Gold Tone OB-3+ Orange Blossom Mastertone Banjo with JLS Tone Ring — Last One in Stock
The Gold Tone OB-3+ is the standard OB-3 Orange Blossom “Twanger” upgraded with the JLS sand-cast bell-bronze flathead tone ring — the most vintage-sounding flathead ring available today. This is a Banjo Warehouse exclusive configuration. You won’t find the OB-3 with a JLS tone ring anywhere else. One left in stock.
The JLS upgrade transforms the OB-3 from a very good banjo into something that competes with instruments costing twice as much. Steve in Willis, TX just bought one and called it “a significant upgrade from my current RK35.” He bought it for the sound.
Every Gold Tone banjo we sell is professionally set up by our banjo tech Tara before it ships. Free shipping anywhere in the United States.
What Is the JLS Tone Ring?
The JLS (Jim Stull) tone ring is a sand-cast bell-bronze flathead hand-made in the USA. It features a more rounded head-bearing top edge than standard tone rings, resulting in increased contact with the head. The result is a smoother, fuller low-end response with that coveted prewar bark that serious players demand. This is the same JLS tone ring found in the new OME Ikon ($5,499) and in custom builds costing $4,000+. In the OB-3+, you’re getting it at $2,599.99.
Why the OB-3?
The OB-3 “Twanger” is Gold Tone’s prewar-style professional banjo, designed with original prewar measurements on the headstock, neck, and body. This is the same platform that Béla Fleck started with when developing his Bluegrass Heart signature model — he liked the Twanger’s pot assembly so much that it became the foundation for his own banjo.
The mahogany neck and resonator deliver warmth and depth. The slanted resonator walls and concentric resonator rings contribute to exceptional projection. Chrome-plated hardware throughout. An ebony fretboard with mother of pearl position inlays. A Presto-style tailpiece for clean string transfer.
What Makes the OB-3+ Different from the Standard OB-3?
The standard Gold Tone OB-3 comes with a rolled brass tone ring. The OB-3+ replaces that with the JLS sand-cast bell-bronze flathead tone ring — a $700+ upgrade that fundamentally changes the voice of the instrument. The JLS ring gives you deeper bass, more complex overtones, and that distinctive prewar flathead growl that the rolled brass ring cannot replicate. This is not a subtle difference. You hear it immediately.
Specifications
| Neck | |
|---|---|
| Material | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Inlays | Mother of Pearl Position Inlays |
| Headstock | Pre-War Style Design |
| Truss Rod | Two-Way Adjustable |
| Pot | |
|---|---|
| Tone Ring | JLS Sand-Cast Bell-Bronze Flathead (Upgraded) |
| Rim | 3-Ply Maple |
| Flange | One Piece Cast |
| Hardware | Chrome Plated |
| Tailpiece | Presto Style |
| Resonator Walls | Slanted (for enhanced projection) |
| Resonator Rings | Concentric |
| Other | |
|---|---|
| Finish | Mahogany |
| Warranty | Gold Tone Lifetime Transferable |
| Case | Archtop Hardshell Included |
What’s Included
Archtop hardshell case. Gold Tone lifetime transferable warranty. Professional setup by our banjo tech Tara. Free shipping.
One left in stock. When it’s gone, it’s gone — this is a Banjo Warehouse exclusive configuration.
Call Geoff directly at (404) 218-8580 with any questions.
What Our Customers Are Saying
“Banjo was delivered yesterday, excellent shape from shipping. I was able to pick a little bit last night and it sure does ring, love your signature on the head and it is a very beautiful instrument. Thank you again.”
Steve Foster
Willis, TX · March 2026
Financing available: PayPal Pay in 4 on our website, Affirm on Reverb, or Klarna through eBay.
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Why Buy from Banjo Warehouse?
Banjo Warehouse is located in Yellow Springs, Ohio with additional operations in Atlanta, Georgia. Owner Geoff Hohwald has been in the banjo business for over 50 years and is the author of The Banjo Primer. We carry Gold Tone, Deering, OME, and professional-grade banjos from makers across the country. Every banjo ships with a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara and free shipping anywhere in the United States.
FAQ
What is the difference between the OB-3 and the OB-3+?
The standard Gold Tone OB-3 comes with a rolled brass tone ring. The OB-3+ replaces that with the JLS sand-cast bell-bronze flathead tone ring — a hand-made upgrade that delivers deeper bass, more complex overtones, and a distinctive prewar flathead voice. The OB-3+ is a Banjo Warehouse exclusive configuration.
What is the JLS tone ring?
The JLS (Jim Stull) tone ring is a sand-cast bell-bronze flathead with a rounded head-bearing top edge. It is hand-made in the USA and is widely regarded as one of the most authentic-sounding modern flathead tone rings available. It’s the same tone ring found in the OME Ikon and in many high-end custom builds.
How does the OB-3+ compare to other banjos at this price?
At $2,599.99, the OB-3+ with the JLS tone ring sits in a rare spot — you’re getting a hand-cast, USA-made bell-bronze flathead tone ring in a professional-grade banjo for significantly less than comparable instruments. The JLS ring alone is a $700+ component. Banjos with similar tone rings typically start at $3,500 and up.
Is the OB-3 the same banjo that Béla Fleck started with?
Yes. The OB-3 “Twanger” pot assembly is the platform that Béla Fleck, Marc Horowitz, and Wayne Rogers used as the starting point when developing the Bluegrass Heart signature banjo. Béla liked the Twanger enough to build his signature model around it.
Does the OB-3+ come with a case?
Yes. The OB-3+ includes an archtop hardshell case and Gold Tone’s lifetime transferable warranty. When purchased from Banjo Warehouse, it also comes with a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara and free shipping.
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