Gold Tone OB-12 Top Tension | Greg Rich Design
$ 3,499.99
On backorder, more on the way. This model is temporarily sold out at Gold Tone.
Order now to reserve yours at today’s price and hold your place in line. It ships as soon as our
next shipment arrives, expected in August or September 2026. Questions? Call us at
(404) 218-8580.
Greg Rich’s first Gold Tone design. Pre-war formula flathead tone ring, walnut construction, top tension rim, Prucha Presto tailpiece. Setup by our banjo tech Tara. Ships as soon as our next shipment arrives.
On Backorder
Watch the demo
At a Glance
- Handedness
- Right-Handed
- Style
- Resonator Banjo
- Strings
- 5
- Scale Length
- 26-1/4"
- Tone Ring
- Brass
- Pickup
- No
- Made In
- China
On backorder, more on the way. This model is temporarily sold out at Gold Tone.
Order now to reserve yours at today’s price and hold your place in line. It ships as soon as our
next shipment arrives, expected in August or September 2026. Questions? Call us at
(404) 218-8580.
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.
Every Gold Tone is professionally set up at the Gold Tone factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships. Your banjo arrives ready to play.
Call Geoff directly 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, professional Gold Tone factory setup.
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. Professional Gold Tone factory setup. Free shipping anywhere in the United States.
Financing available: PayPal Pay in 4 on our website.
Call Geoff directly 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 1980, now based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Owner Geoff Hohwald has been playing and selling banjos since 1963, is the author of The Banjo Primer, and provided the mint Gibson RB-12 that Greg Rich studied while designing the OB-12. Every banjo ships with a professional Gold Tone factory setup and free shipping anywhere in the United States.
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 also ships with a professional Gold Tone factory setup and free shipping.
Contact Banjo Warehouse
For detailed descriptions or to chat about banjos, call Geoff Hohwald at (404) 218-8580.
Email us anytime at thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com.
Follow Banjo Warehouse:
- Facebook – Join our community
- YouTube – Watch demos and lessons
- GeoffHohwald.com – Banjo lessons and books
Want to visit? Call Geoff to schedule an appointment at our Yellow Springs, OH location.
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