Gold Tone Mastertone OB-150 Orange Blossom Banjo with Hardshell Case

The Gold Tone OB-150 is the most affordable professional-grade bluegrass banjo we carry. It is where full “Mastertone” construction begins in the Gold Tone lineup: a sand-cast 20-hole flat top bell brass tone ring, a 3-ply Canadian maple rim, and a one-piece cast flange. That is the same construction approach used in the instruments that defined bluegrass, at a price working musicians can actually afford. A hardshell case is included.

Deciding between this and the BG-150F? We put them side by side in Gold Tone OB-150 vs BG-150F, with a full spec comparison, a sound demo of both, and the short version of why the cast flange and the bell brass ring are the parts that matter. The OB-175 is the other Orange Blossom we have in stock right now; it ships with a gig bag rather than a hardshell case.

The OB-150 is the right banjo for a serious player ready to step up from entry-level instruments into professional territory without spending three thousand dollars. It is also an exceptional value for a touring or gigging musician who needs a reliable pro-grade instrument on stage every night.

Left-handed? Gold Tone builds the OB-150 as a left-handed model at the same price. It is not something we keep on the shelf, but we order it regularly. Call or text Geoff at (404) 218-8580 and we will get one coming.

Setup

Every OB-150 is professionally set up at the Gold Tone factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships. If the banjo is in stock here in Yellow Springs, our banjo tech Tara checks it over a second time before it goes in the box. Some Gold Tone orders ship directly from the distributor with that factory setup. If you would like Tara to go through yours either way, just say so in your order notes and we will have the instrument come through our shop before it goes to you.

Fifth string spikes are free. Most shops charge to install them, and Gold Tone charges twenty five dollars. We put them in at no cost. Just ask for them in your order notes and tell us which frets you want, or say “the usual” and we will do the 7th, 9th and 10th.

Warranty

The OB-150 carries Gold Tone’s transferable lifetime warranty. If you sell the banjo years from now, the warranty goes with it, which is unusual at this price and tells you what Gold Tone thinks of the instrument.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio is an authorized Gold Tone dealer. We have sold Gold Tone banjos since Wayne Rogers founded the company in the early 1990s, and Geoff has direct relationships with the Gold Tone team. You will not receive an unplayable instrument from us.

Gold Tone OB-150 Specifications

Configuration	5-string resonator
Neck material	Maple
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Frets	22
Inlay	Vintage pearloid (ABS) with “Mastertone” block at the 21st fret
Nut	1-3/16″ ZeroGlide
Truss rod	Two-way adjustable
Tuners	GT Planetary
Tuner buttons	White
Binding	Cream ABS
Rim	11″ 3-ply Canadian maple
Tone ring	11″ sand-cast bell brass, flat top, 20 hole
Tension hoop	11″ notched
Head	11″ Remo HC coated topside
Brackets	24
Coordinator rods	Dual 11″
Flange	One-piece cast
Resonator	14″ maple
Tailpiece	Presto
Bridge	5/8″ maple with ebony cap
Armrest	Fits all GT, plain
Finish	Vintage Brown satin
Hardware	Chrome plated
Scale length	26-3/16″
Weight	11.5 lbs
Tuning	GDGBD
String gauges	.009, .022w, .013, .011, .009
Warranty	Transferable lifetime
Includes	Hardshell case, plus free fifth string spikes on request
Made in	China, set up in Titusville, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the OB-150 a professional-grade banjo?

The OB-150 has a sand-cast 20-hole flat top bell brass tone ring, a 3-ply Canadian maple rim, and a one-piece cast flange. That is the same construction approach used in the prewar Gibson “Mastertone” banjos that defined the sound of bluegrass. It is meaningfully different from the BG-150F and the BG-175F, which use rolled brass flat bar tone rings and flat flanges. The OB-150 is where full-weight bell brass tone ring construction begins in the Gold Tone lineup.

What is the difference between the OB-150 and the BG-150F?

The BG-150F has a rolled brass flat bar tone ring, a flat flange, and a mahogany resonator. The OB-150 steps up to a sand-cast 20-hole flat top bell brass tone ring, a one-piece cast flange, and a 14″ maple resonator. The OB-150 is significantly louder and more powerful, and it includes a hardshell case rather than a padded bag. If you are a serious player or a gigging musician, the OB-150 is the right instrument.

Is the OB-150 made in China? Does that matter?

The OB-150 is built in China to Gold Tone’s spec and then professionally set up at their Florida shop before it ships. That is how Gold Tone keeps a sand-cast bell brass tone ring and a one-piece cast flange at this price. If an American-made instrument matters more to you than the hardware, say so when you call and Geoff will point you at the Deering and Pisgah banjos we carry instead. There is no wrong answer, but you should know which you are buying.

Does the OB-150 come with a case?

Yes. A Gold Tone hardshell case is included at no additional charge.

Is the OB-150 good for gigging?

Yes, it is built for it. The one-piece cast flange, bell brass tone ring and 3-ply maple rim give you the volume and projection you need on stage, and the hardshell case protects it on the road. At 11.5 lbs it is a heavy banjo, which is worth knowing if you stand for long sets, but that weight is typical of what professional players use every night.

Is the OB-150 available left-handed?

Yes. Gold Tone builds a true left-handed OB-150 at the same price. We do not stock it, but we order it regularly. Call or text Geoff at (404) 218-8580.

Do you install fifth string spikes?

Yes, and we do not charge for them. Spikes are small staples set into the fingerboard that let you catch the fifth string when you capo up, so you can play out of G shapes in A or B. Ask for them in your order notes. Most players want the 7th, 9th and 10th frets, but tell us if you want something else.

What warranty comes with the OB-150?

Gold Tone’s transferable lifetime warranty. It stays with the instrument if you sell it.

Shipping, Returns and Financing

Free insured shipping anywhere in the United States. You have 7 days from delivery to decide. If it is not right for you, send it back; return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility, and refunds are the purchase price less $125 to cover our original shipping cost. Full details are on our store policies page. Financing is available at checkout through PayPal Pay in 4, and through Afterpay on instruments under $4,000.

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Also available in alternate finishes at the same price. Call or text Geoff at (404) 218-8580 for current options.