Gold Tone OB-300 Orange Blossom Banjo with Case

The Gold Tone OB-300 is the most visually stunning professional bluegrass banjo at anywhere near its price. Gold-plated hardware throughout, a modified tree of life inlay with abalone and mother of pearl running the full length of the ebony fingerboard, a sand-cast bell bronze flathead tone ring, and a flamed maple resonator with its own inlaid pearl and abalone artwork. This is an instrument that commands attention before you play a note — and delivers serious professional tone when you do.

The OB-300 is built on the same professional foundation as the rest of the Orange Blossom series: 3-ply Canadian maple rim, one-piece cast flange, 24 brackets, dual coordinator rods, and a 20-hole flat top bell bronze tone ring. The difference is the level of ornamentation. Nothing in the Gold Tone catalog at this price comes close to what the OB-300 looks like on stage.

Every OB-300 is inspected and set up at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships. Gold Tone also sets up every OB-300 at their factory in Titusville, Florida. Two professional setups before it reaches you. Hardshell case included.

Watch: Geoff Hohwald Plays the Gold Tone OB-300

Geoff Hohwald, owner of Banjo Warehouse and author of The Banjo Primer, demonstrates the Gold Tone OB-300. Listen for the bell bronze tone ring’s volume, projection, and sustain that make this one of the most visually stunning professional bluegrass banjos at anywhere near its price.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio is an authorized Gold Tone dealer. We have sold Gold Tone banjos since Wayne Rogers founded the company. Owner Geoff Hohwald has been playing banjo since 1963 and has direct relationships with the Gold Tone team. Every OB-300 is inspected and set up at Gold Tone’s factory in Titusville, Florida before it ships. You will not receive an unplayable instrument from us.

We offer financing on all orders through PayPal Pay in 4 with options for 3, 6, 12, or 24 month payment plans at no late fees, plus Afterpay.

Gold Tone OB-300 Specifications

Strings	5-string
Style	Resonator
Neck material	Curly maple
Fingerboard	Ebony
Frets	22
Inlay	Modified tree of life (abalone and mother of pearl)
Nut	1-3/16″ ZeroGlide Nut
Truss rod	Two-way adjustable
Tuners	GT Master Planetary
Tuner buttons	C-Style
Binding	Flamed maple
Rim	11″ 3-ply Canadian maple
Tone ring	11″ flat top 20-hole bell bronze sand-cast
Tension hoop	11″ notched
Head	11″ Remo HC Coated Topside
Brackets	24
Coordinator rods	Dual 11″
Flange	One-piece cast
Resonator	14″ flamed maple with inlay
Tailpiece	Presto
Bridge	5/8″ Dotson
Armrest	Fits all GT engraved
Finish	Vintage Brown / High Gloss
Hardware	Triple-plated gold
Scale length	26-3/16″
Weight	13 lbs
Tuning	GDGBD
Strings	.009, .020w, .013, .011, .009
Includes	Hardshell case
Made in	China, set up in Titusville FL and Yellow Springs OH

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the OB-300 different from the OB-150 and OB-250?

All three share the same professional construction foundation — 3-ply Canadian maple rim, one-piece cast flange, and a 20-hole flat top bell brass tone ring. The difference is in the appointments. The OB-150 at $1,299.99 has a maple resonator, vintage pearloid inlay, and chrome hardware. The OB-300 steps up to a curly maple neck, ebony fingerboard with full modified tree of life abalone and mother of pearl inlay, flamed maple resonator with its own inlaid artwork, a Presto tailpiece, a Dotson bridge, and triple-plated gold hardware throughout. It weighs the same at 13 lbs and plays identically well — but it looks like nothing else on stage.

What is the modified tree of life inlay?

The OB-300’s fingerboard inlay is a vine-style pattern that runs the full length of the ebony board in abalone and mother of pearl. Unlike most vine patterns, the OB-300 uses flowers as navigational markers at the standard position frets — so you can orient yourself quickly while playing. It looks spectacular but is also genuinely functional.

What tone ring does the OB-300 have?

The OB-300 has an 11″ flat top 20-hole bell bronze sand-cast tone ring — the same construction used in the world’s finest professional banjos. This is not a rolled brass flat bar ring or a tone hoop. It is a full-weight cast bronze tone ring that delivers the volume, projection, and sustain expected of a professional instrument.

Does the OB-300 come with a case?

Yes. The OB-300 includes a Gold Tone hardshell case at no additional charge.

How does the OB-300 compare to the OB-Grandee?

Both the OB-300 and the OB-Grandee share the same professional construction. The OB-300 features the modified tree of life fingerboard inlay and a gold-plated engraved flange. The OB-Grandee takes a different aesthetic direction with engraved and gold-plated hardware in a tribute to pre-war banjos. Both are exceptional instruments — the choice comes down to which visual style speaks to you.

Does the OB-300 come set up?

Yes. Gold Tone sets up every OB-300 at their factory in Titusville, Florida. You will receive a ready-to-play instrument.

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