Banjo News
Greg Rich’s First Gold Tone Designs: What You Need to Know
Feb
The man who has helped defined the golden era of modern production banjos is back at the drawing board.
Greg Rich – the legendary designer behind some of the most celebrated banjos of the last 40ish years from Gibson, Recording King, Saga and Rich & Taylor – has joined Gold Tone. His first three designs are now available, and they’re generating serious buzz in the bluegrass community.
Here’s what you need to know.
Who Is Greg Rich?
If you’ve played a quality production banjo made in the last 30 years, there’s a good chance Greg Rich had a hand in designing it.
At Gibson, he was responsible for some of their most iconic modern Mastertones. At Recording King and Saga, he helped create Chinese-made instruments that brought professional-quality features to working musicians at accessible prices. At Rich & Taylor, he built banjos that pros still seek out today.
Greg doesn’t just design banjos on paper – he’s a player and an expert in pre-war Gibson banjos who understands what musicians need. That combination of technical expertise and real-world experience is what sets his instruments apart.
Greg Rich
The Banjo Warehouse Connection
Here’s something most people don’t know: Gold Tone credits our very own Geoff Hohwald for providing the vintage Gibson that helped shape the flagship OB-12 design.
Geoff provided Gold Tone with a mint, Gibson RB-12 – a reissue of the rare pre-war top tension banjo – so Greg Rich could study it during the design process. The result is an OB-12 that captures the weight, balance, and tone of those original instruments.
Banjo Warehouse partnered similarly with Gold Tone in 2024 to create the OB-Standard.
Here’s Geoff playing that very RB-12:
The Three New Models
Greg’s first Gold Tone releases cover three different price points, each targeting a specific type of player.
OB-12 Top Tension – $3,499.99
This is Greg’s flagship. A faithful tribute to the late-1930s Mastertone Top Tensions that were known for their weight, mass, and aggressive cut. We’ve already pre-sold five.
Key features:
- Pre-war formula brass flathead tone ring
- Hand-selected walnut neck and resonator
- Original style top tension design
- Prucha Presto tailpiece
- Art Deco Style 12 inlays
- One-piece cast flange
- Hardshell case included
The OB-12 is built for players who want that pre-war top tension sound without paying pre-war prices. If you’ve ever played a vintage Gibson top tension and wished you could afford one, this is the banjo Greg designed for you.
Pre-order bonus: Pre-order customers receive a Remo banjo head personally signed by Greg Rich with his signature musical note artwork. Limited quantity — only one signed head remaining as of February 2026.
Greg Rich signed these heads for our first three OB-12 pre-order customers.
OB-100 Orange Blossom – $1,099.99
The OB-100 is a lightweight tribute to the classic RB-100. It delivers Mastertone-style tone and construction at a weight your shoulder will thank you for.
Key features:
- Rolled brass tone ring
- 3-ply maple tone rim
- One-piece cast flange
- Mahogany neck and resonator
- Tobacco burst matte finish
- Gotoh planetary tuners
- Hardshell case included
- Weight: 13 lbs
This is the banjo for players who gig regularly and need something they can play all night without fatigue. Professional features, manageable weight, reasonable price.
View the OB-100 Orange Blossom →
BG-175F Flying Eagle – $999.99
Flying Eagle inlays and Mastertone styling for under $1,000. That’s the headline.
Key features:
- Flying Eagle mother-of-pearl inlays
- Rolled brass flat bar tone ring
- Multi-ply maple rim
- Flat flange design
- Mahogany neck and resonator
- Vintage brown high-gloss finish
- Padded gig bag included
- Weight: 8.5 lbs
The BG-175F is perfect for players moving up from a starter banjo who want professional aesthetics and solid tone without breaking the bank. At 8.5 lbs, it’s also one of the lightest resonator banjos you’ll find.
View the BG-175F Flying Eagle →
Pre-order bonus: Pre-order customers receive a Remo banjo head personally signed by Greg Rich with his signature musical note artwork. Limited quantity.
What’s Next from Gold Tone?
Greg Rich says the best is yet to come. In his own words:
“I’m getting pretty excited about all the new Gold Tone instruments that will soon be arriving. Justin and the folks at Gold Tone are getting really serious about delivering super high quality instruments to the players. You’re going to see new Artist models as well as upgrades to current models. A whole new level is on its way.”
We’ll update this page as new models are announced. If you want to be first to know, call Geoff at 404-218-8580 or sign up for our email list.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose the OB-12 if: You want the ultimate Greg Rich Gold Tone experience. You value that heavy, aggressive pre-war top tension sound and you’re willing to invest in a flagship instrument.
Choose the OB-100 if: You play frequently and need a professional-quality banjo that won’t wear you out. The 13 lb weight and rolled brass tone ring deliver the goods without the fatigue.
Choose the BG-175F if: You want to step up to a serious instrument without spending serious money. The Flying Eagle inlays look like they belong on a banjo twice the price.
Questions?
We’re happy to talk through the differences and help you figure out which model fits your playing style and budget. Call Geoff directly at 404-218-8580 or stop by the shop in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Every banjo ships with free shipping to the continental US and a 7-day approval period. If it’s not right for you, send it back.
