Gold Tone OB-250LW/L Left-Handed Lightweight Orange Blossom Banjo with Case

Long jams on a heavy banjo are a real thing — ask anyone who has spent three hours in a parking lot or on a festival stage. The Gold Tone OB-250LW/L is the left-handed version of the OB-250LW, and it answers that problem directly. Instead of a conventional brass tone ring, Gold Tone’s luthiers machine the high-quality 3-ply maple rim itself into the profile of a flathead tone ring — a design they call the “tone rim.” The result is a full-sized, Mastertone-inspired resonator banjo that weighs in at just 8.12 lbs., a meaningful reduction that translates into noticeably less neck and shoulder fatigue over a long playing session. This is not a compromise instrument: the tone rim delivers a warm, woody flathead voice with clear note separation, balanced sustain, and the kind of punch that sits beautifully in a bluegrass mix.

Beyond the lightweight innovation, the OB-250LW/L is loaded with the appointments you expect from Gold Tone’s Orange Blossom line. The maple neck is bound in curly maple and carries an ebony fingerboard with 22 frets and the classic hearts and flowers inlay pattern — elegant without being flashy. GT Master planetary tuners hold pitch reliably and feel smooth under the hand. The 14″ resonator wears a one-piece flame maple veneer under a gorgeous vintage brown tobacco finish. Hardware is chrome-plated throughout, the tension hoop is notched brass, and the Terminator tailpiece rounds out a setup that looks and performs every bit the part of a serious flathead banjo. And because this is the left-handed model, the neck, head, and resonator are all configured for left-hand fretting right out of the case — no modifications needed.

This instrument ships factory-fresh direct from Gold Tone, where every OB-250LW/L receives a professional setup at their Titusville, Florida shop before it leaves the building. It arrives with a hard case included. As an authorized Gold Tone dealer, we back every sale with the full manufacturer warranty, and our team is here for you before and after purchase — whether you have questions about setup adjustments, strings, accessories, or just want to talk banjo.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means you receive a genuine, brand-new instrument backed by Gold Tone’s full manufacturer warranty — not a grey-market or diverted unit. The shop is run by Geoff Hohwald, author of the Banjo Primer and co-designer of the Gold Tone OB-Standard, with over 45 years in the banjo world. That depth of experience means our team understands these instruments at a level most retailers simply don’t, and we’re happy to answer real questions about playability, setup, and fit for your style before you buy. Financing is available and easy: PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month plans are all on the table, with no late fees, so you can get playing without waiting.

Gold Tone OB-250LW/L Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the maple tone rim compare to a brass tone ring in terms of sound?

A traditional brass tone ring adds significant mass and reflectivity, producing the bright, cutting tone classic bluegrass is known for. The OB-250LW’s machined maple tone rim produces a warmer, woodier flathead voice — still articulate and well-projected, but with a rounder, more complex character that many players find sits beautifully in ensemble playing and suits a wide range of styles from bluegrass to old-time. The trade-off is a banjo that is noticeably lighter and easier to play for extended periods, which for many players is well worth it.

Is this truly configured for left-handed players, or will I need to make modifications?

This is a purpose-built left-handed instrument. The neck is set up for left-hand fretting, the head and hardware are properly oriented, and the nut is cut for left-handed string spacing — no modifications are needed. It arrives ready to play for a left-handed player straight out of the hard case.

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