Gold Tone OB-3/L Orange Blossom Pre-War Resonator Banjo (Left-Handed) with Case

Let me be direct with you: the Gold Tone OB-3 is one of the most thoughtfully engineered pre-war style banjos I have ever put my hands on, and this left-handed version makes that same instrument available to southpaw players who deserve it just as much as anyone else. This project started in late 2018 when Banjo Ben Clark, Jake Stogdill, and Robby Boone set out to faithfully replicate one of the most iconic instruments in bluegrass — JD Crowe’s original RB-3, affectionately known as the “Banger.” Gold Tone dove deep into the research, measuring and studying every curve and dimension, and the result is something genuinely special. I have spent more than 45 years in this industry, co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone, and written extensively on Scruggs style — so when I say this banjo captures the spirit of that original, I mean it with full conviction.

What sets the OB-3 apart from virtually every other banjo in this price range is the No-Hole flat-top bell brass tone ring. Most modern tone rings have a hole; removing it tightens the sustain dramatically, producing that dry, focused, authoritative “twang” that old-time bluegrass pickers have chased for decades. Paired with an 11-inch 3-ply maple rim, a one-piece cast flange, nickel-plated hardware, and slanted resonator walls on a 14-inch mahogany resonator, the acoustic architecture here is as close to the original RB-3 blueprint as you will find outside of an actual vintage instrument. The ebony fingerboard carries pearloid ABS Leaves and Bowties inlays, the headstock dimensions match the original, the Presto tailpiece is correct to the period, and the bone nut is cut to 1-1/4 inches. Gotoh planetary tuners hold pitch solidly. This is a complete, giggable, record-quality instrument right out of the case — and yes, it ships with a hardshell archtop case and Gold Tone’s lifetime transferrable warranty.

Each instrument receives a professional setup at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships to you. That means the action is dialed in at the nut and bridge, the head tension is set, the coordinator rods are adjusted, and the intonation is checked. You will not need to take this to a shop before you start playing.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means your OB-3/L comes with the full manufacturer warranty and you are buying from a source Gold Tone stands behind. I have been in this industry since the late 1970s — I ran Deering’s top dealership in 1980, co-owned Watch & Learn in Atlanta since the 1980s, authored Banjo Primer (the number-one rated beginner banjo method), and co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone. I do not sell instruments I would not hand to a serious player with confidence. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans — no late fees — so you can get this banjo in your hands now and work it into your budget on your terms. Questions? Reach out. I am happy to talk banjo.

Gold Tone OB-3/L Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the No-Hole tone ring and why does it matter?

The standard flat-top tone ring has a hole drilled through it — a design feature that became common in later production instruments. JD Crowe’s original RB-3 had a “No-Hole” version, and that small difference has a meaningful effect on the sound. Removing the hole tightens the sustain and gives the banjo a drier, more focused attack — what a lot of players describe as a “twang” rather than a bloom. If you are after a classic Scruggs-era pre-war tone rather than a big, open modern sound, the No-Hole ring is exactly right for you.

Is this truly a left-handed banjo, or just a standard banjo with the strings reversed?

This is a genuine left-handed instrument — the OB-3/L. Gold Tone builds it specifically for left-handed players, meaning the neck, headstock, resonator attachment, and all hardware are oriented correctly for a player who holds the neck in the right hand and picks with the left. It is not a workaround or a conversion; it is the real thing, made for southpaw pickers who want a serious professional-quality bluegrass banjo.

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