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

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.

SPECS
-Headstock-
Buttons: C-Style
Tuners: GT Planetary

-Neck-
Material: Walnut
Fingerboard: 12" Radiused Fingerboard
Nut Width: 1-1/4" Bone Nut
Frets: 22
Inlay: Art Deco Style 12
Truss Rod: Two-Way Adjustable
Scale Length: 26-1/4"

-Body-
Rim: 11" 3-Ply Maple
Resonator: 14" Original Style Carved Walnut Resonator
Tone Ring: Pre-War Formula Brass Flathead Tone Ring
Head: 11" Remo HC Coated Topside
Flange: One Piece Cast
Tension Hoop: 11" Original Top Tension Style
Brackets: 24
Coordinator Rods: Dual 11"
Binding: White w/ Black
Armrest: Top Tension Armrest

-Hardware-
Tailpiece: Prucha Presto
Bridge: 5/8 Mastertone
Hardware Finish: Nickel Plated

-Dimensions & Aesthetics-
Finish: Vintage Brown / High Gloss
Case Included

Why Choose The Acoustic Shoppe?
When you choose to purchase from us, you're not just making a transaction; you're investing in an exceptional experience. As a small business, and an authorized acoustic instrument dealer, we take immense pride in going the extra mile for our customers. We handle warranty concerns on your behalf, provide in-depth brand reviews, offer virtual consultations, and share high-quality content, featuring photos and videos of our products. Our dedicated team, all passionate musicians, deeply understands the significance of finding the perfect instrument. With on-site instrument inspections by our skilled repair tech, personalized recommendations, and a sincere commitment to grasping your unique needs, we ensure that each purchase is the perfect match between instrument and musician. Our focus is on quality and customer satisfaction, not just sales numbers. We genuinely care about bringing your musical aspirations to life, and we find joy in doing so. We're proud to have been voted NAMM Top 100 Dealer for over a decade, a testament to our commitment to excellence in the music industry. We genuinely care about bringing your musical aspirations to life, and we find joy in doing so. Choose us for an extraordinary shopping experience where we know you by name, and every purchase is driven by our love for music and our dedication to serving our valued customers.