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

The Gold Tone OB-3RF/L is the left-handed version of one of the most carefully researched pre-war banjo recreations ever produced: the Orange Blossom “Twanger.” Born from a collaboration between Banjo Ben Clark, Jake Stogdill, and Robby Boone, this instrument set out to capture the essence of JD Crowe’s iconic RB-3 “Banger” — one of the most celebrated banjos in bluegrass history. Gold Tone spent years studying the original measurements of the headstock, neck, and body, sourcing the right hardware, and engineering a tone ring that no production banjo had ever offered before. The result is a left-handed instrument that serious players will recognize immediately as something genuinely special.

At the heart of the OB-3RF/L is its signature No-Hole flat-top bell brass tone ring. Unlike conventional tone rings, the absence of holes tightens sustain and sharpens the attack — giving you that crisp, articulate “twang” that defined the golden era of bluegrass. Complementing the ring is an 11-inch three-ply maple rim, a one-piece cast flange, a Presto tailpiece, concentric resonator rings, and slanted resonator walls — all period-correct details that contribute to the banjo’s dynamic projection. The mahogany neck wears 22 frets over a rosewood fingerboard with pearloid ABS Leaves & Bowes inlay, and the 1-1/4″ bone nut at the proper pre-war width keeps the playability true to the original. Gotoh planetary tuners, nickel-plated hardware throughout, and a natural high-gloss brown mahogany finish complete a package that looks and plays like a museum piece — built to be gigged hard. Left-handed players no longer have to compromise on an instrument of this caliber.

This instrument ships factory-fresh direct from Gold Tone, where every banjo receives a professional setup at their Titusville, Florida shop before it leaves. As an authorized Gold Tone dealer, we stand behind every sale with the full manufacturer warranty — including Gold Tone’s lifetime transferable warranty on this model. Our team is here before and after your purchase for setup questions, string and accessory advice, or anything else you need to get the most from this banjo. An archtop hardshell case is included with this instrument.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means you receive a genuine new instrument backed by Gold Tone’s full lifetime transferable manufacturer warranty. 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 — and that depth of knowledge informs every recommendation our team makes. We’re here to help you choose the right instrument, talk through setup preferences, and point you toward the accessories that actually make a difference. Financing is available through PayPal Pay in 4 and 3, 6, 12, or 24-month plans with no late fees, plus Afterpay, so you can invest in the instrument you really want without compromise.

Gold Tone OB-3RF/L Specifications

Model	OB-3RF/L (Left-Handed)
Handedness	Left-Handed
Tuning	GDGBD
Scale Length	26-3/16″
Nut Width	1-1/4″ Bone
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Frets	22
Inlay	Pearloid ABS Leaves & Bowes
Truss Rod	Two-Way Adjustable
Tuners	Gotoh Planetary
Buttons	C-Style
Headstock	Pre-War Original Measurements
Tone Ring	11″ Flat Top – No Hole – Bell Brass
Rim	11″ 3-Ply Maple
Head	11″ Remo HC Coated Topside
Tension Hoop	11″ Notched
Brackets	24
Flange	One Piece Cast
Tailpiece	Presto
Bridge	5/8″ Snuffy Smith
Coordinator Rods	Dual 11″
Resonator	14″ Mahogany w/ Angled Sidewalls & Concentric Rings
Binding	Cream ABS
Armrest	Fits All GT Plain
Hardware	Nickel Plated
Finish	Natural / High Gloss (Brown Mahogany)
String Gauge	.009, .020w, .013, .011, .009
Weight	13 lbs.
Case	Archtop Hardshell Case Included
Warranty	Lifetime Transferable (Gold Tone)
Setup	Gold Tone, Titusville, FL USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the No-Hole tone ring on the OB-3RF/L different from a standard tone ring?

Most resonator banjo tone rings — including many high-end models — feature holes or ports that allow air to move through the ring, which contributes to sustain and warmth. The No-Hole flat-top bell brass tone ring on the OB-3RF/L blocks that movement, which tightens the sustain dramatically and sharpens the initial attack. The result is the punchy, focused “twang” associated with pre-war bluegrass recordings and the playing style of JD Crowe. It’s a subtle but immediately audible difference that experienced players notice the moment they pick the instrument up.

Is this banjo suitable for an intermediate player, or is it aimed exclusively at professionals?

The OB-3RF/L is a professional-grade instrument, but it is absolutely approachable for a serious intermediate player who is ready to invest in something they won’t outgrow. The playability is excellent thanks to the proper pre-war neck dimensions, bone nut, and Gotoh tuners — it responds well and stays in tune reliably. If you’re progressing quickly and want an instrument that will carry you through decades of playing without any ceiling, this is a smart long-term investment. Our team is happy to talk through whether this is the right step for where you are in your playing.

Can I order the OB-3RF/L with optional upgrades like capo spikes or a pickup?

Yes — Gold Tone offers optional upgrades including capo spikes, a pickup, and a Zero Glide upgraded nut on this model. If you’d like to discuss ordering one of these configurations, please reach out to us directly before placing your order and our team will be glad to help coordinate the right setup for you.

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