Gold Tone Banjos: Quality, Affordability, and Innovation Since 1993

Gold Tone has revolutionized the banjo market by offering professional-quality instruments at accessible prices. Founded in 1993 in Titusville, Florida, Gold Tone combines innovative design with proven vintage features to create banjos that serve everyone from beginners taking their first lessons to professional players touring worldwide.

Wayne and Robyn Rogers, active folk musicians in the 1970s and 1980s, founded Gold Tone Banjos with a clear mission: make high-quality banjos accessible to musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds. What started with the original TB-100 Travel Banjo sold via mail order has grown into one of the most respected banjo manufacturers in the industry, offering over 130 instrument models from their Titusville, Florida headquarters.

The Gold Tone Philosophy: More Bang for Your Buck:

Gold Tone’s founding principle is simple but powerful: provide the highest quality instrument at every price point. This isn’t just marketing—it’s a commitment reflected in every aspect of their operation. While Gold Tone instruments are manufactured in partner factories in China and Korea, every single instrument receives a comprehensive 12-point setup at their Florida facility by real musicians before shipping. This hands-on quality control ensures that whether you’re buying a $300 beginner banjo or a $3,000 professional model, you’re getting an instrument that plays beautifully right out of the case.

Innovation and Design:

Wayne Rogers and his team of skilled luthiers design all Gold Tone instruments and build prototypes at their Titusville facility. They often send prototypes to dealers and artists worldwide for evaluation, using this feedback to develop the best possible instrument at the most affordable price. This collaborative approach has led to groundbreaking innovations:

• TB-100 Travel Banjo – The instrument that started it all, still popular for its portability
• Cello Banjos (CEB-4 and CEB-5) – Brought back instruments that had been extinct since the 1930s, developed with string wizard Marcy Marxer
• Banjola – A unique banjo/mandola hybrid
• Dojo – An innovative banjo/dobro combination
• M-Bass – A micro-scale bass banjo
• Orange Blossom Series – Professional-grade Mastertone-style banjos at accessible prices

Gold Tone doesn’t just copy vintage designs—they innovate while respecting tradition. Their instruments blend proven pre-war features with modern improvements in playability and reliability.

Gold Tone Banjo Categories:

Open-Back Banjos: Gold Tone offers an extensive selection of open-back banjos perfect for old-time music, clawhammer, and folk styles. Without a resonator, these banjos are lighter, more comfortable, and produce a mellower, traditional “plunky” sound that’s ideal for old-time music.

Popular models include:

• CC-OT and AC-1 – Affordable beginner-friendly options
• CC-100 Series – The flagship old-time banjo, bestseller for 15+ years
• WL-250 and OT-800 – Advanced open-back models with premium features
• Maple Mountain (MM-150) – Gold Tone’s first open-back, still offering incredible value

Resonator Banjos: For bluegrass players seeking volume, projection, and that classic bright tone, Gold Tone’s resonator banjos deliver professional sound at every price level.

Popular models include:

• CC-100R and BG-150F – Excellent beginner bluegrass banjos
• OB-250 and OB-300 (Orange Blossom Series) – Professional-grade instruments
• OB-2 – Premium 5-string with multi-ply maple rim, crisp bright tone
• OB-2AT – Features archtop tone ring like vintage Gibsons from the late 1920s-1930s
• OB-3 “Twanger” – Pre-war inspired design, Gold Tone’s best-sounding banjo to date
• OB-Grandee – Tribute to pre-war banjos with engraved gold-plated hardware

Specialty Banjos: Gold Tone’s innovative spirit shines in their specialty instruments:

• Banjo-Ukuleles (Banjoleles) – Compact ukulele body with banjo sound
• 6-String Banjos (Banjitars) – Tuned like guitars, perfect for guitarists exploring banjo tone
• Tenor and Plectrum Banjos – 4-string models for jazz, Irish, and Dixieland styles
• Cello Banjos – Revolutionary instruments for bass register playing
• Left-Handed Models – Available across many product lines

The Orange Blossom Series:

Gold Tone’s Orange Blossom (OB) series represents their professional-grade Mastertone-style banjos that compete with instruments costing thousands more. These banjos feature:

• Bell Brass or Cast Bronze Tone Rings – Various hole configurations (20, 30, 40-hole) for different tonal characteristics
• Archtop or Flathead Designs – Both vintage-inspired configurations available
• Premium Maple Construction – Multi-ply rims and flamed maple resonators
• Professional Hardware – Gotoh tuners, Prucha-style tailpieces, dual coordinator rods
• Pre-War Styling – Elegant inlays and appointments

The OB-3 “Twanger” is particularly noteworthy—Gold Tone claims it outperforms every previous model they’ve designed in 25+ years of banjo building. That’s a bold statement backed by countless satisfied professional players.

Gold Tone Sound Characteristics:

What does a Gold Tone banjo sound like? The answer depends on the model and price point, but certain qualities run throughout the line:

Entry-Level Models ($300-$800):

• Clear, balanced tone without harshness
• Adequate volume for learning and casual playing
• Consistent quality control ensures playability
• Great tone for the price—punches above their weight class

Mid-Range Models ($800-$1,500):

• Professional-quality sound suitable for recording and performance
• Improved projection and volume
• Better note separation and clarity
• Premium hardware and components

Professional Models ($1,500-$3,000+):

• Tone that rivals instruments costing twice as much
• Exceptional projection and dynamic range
• Complex overtones and sustain
• Professional-grade appointments and playability

Across all price points, Gold Tone banjos are known for being properly set up, staying in tune, and providing excellent playability right out of the case.

The 12-Point Setup:

What sets Gold Tone apart from many competitors is their commitment to setup. Every Gold Tone instrument receives a thorough 12-point inspection and setup at their Titusville facility before shipping. This process includes:

• Fret dressing and leveling
• Nut filing for proper string height
• Bridge fitting and placement
• Head tension adjustment
• Hardware inspection and tightening
• Intonation verification
• Playability testing by actual musicians
• Cosmetic inspection
• Final quality control by experienced staff

This attention to detail means you’re not buying a banjo that needs immediate work—you’re getting an instrument that’s ready to play professionally from day one.

Gold Tone’s Commitment to Accessibility:

Wayne and Robyn Rogers founded Gold Tone on the principle that great banjos shouldn’t be reserved for those who can afford $5,000+ instruments. By carefully designing instruments, sourcing quality components globally, and performing final setup in Florida, Gold Tone achieves the seemingly impossible: professional sound at accessible prices.

This democratization of quality has introduced countless players to the banjo who might have been priced out by traditional American boutique makers. Gold Tone proves that where parts come from matters less than what you do with them—and what Gold Tone does is create instruments that play beautifully and sound professional.

Gold Tone and OME Banjos:

In 2023, Gold Tone Music Group acquired OME Banjos, one of America’s most respected boutique banjo makers. Founded by Chuck Ogsbury in 1970, OME had built a 50-year legacy of handcrafted excellence but faced production challenges due to the time-intensive nature of their work.

Wayne Rogers, longtime friend of Chuck Ogsbury, stepped in to continue the OME legacy. The entire OME workshop was relocated from Boulder, Colorado, to a dedicated facility in Titusville, Florida, maintaining OME as an independent operation producing handcrafted banjos to the same high standards. This acquisition ensures that OME’s tradition of American craftsmanship continues while Gold Tone’s production expertise makes these sought-after instruments more readily available.

Who Plays Gold Tone Banjos:

Gold Tone instruments are played by musicians across the spectrum:

Beginners: Affordable entry-level models that don’t sacrifice playability

Intermediate Players: Mid-range banjos suitable for jamming and performance

Professionals: Orange Blossom series and specialty models used on stage and in studios

Traveling Musicians: Lightweight, durable instruments perfect for the road

Multi-Instrumentalists: Specialty models like banjitars and banjo-ukes for versatile players

Notable players who’ve used Gold Tone instruments include Billy Strings (ML-1), Bob Carlin (Carlin Series designer), Marcy Marxer (cello banjo development), and countless professional old-time and bluegrass musicians who appreciate quality without the boutique price tag.

Gold Tone vs. Other Brands:

In the $300-$2,000 price range, Gold Tone competes directly with brands like Recording King, Gold Star, and Deering’s affordable lines. What sets Gold Tone apart:

Gold Tone occupies a sweet spot in the market: significantly better than entry-level imports, comparable to mid-range American brands, and offering professional features at accessible prices.

Warranty and Customer Service:

Gold Tone stands behind their instruments with:

• Lifetime Transferable Warranty on many models
• Direct Customer Support – Call and talk to real people who play banjos
• Repair and Modification Services – In-house luthiers handle re-frets, setups, and custom work
• Neck Replacement Program – Upgrade or replace necks with professional installation
• Educational Resources – Support for learning and maintaining your instrument

Wayne and Robyn Rogers remain actively involved in the company, maintaining the personal touch and musician-focused service that’s been Gold Tone’s hallmark since 1993.

Gold Tone Banjos at Banjo Warehouse:

At Banjo Warehouse, we carry a carefully selected range of Gold Tone banjos representing the best values in their catalog. Our inventory focuses on:

New Gold Tone Banjos: Current production models from Gold Tone’s extensive catalog, purchased direct and offered at competitive prices.

Used Gold Tone Banjos: Pre-owned Gold Tone instruments that have been inspected, set up, and accurately described. Gold Tone banjos hold their value well and represent excellent opportunities in the used market.

Every Gold Tone banjo at Banjo Warehouse receives:

• Expert Evaluation by Geoff Hohwald, who understands what makes these instruments great values
• Honest Condition Reports for used instruments
• Professional Setup Check ensuring optimal playability
• Accurate Descriptions of features, condition, and sound characteristics
• Quality Photography showing all aspects of the instrument
• Secure Shipping with full insurance

Our Gold Tone Expertise:

Founder Geoff Hohwald has evaluated hundreds of Gold Tone banjos over decades of playing and teaching. With 50+ years in bluegrass music, Geoff recognizes Gold Tone’s unique position in the market: they offer genuine value without compromise. Not every budget banjo is worth buying, but Gold Tone consistently delivers instruments that play well, sound good, and provide years of reliable service.

This expertise means we can guide you to the right Gold Tone model for your:

• Playing style (bluegrass, old-time, folk, jazz)
• Skill level (beginner through professional)
• Budget (from $300 to $3,000+)
• Tonal preferences (bright and punchy vs. warm and mellow)

Why Choose a Gold Tone Banjo:

For Beginners:

• Affordable entry without sacrificing playability
• Proper setup ensures early success and enjoyment
• Professional sound encourages continued learning
• Can grow with you as skills develop

For Intermediate Players:

• Professional features at non-professional prices
• Suitable for jamming, recording, and performance
• Holds value well if you upgrade later
• Wide range of models for different styles

For Professionals:

• Orange Blossom series competes with $5,000+ instruments
• Reliable for touring and studio work
• Innovative models offer unique sounds
• Excellent backup instruments

For Budget-Conscious Musicians:

• Best bang-for-buck in the industry
• No need to compromise on sound quality
• Money saved can go toward lessons, accessories, or another instrument

Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing:

Gold Tone uses carefully selected woods and materials:

• Maple from the US and Canada
• Rosewood and ebony from Africa and Indonesia
• Blackwood from Australia
• Metal parts from Korea, China, US, and Germany

While manufacturing happens overseas, Gold Tone maintains quality control and ethical sourcing standards while keeping prices accessible.

The Gold Tone Difference:

Thirty years into their journey, Wayne and Robyn Rogers continue to run Gold Tone with the same passion and principles they started with in 1993. Every instrument still receives hands-on attention in Florida. Every design still focuses on providing the best possible value. Every customer still gets personal service from people who actually play banjos.

This consistency of purpose has made Gold Tone one of the most trusted names in the banjo world. Whether you’re buying your first banjo or your twentieth, Gold Tone offers instruments that deliver professional results without requiring a professional budget.

Ready to Discover Gold Tone:

Browse our current selection of Gold Tone banjos or contact Geoff Hohwald at 404-218-8580 or [email protected] to discuss which Gold Tone model fits your playing style and budget. From affordable beginners to professional Orange Blossom models, we’ll help you find the perfect Gold Tone banjo.

Visit our showrooms by appointment:

• Atlanta, GA
• Yellow Springs, OH (serving Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and beyond)

Banjo Warehouse – Where Quality Meets Affordability in Every Gold Tone Banjo