{"product_id":"ashthorpe-left-handed-5-string-banjo-full-size-closed-back","title":"Ashthorpe Left Handed 5-String Banjo - Full Size, Closed Back","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeft-handed design:\u003c\/strong\u003e The guitar-style headstock and neck are configured for left-handed players, making fretting and picking feel natural without modification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRemo head with 24 brackets:\u003c\/strong\u003e The crisp white Remo frosted head and 24 chrome-plated brackets produce a clear, bright tone and even tension across the drum head.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMahogany construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e A mahogany neck and resonator with a purpleheart fretboard offer warm resonance and a smooth playing surface for varied styles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeared 5th tuner:\u003c\/strong\u003e The geared 5th string tuner reduces slippage and makes high-string tuning more precise than common friction pegs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncluded bundle kit:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdjustable setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e An adjustable truss rod and hinged tailpiece let players tweak neck relief and string tension for better action and intonation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright, clear tone from the Remo frosted head and solid bridge contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGeared 5th tuner and adjustable truss rod provide reliable tuning and setup options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell-built mahogany body and purpleheart fretboard give a pleasing look and feel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBundle includes a quality padded gig bag, spare strings, cloth, and picks for immediate use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccessory quality is mixed per customers, so some extras may be basic compared with separate premium accessories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlayers after a highly refined professional instrument may find the finish and hardware more utilitarian than boutique models.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrientation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLeft handed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHead\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemo frosted white head with 24 chrome brackets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeck and body\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMahogany neck and closed-back mahogany resonator\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFretboard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePurpleheart fretboard with smooth seated frets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5\/8' maple\/ebony bridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTuners\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e151 ratio geared 5th tuner and geared tuning pegs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIncluded case and extras\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15mm padded gig bag, extra strings, polishing cloth, three celluloid picks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the resonator be removed to play open back?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the closed-back resonator is removable, allowing the banjo to be played open back for a mellower tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it come ready to play out of the case?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it arrives as a bundled kit with strings, picks, and a padded gig bag so most players can start playing immediately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the 5th tuner friction or geared?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 5th string uses a geared tuner for more accurate and stable tuning compared with friction tuners.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashthorpe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48197396627675,"sku":"B0973JZ5SJ","price":173.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81jjzDsxmbL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770306684","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/ashthorpe-left-handed-5-string-banjo-full-size-closed-back","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}