Gold Tone OB-2AT/L Mastertone Bowtie Banjo with Case (Left-Handed)

This is the left-handed version of the Gold Tone OB-2AT — and if you play left-handed and have been searching for a professional-grade bluegrass banjo that doesn’t ask you to compromise, this is the one. The OB-2AT is Gold Tone’s loving, deeply researched tribute to the bowtie-era Mastertone banjos produced in Kalamazoo from 1960 to mid-1964, a window in time that many players and collectors consider the last golden chapter of that great American instrument. What sets those banjos apart — and what sets this one apart — is the 19-hole flathead tone ring. Gold Tone used an 11-inch bell brass flat-top ring with 19 holes rather than the earlier 20-hole configuration, matching the specific casting geometry used during those peak years. Pair that with a full-thickness 11-inch 3-ply maple rim, a one-piece cast flange, 24 brackets, nickel-plated hardware throughout, and a notched tension hoop, and you have a recipe for that wide, focused, singing bluegrass tone that players have been chasing for decades.

The neck is mahogany with an ebony fingerboard, 22 frets, and Gold Tone’s beautiful bowtie inlay pattern — an unmistakable visual signature of the era. Gotoh planetary tuners with custom buttons keep you in tune with the precision these instruments demand, and the bone nut at 1-1/4 inches gives you a comfortable, resonant break point for the strings. The golden sunburst finish on the 14-inch mahogany resonator is elegant without being flashy — the kind of look that belongs on a stage or a front porch equally well. Dual 11-inch coordinator rods, a Presto tailpiece, a 5/8-inch Dotson bridge, and cream ABS binding round out a build specification that reads like a checklist for getting it right. I co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone, so I know firsthand how seriously their team approaches these tribute instruments. The OB-2AT reflects that same commitment to historical accuracy and playability.

Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before it ships. That means action adjusted to playable bluegrass height, the head brought to proper tension, intonation checked at the bridge, and every nut slot verified — so the instrument you receive is ready to play at its best right out of the case.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means every instrument we sell is covered by the full manufacturer warranty and comes through the legitimate dealer channel. I’ve been in this industry for more than 45 years — I co-own Watch & Learn in Atlanta, I wrote Banjo Primer (the top-rated beginner banjo method). When Gold Tone and I worked together on the OB-Standard, it deepened my appreciation for what their team does with these tribute models, and the OB-2AT is among the finest things they’ve built. We carry these instruments because we believe in them — not just because they sell. Financing is available with no late fees through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and extended plans at 3, 6, 12, or 24 months. If you have questions about whether this is the right banjo for where you are as a player, reach out — I’m happy to talk it through.

Gold Tone OB-2AT/L Specifications

Model	OB-2AT/L (Left-Handed)
Tone Ring	11″ Flat Top — 19-Hole Bell Brass
Rim	11″ 3-Ply Maple (Full Thickness)
Flange	One-Piece Cast
Head	11″ Remo HC Coated Topside
Tension Hoop	11″ Notched
Brackets	24
Hardware	Nickel Plated
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Ebony
Frets	22
Inlay	Gold Tone Bowtie
Nut	1-1/4″ Bone
Tuners	Gotoh Planetary with Custom Buttons
Truss Rod	Two-Way Adjustable
Resonator	14″ Mahogany
Finish	Golden Sunburst
Binding	Cream ABS
Bridge	5/8″ Dotson
Tailpiece	Presto
Coordinator Rods	Dual 11″
Armrest	Fits All GT Plain
Scale Length	26-3/16″
Tuning	G D G B D
String Gauge	.009, .022w, .013, .011, .009
Weight	13 lbs.
Case	Included
Handedness	Left-Handed

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the OB-2AT use a 19-hole tone ring instead of the more common 20-hole flathead ring?

That’s exactly the right question to ask. The 19-hole configuration was specific to the Kalamazoo-era Mastertone banjos made between 1960 and mid-1964, cast by the same foundry that had been producing those rings before World War II. The hole count affects the mass and resonant geometry of the ring in subtle but real ways — players who have compared these side by side often describe the 19-hole sound as having a slightly broader low-end bloom with a very focused midrange cut. Gold Tone’s research into this era was thorough, and the OB-2AT is built to honor that specific window of instrument-making.

Is this banjo appropriate for an advanced beginner, or is it really aimed at experienced players?

The OB-2AT receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida before shipping, so it plays cleanly and comfortably — it’s not a beast to wrangle. That said, at this price point and build level, it’s really designed for a serious intermediate or advanced player who wants a professional instrument with genuine historical pedigree. If you’re earlier in your journey and want to invest once and grow into a great banjo, it can absolutely serve that role, but you’d also want to consider whether something in the $600–$1,200 range might serve you better while you’re building fundamentals. Happy to help you think through that — just reach out.

What’s included with the OB-2AT/L, and is a hard case really included at this price?

Yes — a hard case is included with the OB-2AT/L. At this price point that’s what you should expect, and Gold Tone delivers. The banjo ships with the case, professionally set up at the Gold Tone factory in Titusville, Florida so it’s ready to play. The HPB gig bag is listed as an available add-on separately if you want a lighter travel option in addition to the hard case.

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