Gold Tone OB-12 Top Tension | Greg Rich Design
$3,499.99
Greg Rich’s first Gold Tone design. Pre-war formula flathead tone ring, walnut construction, top tension rim, Prucha Presto tailpiece. Set up at Gold Tone’s factory, then checked by our banjo tech Tara before it ships.
In stock
Questions? Call or text us at 404-218-8580Read customer reviews
Questions about this banjo? Call or text 404-218-8580
Watch the demoHear this model played Gold Tone OB-12 Top Tension Banjo Demo | Greg Rich Design, Played by Geoff Hohwald, opens a video playerAt a Glance
- Handedness
- Right-Handed
- Style
- Resonator Banjo
- Strings
- 5
- Scale Length
- 26-1/4"
- Tone Ring
- Brass
- Pickup
- No
- Made In
- China
Gold Tone OB-12 Top Tension Banjo: Greg Rich Design, Pre-War Styling, Walnut Construction
The Gold Tone OB-12 Top Tension is Greg Rich’s first design since joining Gold Tone, a faithful tribute to the famous Gibson Mastertone Top Tensions of the late 1930s with a pre-war formula brass flathead tone ring, hand-selected walnut construction, and original-style top tension design. These banjos were renowned for their weight, mass, and aggressive cut that standard builds simply cannot replicate. Available from Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Set up at Gold Tone’s factory, then checked by our banjo tech Tara before it ships. Your banjo arrives ready to play.
Call or text us at 404-218-8580 with any questions.
Why the OB-12 Top Tension?
The man who defined the “golden era” of modern banjos is back at the drawing board. Greg Rich is the legendary designer behind Gibson’s and Recording King’s most celebrated modern banjos, and his designs have been played by some of the biggest names in bluegrass. Now at Gold Tone, he’s bringing that expertise to a new generation of instruments, and the OB-12 is his flagship statement.
Top tension banjos from the late 1930s are among the most sought-after instruments in bluegrass. The OB-12 faithfully recreates their massive sustain and uncompromising volume in a modern build.
Designed with Input from Banjo Warehouse
Gold Tone credits Geoff Hohwald of Banjo Warehouse for providing a mint Gibson RB-12 that Greg Rich studied while designing the OB-12. With over 60 years playing and selling banjos and one of the largest vintage banjo inventories in the country, Geoff’s expertise helped shape this instrument.
The Tone Ring
At the heart of the OB-12 is the pre-war formula brass flathead tone ring, the sound players have been chasing for decades. The original-style top tension design delivers massive sustain and the aggressive cut that standard builds simply cannot replicate.
In short: the OB-12 Top Tension delivers authentic pre-war tone ring sound in a modern Greg Rich design, walnut construction, one-piece cast flange, Prucha Presto tailpiece, hardshell case included, set up at Gold Tone’s factory, then checked by our banjo tech Tara.
The Construction
Hand-selected walnut neck and matching carved resonator. Walnut sits perfectly between mahogany and maple, delivering warmth without sacrificing clarity. The original-style carved resonator provides the correct internal air chamber geometry for maximum projection.
3-ply maple rim with one-piece cast flange. 12″ radiused rosewood fingerboard with Art Deco Style 12 inlays and new vintage script logo on the headstock. Gotoh pearloid planetary tuners. Prucha Presto tailpiece for premium string energy transfer. Custom top tension armrest contoured to cover tension bolts for smooth playing. Bone nut at 1 1/4″ width.
What’s Included
Hardshell case. Set up at Gold Tone’s factory, then checked by our banjo tech Tara. Free shipping anywhere in the United States.
Financing available: PayPal Pay in 4 on our website.
Call or text us at 404-218-8580 with any questions.
Specifications
| Neck | |
|---|---|
| Wood | Hand-Selected Walnut |
| Fingerboard | 12″ Radiused Rosewood |
| Inlays | Art Deco Style 12 |
| Nut | Bone, 1 1/4″ |
| Tuners | Gotoh Pearloid Planetary |
| Scale Length | 26 1/4″ |
| Pot | |
|---|---|
| Rim | 11″ 3-Ply Maple |
| Tone Ring | Pre-War Formula Brass Flathead |
| Tension Hoop | 11″ Original Top Tension Style |
| Flange | One-Piece Cast |
| Hardware | Nickel Plated |
| Armrest | Custom Top Tension (contoured) |
| Tailpiece | Prucha Presto |
| Resonator | |
|---|---|
| Wood | Hand-Selected Walnut (Carved) |
| Diameter | 14″ |
| Finish | Vintage Brown High Gloss |
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Designer | Greg Rich |
| Case | Hardshell Included |
Why Buy from Banjo Warehouse?
Banjo Warehouse has been selling fine banjos since 1977, now based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Owner Geoff Hohwald has played banjo since 1963, has sold banjos since 1977, is the author of The Banjo Primer, and provided the mint Gibson RB-12 that Greg Rich studied while designing the OB-12. This banjo is set up at Gold Tone’s factory, then checked by our banjo tech Tara, and ships free anywhere in the United States.
Videos
Want to know when new banjos arrive? Join our email list →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a top tension banjo?
A top tension banjo is a design where the head tension is adjusted from the top of the banjo rather than from underneath. Gibson produced top tension Mastertones in the late 1930s, and these instruments are among the most sought-after banjos in bluegrass due to their massive sustain, aggressive cut, and uncompromising volume. The OB-12 is a faithful tribute to this design.
Who is Greg Rich?
Greg Rich is the legendary banjo designer behind Gibson’s and Recording King’s most celebrated modern banjos. His designs have been played by some of the biggest names in bluegrass. The OB-12 Top Tension is his first design since joining Gold Tone, and his flagship statement for the company.
Why walnut instead of maple or mahogany?
Walnut sits perfectly between mahogany and maple, delivering warmth without sacrificing clarity. For a top tension design that is already known for aggressive cut, walnut provides tonal balance while maintaining projection. The hand-selected walnut neck and carved resonator on the OB-12 showcase the wood’s natural beauty.
What is the Prucha Presto tailpiece?
The Prucha Presto tailpiece is a premium tailpiece designed for optimal string energy transfer. It is found on high-end banjos and contributes to the OB-12’s sustain and responsiveness.
Does the OB-12 come with a case?
Yes. The OB-12 comes with a hardshell case included. When purchased from Banjo Warehouse, it is set up at Gold Tone’s factory, then checked by our banjo tech Tara before it ships, with free shipping.
Contact Banjo Warehouse
For detailed descriptions or to chat about banjos, call or text us at 404-218-8580.
Email us anytime at [email protected].
Follow Banjo Warehouse:
- Facebook – Join our community
- YouTube – Watch demos and lessons
- GeoffHohwald.com – Banjo lessons and books
Want to visit? Call or text us at 404-218-8580 to set up a time at our Yellow Springs, Ohio shop.
Be the first to review “Gold Tone OB-12 Top Tension | Greg Rich Design”
You must be logged in to post a review.
More Gold Tone
This is a pre-order. Gold Tone has this one on order, not in stock. We do not have a ship date yet, and your payment is fully refundable at any time before it ships.
The double-cut headstock, combined with the Hearts-and-Flowers inlay pattern, says it all. The OB-Standard respects the GOAT Bluegrass banjoist, Earl Scruggs, who played this banjo style for many years.
This is a pre-order. Gold Tone has this one on order, not in stock. We do not have a ship date yet, and your payment is fully refundable at any time before it ships.
The Gold Tone OB-3RF is a meticulous recreation of JD Crowe's legendary RB-3 "Banger," built in collaboration with Banjo Ben Clark, Jake Stogdill, and Robby Boone to capture every pre-war detail — from the "No Hole" bell brass flat-top tone ring to the slanted resonator walls, Presto tailpiece, and vintage leaf-and-bowes inlay. The result is a focused, cutting tone with tightened sustain that sets it apart from every other banjo in Gold Tone's catalog, all housed in a brown mahogany finish with nickel hardware that looks as authentic as it sounds. Every OB-3RF arrives factory set up by Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida, and includes an archtop hardshell case.
The Gold Tone OB-2 JM Joe Mullins Signature Banjo delivers authentic 1960s Mastertone bowtie tone with modern reliability. Featuring a rolled brass tone ring, mahogany resonator with golden sunburst finish, mahogany neck, and premium Gotoh tuners.
This is a pre-order. Gold Tone has this one on order, not in stock. We do not have a ship date yet, and your payment is fully refundable at any time before it ships.
The Gold Tone OB-150WF is the Orange Blossom bluegrass banjo built with a wide fingerboard and a wider nut, giving you more room between the strings for cleaner fretting and comfortable rolls. It is an easy recommendation for players with larger hands or anyone who simply prefers more space under the fingers. The tone is classic OB-150: a three-ply maple rim, one-piece cast flange, and a bell brass flathead tone ring for authentic pre-war bark. Professionally set up at Gold Tone's factory in Titusville, FL and shipped with a hard case.
This is a pre-order. Gold Tone has this one on order, not in stock. We do not have a ship date yet, and your payment is fully refundable at any time before it ships.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.