Pre-War Soul, Modern Price Tag
Some banjos look the part. The Gold Tone OB-150 Orange Blossom actually plays the part. It's styled after the sought-after pre-war instruments that serious bluegrass players have been chasing for decades — the kind of banjo with a deep, punchy flathead voice that cuts right through a jam. Gold Tone built this one to deliver that classic sound without requiring a trip to a vintage shop or a second mortgage.
At the heart of the OB-150 is an 11-inch, 3-ply Canadian maple rim paired with a brass flathead tone ring and a one-piece cast flange. That's the same fundamental recipe found on the instruments that defined bluegrass tone generations ago. Whether you're working through Scruggs rolls in your living room or sitting in at an open mic, the OB-150 gives you a banjo that's ready to be taken seriously.
This is a resonator banjo built for bluegrass players who want authentic construction and reliable hardware in one package. It's as comfortable for someone stepping up from a starter instrument as it is for a player who simply wants a well-spec'd gigging banjo at a fair price.
The Pot: Where the Tone Lives
The OB-150's 11-inch, 3-ply Canadian maple rim is the structural and sonic foundation of everything else. It's paired with a sand cast brass flathead tone ring — the same style used on the classic pre-war Mastertone-type designs that set the standard for bluegrass banjo tone. The one-piece die-cast flange keeps the resonator locked in tight, and the 11-inch notched brass tension hoop holds the head evenly across the rim.
The head itself is an 11-inch Remo HC Coated Topside — a high-collar frosted head that's a tried-and-true choice for bluegrass. The 14-inch maple resonator projects your sound forward with authority, and dual 11-inch coordinator rods give you the ability to dial in neck angle and overall setup to your liking.
Neck and Hardware Worth Playing
The maple neck features a rosewood fingerboard with vintage pearloid inlays, cream ABS binding, and 22 frets over a 26-1/4-inch scale length. A two-way adjustable truss rod means you're not locked in — seasonal humidity changes or personal preference won't leave you stuck with a neck you can't adjust. The Zero Glide bone nut (1-3/16" width) keeps string spacing consistent and helps with tuning stability.
GT Planetary tuners are the real deal for a banjo at this price point — they're smooth, accurate, and hold their position reliably. The Terminator tailpiece and maple-with-ebony-cap bridge round out the hardware picture. Chrome-plated fittings, 24 brackets, a Gold Tone engraved armrest, and cream buttons give the OB-150 a clean, classic look that matches its sound.
Product Features:
- String Count: 5-string resonator banjo with pre-war styling
- Rim: 11-inch, 3-ply Canadian maple rim
- Tone Ring: Sand cast brass flathead tone ring
- Resonator: 14-inch maple resonator with one-piece die-cast flange
- Head: 11-inch Remo HC Coated Topside; 11-inch notched brass tension hoop
- Neck: Maple with two-way adjustable truss rod; 26-1/4" scale length
- Fingerboard: Rosewood with vintage pearloid inlays, 22 frets, cream ABS binding
- Nut: Zero Glide bone nut, 1-3/16" width
- Tuners: GT Planetary tuners
- Tailpiece: Terminator; Bridge: Maple with ebony cap
- Hardware: Chrome-plated; Gold Tone engraved armrest; 24 brackets
- Coordinator Rods: Dual 11-inch; Finish: Vintage Brown/Satin
Brand: Gold Tone
Model: OB-150 Orange Blossom
SKU: OB-150
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
