Gold Tone OB-2 JM Joe Mullins Signature Mastertone Bowtie Banjo with Case – Professional Bluegrass Banjo with Rolled Brass Tone Ring
$ 2,399.99
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, maple resonator with golden sunburst finish, mahogany neck, and premium Gotoh tuners.
In stock
Gold Tone OB-2 JM Joe Mullins Signature Banjo — Professional Bluegrass Tone at Banjo Warehouse
We’re proud to stock our neighbor Joe’s signature banjo here in southwest Ohio. If you’re a bluegrass fan from our area, then you already know what the Mullins family does for our community — they’re true ambassadors of this incredible musical tradition.
I’ve had the privilege of watching Joe Mullins build his legendary career, from his early days with The Traditional Grass to his current success with The Radio Ramblers. His IBMA Entertainer of the Year award and regular Grand Ole Opry appearances speak volumes about his artistry, but what really impresses me is his dedication to putting professional-grade instruments in the hands of the next generation of bluegrass musicians.
What Vintage Gibson Inspired the OB-2 JM?
The OB-2 JM is modeled after the Gibson RB-150 — a non-Mastertone postwar bowtie banjo produced from 1948 to 1958. The RB-150 shared most of the cosmetic appointments of the early Mastertone models (including the classic bowtie inlays, but minus the Mastertone block and bound peghead), making it one of the rarer and more collectible postwar Gibson designs. Gold Tone has faithfully recreated that classic voice for today’s players.
The rolled brass tone ring delivers that warm, focused midrange characteristic of the original RB-150 design. Combined with Gold Tone’s innovative lightweight rim design, you get that powerful tone without sacrificing comfort during long performances. The classic mahogany neck paired with a maple resonator creates the perfect foundation, while that gorgeous golden sunburst finish gives it the vintage aesthetic that turns heads on stage.
How Does the OB-2 JM Compare to Other Gold Tone Orange Blossom Banjos?
The OB-2 JM sits between the OB-150+ and the OB-Standard in Gold Tone’s professional lineup, offering Joe Mullins’s signature voice based on the postwar Gibson RB-150 design.
| Model | Tone Ring | Neck | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OB-150+ | JLS flathead (USA-made) | Maple | Pre-war tone seekers on a budget | $1,799 |
| OB-2 JM | Rolled brass | Mahogany | Postwar RB-150 bowtie sound | $2,399 |
| OB-Standard | Mastertone flathead | Maple | Earl Scruggs-style traditional players | $2,499 |
The mahogany neck on the OB-2 JM delivers a warmer, more focused midrange compared to the all-maple construction of the OB-150+ and OB-Standard. The rolled brass tone ring captures that distinctive RB-150 character — a professional-grade voice without the Mastertone designation, just like the original Gibson that inspired it.
Who Is This Banjo Designed For?
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an advancing player ready to step up to a truly exceptional instrument, the Gold Tone OB-2 JM represents outstanding value in the professional banjo market. From a player’s perspective, the OB-2 JM delivers professional-grade tone, exceptional playability, and the reliability you need as a performing musician.
It honors the traditional craftsmanship that made those vintage banjos so special while incorporating modern innovations that today’s players demand — including premium Gotoh tuners for rock-solid tuning stability, whether you’re in the studio or performing live.
What’s Included with the Gold Tone OB-2 JM?
Premium hardshell case for protection and portability, plus professional setup by our luthier Tara Buchy at our Yellow Springs, Ohio shop.
Gold Tone OB-2 JM Specifications
| Tone Ring | Rolled brass |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Resonator | Maple |
| Rim | Gold Tone lightweight design |
| Finish | Golden sunburst |
| Tuners | Gotoh |
| Case | Premium hardshell included |
| Setup | Professional setup included |
Contact Banjo Warehouse | Expert Banjo Sales & Lessons
For detailed descriptions or to chat about banjos, call Geoff Hohwald at 404-218-8580 — your go-to expert for vintage and new banjos.
Email us anytime at thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com.
Follow Banjo Warehouse on social media and marketplaces:
- Facebook – Join our community and get updates
- Reverb – Shop our latest banjo listings
- eBay – Find rare and vintage instruments
- YouTube – Watch demos, reviews, and lessons
Want to visit? Call Geoff to schedule an appointment at our Atlanta, GA, or Yellow Springs, OH locations (serving Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and beyond). Serious inquiries only, please.
Banjo Lessons & Instruction
Geoff Hohwald, author of the bestselling The Banjo Primer, offers in-person and virtual banjo lessons for all skill levels. Explore his full catalog of instructional banjo books and digital modules.
Call today to book your session and start mastering the 5-string banjo with a top instructor.
About Banjo Warehouse
Banjo Warehouse is a family-owned business backed by over 50 years of musical experience and 40 years of instrument retail and education expertise. We specialize in 5-string flathead banjos, with occasional selections of guitars, mandolins, and other folk instruments.
Founder Geoff Hohwald has been an active member of the bluegrass and acoustic music community since the 1960s. A professional banjo and guitar player, Geoff co-founded Watch and Learn Publishing and has owned multiple music stores in Atlanta. Today, Banjo Warehouse is your trusted source for vintage and new banjos, expert advice, and quality instruments.
Related products
The ultimate combination of vintage tone and modern craftsmanship. This OB-250+TP features the legendary JLS #12 long-skirt tone ring - the result of years spent analyzing pre-WWII tone rings to recreate that coveted bronze alloy formula. Paired with the phenomenal Made in America Companion Banjo birch block rim, you get explosive power, clarity, and sustain that rivals banjos costing three times as much. Hearts and flowers inlays, engraved flange, and sunburst resonator complete this stunning professional instrument. Includes hard shell case and expert setup.
The Gold Tone AC-1 won "Best in Show" at NAMM for good reason - it's the lightest full-size banjo you'll find at under 4 pounds. Perfect for beginners, travelers, and kids, this composite rim banjo delivers surprisingly good tone with a slim, comfortable neck and Zero Glide nut. Professionally set up with a 3-year transferable warranty. At $299.99, it's the smart way to start playing banjo.
Left-handed Gold Tone BC-350 Bob Carlin signature openback banjo. 12" maple pot, rolled brass tone ring, scooped ebony fretboard, planetary tuners. Hardshell case included. Professionally set up before shipping.
In late 2018, Jake Stogdill and Robby Boone had a concept for replicating one of the most iconic banjos, played by one of the most iconic banjo players of all time, JD Crowe's original RB-3 ("Banger"). After extensive research and great attention to every detail, Gold Tone was able to rebirth this classic banjo as the OB-3.
This vintage 1980s Fender Leo banjo was made in Japan to Gibson specs and features a full-size tone ring, 10-ply maple shell, and pro setup. A semi-pro banjo at a beginner price.
Left-handed Deering Goodtime Blackgrass Special with patented steel tone ring, midnight maple fingerboard, matte black hardware, and spikes at 7, 9, and 10. Only 6 lbs. Includes free Carrion hardshell case, professional setup by our banjo tech Tara, and free shipping. Authorized Deering dealer.
Professional-grade Recording King RK-ELITE 75 with vintage Mastertone styling, Flying Eagle inlays, mahogany construction, and included hardshell case. This mint condition banjo delivers authentic 1930s tone at an unbeatable price.
The revolutionary Gold Tone WR-7 Wayne Rogers Signature 7-String Banjitar features an innovative doubled low E string design that creates an authentic banjo drone effect. With pre-installed SMP+ pickup, premium maple construction, and included gig bag, this instrument bridges the gap between guitar and banjo like no other.