The Gold Tone OB-150 is the most affordable professional-grade bluegrass banjo we carry. It is where Mastertone-level construction begins in the Gold Tone lineup — a 20-hole flat top bell brass tone ring, 3-ply Canadian maple rim, and one-piece cast flange. The same construction approach used in the instruments that defined bluegrass, at a price working musicians can actually afford. Hardshell case included.
The OB-150 is the right banjo for a serious player who is ready to step up from entry-level instruments into professional territory without spending $3,000. It is also an exceptional value for a touring or gigging musician who needs a reliable pro-grade instrument on stage every night.
Every OB-150 we sell is inspected and set up by our banjo tech Tara at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio before it ships. Tara trained at the Huber Banjo factory under Steve Huber and Bennie Boling. Gold Tone also sets up every OB-150 at their factory in Titusville, Florida. Two professional setups before it reaches you.
Watch the Gold Tone OB-150
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. Owner Geoff Hohwald has been playing banjo since 1963 and has direct relationships with the Gold Tone team. Every OB-150 we sell is inspected and set up by our banjo tech Tara before it ships. You will not receive an unplayable instrument from us.
Gold Tone OB-150 Specifications
| Price | $1,299.99 |
| Strings | 5-string |
| Style | Resonator |
| Neck material | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 22 |
| Inlay | Vintage pearloid (ABS) |
| Nut | 1-3/16″ ZeroGlide Nut |
| Truss rod | Two-way adjustable |
| Tuners | GT Planetary |
| Tuner buttons | Cream |
| Binding | Cream ABS |
| Rim | 11″ 3-ply Canadian maple |
| Tone ring | 11″ flat top 20-hole bell brass |
| Tension hoop | 11″ notched |
| Head | 11″ Remo HC Coated Topside |
| Brackets | 24 |
| Coordinator rods | Dual 11″ |
| Flange | One-piece cast |
| Resonator | 14″ maple |
| Tailpiece | Terminator |
| Bridge | 5/8″ maple with ebony cap |
| Armrest | Fits all GT engraved |
| Finish | Vintage Brown / Satin |
| Hardware | Chrome plated |
| Scale length | 26-3/16″ |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs |
| Tuning | GDGBD |
| Strings | .009, .022w, .013, .011, .009 |
| Includes | Hardshell case |
| Made in | China, set up in Titusville FL and Yellow Springs OH |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the OB-150 a professional-grade banjo?
The OB-150 has a 20-hole flat top bell brass tone ring, 3-ply Canadian maple rim, and one-piece cast flange — the same construction approach used in the pre-war Gibson Mastertones that defined the sound of bluegrass. This is meaningfully different construction from the BG-150F and BG-175F at $999.99, which have 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 at $999.99 has a rolled brass flat bar tone ring, a flat flange, and a 14″ mahogany resonator. The OB-150 at $1,299.99 steps up to a 20-hole flat top bell brass tone ring, one-piece cast flange, and 14″ maple resonator. The OB-150 is significantly louder and more powerful. It also includes a hardshell case vs a padded gig bag. If you are a serious player or gigging musician, the OB-150 is the right instrument.
Does the OB-150 come with a case?
Yes. The OB-150 includes a Gold Tone hardshell case 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. The hardshell case protects it on the road. At 11.5 lbs it is heavier than the BG-150F — worth noting for players who stand for long sets — but well within the range of what professional players use every night.
Does the OB-150 come set up?
Yes. Gold Tone sets up every OB-150 at their factory in Titusville, Florida. We then inspect and set it up again at Banjo Warehouse before it ships. You will receive a ready-to-play instrument.
Is the OB-150 available left-handed?
Yes. Contact us at banjowarehouse.com/contact to ask about left-handed availability.
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