Ashthorpe Left Handed 5-String Banjo - Full Size, Closed Back

In this review, the Ashthorpe left handed 5-string banjo is assessed as an affordable, full-size instrument aimed at beginners and budget-conscious players who still want premium-feeling details. The biggest reason to buy is its combination of a Remo drum head and a geared 5th tuner, which together deliver a bright, stable tone unusual at this price point. The instrument ships as a ready-to-play bundle with a padded gig bag and extras, so it is useful for students or players who need a complete setup without buying many separate items.

Key Features

• Left-handed design: The guitar-style headstock and neck are configured for left-handed players, making fretting and picking feel natural without modification.
• Remo head with 24 brackets: The crisp white Remo frosted head and 24 chrome-plated brackets produce a clear, bright tone and even tension across the drum head.
• Mahogany construction: A mahogany neck and resonator with a purpleheart fretboard offer warm resonance and a smooth playing surface for varied styles.
• Geared 5th tuner: The geared 5th string tuner reduces slippage and makes high-string tuning more precise than common friction pegs.
• Included bundle kit: The banjo ships in a 15mm padded gig bag and includes extra strings, a polishing cloth, and three celluloid picks for immediate playing and transport.
• Adjustable setup: An adjustable truss rod and hinged tailpiece let players tweak neck relief and string tension for better action and intonation.

Who It's For

The Ashthorpe left handed 5-string banjo is ideal for beginners, students, and hobbyists who want a full-size instrument ready to play out of the case; the padded gig bag and included accessories make it convenient for lessons and practice. It also suits players exploring bluegrass, folk, clawhammer, or country who want a bright, articulate sound from a Remo head without spending a lot.

More experienced professionals seeking a boutique or vintage instrument with premium hardware and carved tonewoods may prefer to look elsewhere, as this model prioritizes value and practical features over boutique appointments and highly specialized tone shaping.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bright, clear tone from the Remo frosted head and solid bridge contact.
• Geared 5th tuner and adjustable truss rod provide reliable tuning and setup options.
• Well-built mahogany body and purpleheart fretboard give a pleasing look and feel.
• Bundle includes a quality padded gig bag, spare strings, cloth, and picks for immediate use.

Cons

• Accessory quality is mixed per customers, so some extras may be basic compared with separate premium accessories.
• Players after a highly refined professional instrument may find the finish and hardware more utilitarian than boutique models.

Specifications

Orientation	Left handed
Head	Remo frosted white head with 24 chrome brackets
Neck and body	Mahogany neck and closed-back mahogany resonator
Fretboard	Purpleheart fretboard with smooth seated frets
Bridge	5/8' maple/ebony bridge
Tuners	151 ratio geared 5th tuner and geared tuning pegs
Included case and extras	15mm padded gig bag, extra strings, polishing cloth, three celluloid picks

Our Verdict

The Ashthorpe left handed 5-string banjo is a strong value for players who want a ready-to-play full-size instrument with thoughtful upgrades like a Remo head and a geared 5th tuner. It works especially well for beginners and intermediate players who need reliable tuning and a bright, responsive tone, and the included padded bag and accessories make it a practical choice for lessons and travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the resonator be removed to play open back?
Yes, the closed-back resonator is removable, allowing the banjo to be played open back for a mellower tone.

Does it come ready to play out of the case?
Yes, it arrives as a bundled kit with strings, picks, and a padded gig bag so most players can start playing immediately.

Is the 5th tuner friction or geared?
The 5th string uses a geared tuner for more accurate and stable tuning compared with friction tuners.