Banjo News
Greg Rich’s First Gold Tone Designs: What You Need to Know
Feb
The man who has helped define 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 as a design consultant. 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. The first production batch has nearly sold out through Banjo Warehouse.
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.
Availability: We have one OB-12 remaining from the first batch. After it sells, the OB-12 moves to backorder. If you want one from the first run, call now.
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 Canadian maple tone rim
- One-piece cast flange
- Mahogany neck and resonator
- Tobacco burst matte finish
- Gotoh planetary tuners
- Gig bag included
- Weight: 8.2 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.
Availability: The first batch of the OB-100 sold out very quickly. Gold Tone expects the next batch to arrive in August or September, and the OB-100 is available for pre-order now. Place your order to reserve yours from that shipment and we will ship it the moment it arrives.
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.
Availability: The BG-175F is on backorder. Order now to reserve yours from the next shipment, with delivery expected around August 2026.
View the BG-175F Flying Eagle →
What’s Next from Gold Tone?
Greg Rich posted on Facebook with an update on the new banjos, and he didn’t hold back:
“What Gold Tone is currently doing with their new banjo and mandolin line of instruments far exceeded my expectations. When Wayne and Justin told me they wanted to deliver pro level instruments and competitive pricing they weren’t kidding. I believe as their new banjos and mandolins start hitting the market you guys are going to be impressed. Wait until you see what’s in the works.”
He also posted that more models are coming very soon. The first OB-12 batch has nearly sold out, and our last first-run OB-12 is the only one of these three we still have on the shelf. The OB-100 and BG-175F are both on backorder.
He’s also been designing promotional artwork for the Mastertone line:
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. At 8.2 lbs, the rolled brass tone ring delivers 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.
