Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,025

High-end/Boutique

$499

$1300+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Gold Tone Banjo OB-250+". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Delve into the world of bluegrass with the Gold Tone OB-250+, a banjo that expertly fuses vintage charm with modern craftsmanship. This 5-string resonator banjo is a standout in Gold Tone's acclaimed Orange Blossom series, inspired by the iconic prewar banjos from the American Midwest. At its core lies the JLS #12 tone ring, a marvel that enhances sound transmission from the pot to the neck, capturing the essence of a bygone era. The result is a rich, resonant tone that will captivate audiences and players alike.

The OB-250+'s construction is a testament to quality, featuring a 3-ply Canadian maple rim and a 14-inch flamed maple resonator. This combination delivers outstanding projection and a pronounced low-end response, perfect for any performance setting. The curly maple neck is topped with an ebony fingerboard adorned with exquisite hearts-and-flowers inlays, ensuring both visual appeal and playability.

Equipped with Gotoh Planetary tuners, a Sampson bridge, and a Presto-style tailpiece, this banjo offers stability and precision in every note. The OB-250+ also includes a Zero Glide nut for enhanced tuning stability, all encased in a high-gloss finish that catches the eye. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, this banjo is designed to inspire and elevate your playing experience.

Key Features:

  • 5-string resonator banjo with prewar styling
  • JLS #12 tone ring for enhanced sound transmission
  • 3-ply Canadian maple rim and flamed maple resonator
  • Curly maple neck with ebony fingerboard and hearts-and-flowers inlays
  • Gotoh Planetary tuners and Presto-style tailpiece
  • Includes a hardshell case for protection and portability

Product specs

Type Acoustic
String Type Steel
Number of Strings 5
Body Style Resonator
Finish Gloss
Top Material 11" Remo HC Coated Topside
Body Material 3-ply Maple
Neck Material Curly Maple
Fingerboard Inlay Hearts and Flowers
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 26.19"
Nut Material ZeroGlide
Nut Width 1.19"
Bridge Material Maple
Tuners GT Master Planetary
Hardware Chrome
Strings .010 .012 .014 .022 .010
Case Included Hardshell Case

FAQs

What makes the Gold Tone OB-250+ suitable for bluegrass music?

The Gold Tone OB-250+ features a JLS #12 Tone Ring and a 3-ply maple body, providing the bright, punchy sound ideal for bluegrass. Its resonator body style enhances projection, making it perfect for traditional bluegrass performances.

How does the Gold Tone OB-250+ compare to other professional banjos in terms of build quality?

The Gold Tone OB-250+ is known for its high-quality craftsmanship, featuring a curly maple neck and a gloss finish. The attention to detail in its construction, including the ZeroGlide nut and GT Master Planetary tuners, ensures reliability and excellent playability.

Is the Gold Tone OB-250+ suitable for beginners?

While the Gold Tone OB-250+ offers professional-grade features, its playability and sound quality can benefit beginners who are serious about learning bluegrass banjo. However, its advanced features may be more appreciated by intermediate and advanced players.

What type of case is included with the Gold Tone OB-250+?

The Gold Tone OB-250+ comes with a durable hardshell case, providing excellent protection for the banjo during transport and storage.

Can the Gold Tone OB-250+ be used for styles other than bluegrass?

Yes, while the Gold Tone OB-250+ is optimized for bluegrass, its versatile tonal range makes it suitable for other styles such as folk and country, offering bright and clear sound characteristics.

Banjo Ben Clark

Banjo Ben Clark

Gold Tone OB-250 Plus: Banjo Ben's General Store

Video thumbnail for Gold Tone OB-250 Plus: Banjo Ben's General Store by Banjo Ben Clark

Gold Tone OB-250 Plus: Banjo Ben's General Store

Banjo Ben Clark

Banjo Ben Clark

Video thumbnail for Jamming on the OB-250+ Resonator Banjo by Gold Tone

Jamming on the OB-250+ Resonator Banjo

Gold Tone

Gold Tone

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gold Tone Banjo OB-250+.

Features and functionality

  • The OB-250 features a flathead 20-hole tone ring, potentially a JLS bell bronze or standard brass flathead, offering a significant tonal upgrade.

    Source
  • A radius fretboard is not essential but offers added comfort for players who frequently switch between guitar and banjo.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners report purchasing used OB-250 models around $1000, indicating an $800 offer as a particularly good deal.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Enhancements like a five-star head and Gary Sosebee bridge are recommended to significantly improve sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The OB-250 is noted as a substantial upgrade from models like the BG-250F and Goodtime, especially for classic bluegrass sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find the OB-250 suitable for bluegrass band settings, often serving as a reliable intermediate instrument.

    Source
  • Railroad spikes are essential for bluegrass players needing quick key changes, especially for songs like "Mountain Dew" or "Old Home Place."

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report ease of resale at purchase price, suggesting strong market demand for used OB-250s.

    Source
  • The OB-250 is noted for its heavy weight, but this is mitigated by using a strap, enhancing playability during long sessions.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Installing railroad spikes on frets 7, 8, 9, and 10 is recommended for key changes; precision in installation is crucial to avoid tuning issues.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners report excellent build quality with no need for customer service, even with daily play over extended periods.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
runemel

Great Banjo

Sent it for upgrades to the factory with a heavy bronse ring inside, graphite neck and dropping tuners.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Winston Marshall uses Gold Tone Banjo OB-250+

Winston Marshall

Guitarist

Mumford & Sons

...
Verified via Photo

On Gold Tone's official page about Marshall's gear, it lists the Gold Tone Banjo OB-250+.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gold Tone Banjo OB-250+, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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