The Gold Tone Mastertone® OB-12 Top Tension Resonator Banjo #4465 by Gold Tone is shown in an open hard case with a gray cleaning cloth, Humidipak Maintain pack, AcoustiCare polishing cloth, luggage tag, and an instruction booklet.

A close-up of the shiny Gold Tone Mastertone® OB-12: Top Tension Resonator Banjo #4465 in its case, with a gray cloth, box of strings, and AcoustiCare cleaner nearby—crafted by Gold Tone for that classic pre-war banjo sound.

The Gold Tone Mastertone® OB-12: Top Tension Resonator Banjo #4465, by Gold Tone, stands upright in a rustic room featuring vintage decor—retro TV, guitar case, and old wooden crates—evoking the classic pre-war banjo sound.

A close-up of the Gold Tone Mastertone® OB-12: Top Tension Resonator Banjo #4465 shows its white drum, ornate metal rim, and strings on a stand, evoking classic pre-war tones with a patterned rug and wood furniture in the background.

Close-up of a Gold Tone Mastertone® OB-12: Top Tension Resonator Banjo #4465 neck with white inlay fret markers and a tuning peg with a white knob. The blurred background and warm lighting evoke classic pre-war banjo sound.

Gold Tone Mastertone® OB-12: Top Tension Resonator Banjo #4465

Gold Tone Mastertone® OB-12: Top Tension Resonator Banjo #4465

Name: Gold Tone Mastertone® OB-12: Top Tension Resonator Banjo #4465
Brand: Gold Tone
SKU: 22604465
Price: 3499.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$3,499.99

Quantity:

23-Point Professional Inspection Checked over by our techs before it ships

30-day in-home trial Return it for any reason

1-year trade-in at 90% credit Pre-tax, less round-trip shipping. No other retailer offers this

Free humidity tracker Bluetooth, included with every order

FAST SHIPPING!

Most items usually ship within 24 hours. Exceptions will be noted below.

Questions about this instrument?

4177201223 Message us

Every one of us plays. Virtual demos available on request.

Description

The man who defined the "Golden Era" of modern banjos is back at the drawing board. Introducing the Gold Tone OB-12 Top Tension—designed with Greg Rich to deliver the original, authentic pre-war sound you’ve been chasing. Massive sustain, heritage styling, and uncompromising volume.

This instrument is a faithful tribute to the famous Mastertone Top Tension models of the late 1930s. Renowned for their weight and mass, these banjos offer a distinct, aggressive cut and a depth of tone that standard builds simply cannot replicate. At the heart of this build is the hand-selected walnut neck and matching resonator. Walnut offers a sonic signature that sits perfectly between mahogany and maple—delivering warmth without sacrificing clarity—while the carved original-style resonator provides the correct internal air chamber geometry for maximum projection.

The OB-12 is dressed to impress with historically accurate appointments. The headstock features our New Vintage Script Logo, evoking the class and style of the pre-war epoch. Functionality meets comfort with a custom top tension armrest, specifically contoured to cover the tension bolts for a smooth playing experience. To ensure optimal string energy transfer and classic snap, we have equipped this model with a premium Prucha Presto tailpiece.