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, mahogany resonator with golden sunburst finish, mahogany neck, and premium Gotoh tuners.
In stock · Ships within 2 business days
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-2 Joe Mullins Signature Banjo Demo | Lightweight Gibson Bowtie Sound Test, opens a video playerAt a Glance
- Handedness
- Right-Handed
- Style
- Resonator Banjo
- Strings
- 5
- Scale Length
- 26-3/16"
- Tone Ring
- Brass
- Pickup
- No
- Made In
- China
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 mahogany 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OB-150+ | JLS flathead (USA-made) | Maple | Pre-war tone seekers on a budget |
| OB-2 JM | Rolled brass | Mahogany | Postwar RB-150 bowtie sound |
| OB-Standard | Mastertone flathead | Maple | Earl Scruggs-style traditional players |
The mahogany neck and mahogany resonator on the OB-2 JM deliver a warmer, more focused midrange than 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 a professional setup at the Gold Tone factory in Titusville, Florida.
Gold Tone OB-2 JM Specifications
| Tone Ring | Rolled brass |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Resonator | Mahogany |
| 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 or text us at 404-218-8580 — your go-to expert for vintage and new banjos.
Email us anytime at [email protected].
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Want to visit? Call or text us at 404-218-8580 to set up a time at our Yellow Springs, Ohio shop (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. Today, Banjo Warehouse is your trusted source for vintage and new banjos, expert advice, and quality instruments.
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