week time frame from time of ordering to delivery. The customer is kept informed with progress and updates, and if possible some photos of the banjo in progress.
Of course there may be new Nick Kick models available for immediate delivery. Just ask when making your inquiry.
Standard Options
Although the options for the five “standard” models are set, there are of course a considerable number of variations to consider for your custom made Bellbird banjo. In particular, with the colour of your choice, tone and tone ring preference, specific set up requirements and other hardware options that may be available within the “standard” range.
My aim is to give the player as much say as possible in their dream banjo and to meet their needs fully. This is what is lacking in factory produced instruments, even the most expensive ones where the selection process is fairly much “potluck”.
Demo videos
Nick Kick Banjos by Bell Bird
"The Cracka"
"Ulysses Electric Banjo" 
The "ResNick" by Rayco Resophonics Specially designed banjo dobro made to Ross Nickerson's specifications
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See Ross Nickerson Demonstrate the ResNick Hear the different tones made by this unique and useful banjo/dobro design
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Beginner
Banjo Package Deals These models are perfect for students just getting
started. It's easy to play, stays in tune, is well built with a full
warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
Various banjo models available
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GoldTone
Cripple Creek CC100R This model is perfect for students just getting
started. It's easy to play, stays in tune, is well built with a full
warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
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Cripple Creek 50RPThe CC-50RP model is tone designed for bluegrass learning and includes a full walled resonator and planetary tuners. The finest value in a low-priced banjo
Gold Tone Cripple Creek-100 Open Back Banjo Never before has an entry level openback banjo included the features and tone of our CC-100OB.
CrippleCreek 100RPlus Never before has an entry level banjo included the features and tone of our CC-100R. Check any competitive banjo in this price range and you’ll find "more bang for the buck" with our Cripple Creek.
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Orange Blossom 250 Plus GoldTone has taken their celebrated OB-250 and improved it dramatically by adding many unique features reserved for only the highest-quality banjos.
Gold Tone Orange Blossom 250 This model was redesigned in 2007,with a full warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
Orange Blossom OB 250 ArchtopThe AT model includes a forty hole sand cast bell brass arch top tone ring. This configuration produces more penetrating highs compared to a conventional flat top.
OB-250+TP (Orange Blossom w/ Tony Pass Schaeffer Birch, Block Rim) Upgraded features include the Bronze JLS tone ring, 3-ply Canadian maple rim, Gary Sosebee aged maple Mill bridge, and a deluxe TKL arched case.
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Bluegrass BG-250 Bluegrass Special Its convertible feature allows a great bluegrass tone, and by removing the resonator and brackets, you now have a genuine old time openback. This is a great feature for players wanting to play both styles.
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BG250-F Bluegrass Special This is a vintage replica of the most famous banjo ever played in bluegrass music. All its parts are accurate reproductions of the original.
Maple Classic MC-150Economically priced, the MC-150 has all quality parts which provide excellent tone. This model is convertible which means the resonator may be easily detached for open back playing style.
Cripple Creek ModelsNever before has an entry level banjo included the features and tone of our Cripple Creek Models. Check any competitive banjo in this price range and you’ll find "more bang for the buck" with our Cripple Creek.
Orange Blossom 500 Personally designed by owner Wayne Rogers it has all the features of our OB250+ in an exquisite banjo which will prove to be a collectors edition.
Orange Blossom 300 This gold plated beauty has similar features as the OB500 without the metal engraving. A curly maple neck and matching curly maple/abalone binding combine for a most decorative 5 string.
GoldTone BG-MiniPossibly the world's only child-sized fully functional bluegrass banjo and it is way cool.
Cripple Creek TravelerGreat sound and durability in an entry-level traveler banjo. Comes set up and ready to play
Cripple Creek MiniThe CC-Mini has similar features as our famous Cripple Creek line in a mini version. This shorter scale banjo has a perfectly straight neck and low action to maintain consistent tuning. The openback design is light and portable.
The PluckyThis model is perfect for students
just getting started. It's easy to play, stays in tune, is well built
with a full warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
TranjoThe Tranjo is the most unique traveler ever made. The neck is completely detachable with one thumb screw and fits in a suitcase. Best of all, it is completely full scale and has a great bluegrass tone for practicing.
BanjolaWith a standard 5-string banjo neck and the body of a mandolin (or mandola), the Banjola is a beautiful instrument with exquisite tone and sustain that you won't find in a standard 5-string banjo.
DojoThe Dojo has great string action and a lively sustain. The mahogany body provides a crisp tone and is a welcome addition to the 5 string players arsenal.
GoldTone Dojo DLXThe Deluxe model looks spectacular with its high flame curly maple body. Gold Tone developed a stereo pickup arrangement which truly enhances the tonein a live situation.
Pat Cloud BanjolaThis top professional banjola has many upgrades from our original highly successful Banjola.
Banjola DeluxeThis model is perfect for students
just getting started. It's easy to play, stays in tune, is well built
with a full warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
Cello Banjos CEB-4 + CEB-5The 5 string cello banjo, originally used in turn of the century banjo orchestras, has been redefined in this Gold Tone model.
BanjoleleCombining quality uke craftsmanship with a banjo body.
UkeleleA replica of the most famous uke ever made, the Deluxe features all solid mahogany wood and ebony
fingerboard. 
White Ladye-WL250Our premier open back banjo has remarkable tone and exquisite cosmetics. A White Ladye tone ring combined with a thin maple rim provides ample volume and a wonderful plunky tone.
Cripple Creek 100 Open BackNever before has an entry level openback banjo included the features and tone of our CC-100OB. Check any competitive banjo in this price range and you’ll find "more bang for the buck" with our Cripple Creek.
Elite ClassicDowel stick construction and elaborate "Tree of Life" inlays make this one unique and beautiful openback. This is the only banjo we know of being offered with a spun metal rim.
Bob Carlin BC-350At the 2004 IBMA show, Bob Carlin and Goldtone met to discuss the possibilities of a signature model 12" banjo. A year later Goldtone introduced the Gold Tone Bob Carlin Signature Model BC-350!
White Ladye+GoldTone has introduced an exquisite version of the WL-250 featuring our custom tree of life inlay. Unlike other tree of life inlay designs, the position markers are easily seen by the flower patterns for up the neck playing. Scooped fingerboard is unavailable for this model.
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Maple Mountain MM-150For a sweet frailing or clawhammer tone the MM-150 is our original open back and has been very well received. 
CB-100The CB-100 was created to meet the demands of the modern old-time player. It's lightweight minimalist design yields nothing but effortless playability.
Open Back CC 50 BeginnerFor an economy 5 string, the CC-50 outshines the competition. Our 12 point set up ensures accurate intonation, easy fingering, and good tone
OT-800This Vega style replica is an accurate reproduction of the most sought after pot in the classic Old Time sound.
CC OTA complete package designed to learn clawhammer style banjo. Includes Bob Carlin Instructional DVD, Capo spike, gig bag, strap, frailing scoop, and all Old Time style cosmetics
EBMOur unique F-style design looks as good as it sounds. Two tone tobacco sunburst is pleasantly set off by the gold hardware. It has easy to reach control knobs for quick tone and volume changes.
EBTTraditionally styled body for the "country look" with a similar tone as the popular EBM. Sitting down, this body shape fits comfortably on your leg.
ES BanjitarA solid body 6 string,with a hollow sound chamber. Great on stage banjo toneThe ES Banjitar, like a normal banjo, has extremely fast response compared to a regular electric. Hammer-ons, pull-offs,and slides are accomplished with incredible ease.
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Banjitar DeluxeThe GT-750 was designed for optimal volume and tone. A unique bell brass ring with a special lip was esigned and chosen for its best sound. This provides more acoustic volume and excellent sustain for a six string banjo
Banjitar GT-500Excellent acoustic volume and good sustain. This model is exactly like the GT-750 except uses a steel tone ring (instead of brass) and a plain maple resonator (instead of curl)
BT-2000 Lightweight ModelAcoustically the best sounding 6 string banjo. The 12” body accentuates the bass frequencies which are normally weak on any 6 string banjo. The rim provides maximum sound chamber reverberation. This vintage design and slim neck make the BT-2000 a great alternative instrument for acoustic jams.
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Cripple Creek Banjitar (Vintage Brown)An entry-level banjitar with lots of features and a small price.Is well built with a full warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
TS-250 Tenor SpecialTExceptional tone and exquisite looks! All the same features as the Plectrum Special, with a different neck scale.This four-string is set up to play with "low-action" for easy chording and maximum speed
TS-250 Tenor SepcialSame great features as the TS-250, with added feature of an archtop tone ring which increases high frequencies sought after by many tenor players.
PS-250 Plectrum SpecialAll the same features as the Tenor Special, with a longer neck. Easily converted to an open back.The Plectrum is enjoying a resurgence of popularity here and over seas. Our PS-250 is of vintage design with penetrating tone.
Cripple Creek TenorAn economically-priced tenor banjo with all the features of a quality entry-level instrument. Is well built with a full warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
Cripple Creek PlectrumMore "Bang for the buck" in this entry-level plectrum banjo. Is well built with a full warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
IT-250 Irish TenorIrish Tenor banjos have always been a favorite in the Celtic arena. THis model which packs extra punch/volume and will "cut through" at crowded Celtic music sessions.
CC-IT Cripple Creek Irish TenorAn economically-priced tenor banjo with all the features of a quality entry-level instrument. Is well built
with a full warranty and comes set up and ready to play.
GoldStar Mahogany-GF-85 Pre-War sound and flathead design 
GoldStar Mahogany-Flying Eagle GF-100FE The new Gold Star GF-100FE (Flying Eagle)is back and better than ever before.
GoldStar Mahogany-Hearts + Flowers GF-100HF The new Gold Star GF-100HF (Hearts and Flowers)is back and better than ever before
GoldStar Mahogany Wreath GF-100W The new Gold Star GF-100W (Wreath)is back and better than ever before.
GoldStar Flamed Maple Sunburst GF-200 This instrument represents the culmination of years of development involving the re-issue of the legendary banjos of the late 1970's and 1980's.
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