I'm considering adding a new Gold Tone to my instrument arsenal, I'm drawn towards the OB-3 "Twanger" and have heard great things about it, and I like the sound of a mahogany banjo. I currently own a RK-85 Recording King that is a stellar banjo for the money, but I am so eager to try a newer model Gold Tone, especially after Greg Rich has taken the helm of the banjo design department there.
Any insights that folks are willing to share about their experience playing one of these banjos? I'd love to hear it!
I like the OB3 neck so much I have a few of them. I built a Black Cherry rim with that neck and an RK resonator since 2010
Personally, I am taken by the new OMES.
They do the 5,280 ft hill climb with ease.
In my experience playing six or seven Gold Tones in shops and at camp (where Gold Tone was exhibiting) I'd say all their bluegrass banjos - up and down the line - have the potential to sound great but setup is the key. That's probably true of many banjos.
My neighborhood music shop had two Gold Tones this year -- maybe a Twanger and Standard. I remember one was gold. Neither sounded great. A little hollow. But several years ago I played an OB-150 and thought it sounded a good as banjos costing more. A serious competitor to the RK-35.
At camp this summer I played the Bela Fleck Bluegrass Heart and the new OB-100 tone hoop banjo. Not sure the Bela is worth $3800. The OB-100 is an homage to the 1950s-60s RB100 and is something I'd seriously consider if I were in the market.
The new top tension is impressive.
With so many Gold Tones in the market place I wonder if there will be much resale value in them and think buying used will be best.
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Originally posted by tonygoWith so many Gold Tones in the market place I wonder if there will be much resale value in them and think buying used will be best.
You could well be right. My marketing career was in business-to-business. Very little experience in consumer or retail products. But I've commented elsewhere that Gold Tone's banjo product line looks (to me) bigger than it needs to be. I think the term in manufacturing is "rationalizing" a product line.
On the other hand, most of the other Asian banjo brands have disappeared. Until Recording King and St. Louis Music get their act together, Gold Tone can dominate the import banjo market with offerings at every experience and price level.
But what do I know? Probabl not much.
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