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Gold Tone OB-250AT arch top banjo- Hear it!

Estimated price for orientation: 1 416 $

Category: Banjos
Class:











Description
Number of Strings: 5 Body Style: arch top banjo
Banjo Type: arch top resonator Model: OB-250AT
Dexterity: Right Handed Country/Region of Manufacture: China
Items Included: Case


If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element of the Orange Blossom family of bluegrass banjos from Gold Tone. For the last 17 years it has been the most authentically made of all of their banjos, honoring the best banjos made in the last 100 years. Keeping true to their reputation, Gold tone is maintaining that spirit with their AT model, that is, the arch top version of the OB-250. Extremely popular in the early 1900s and beyond, many of the most loved banjos of history are archtop style. In fact, many of the best banjos of the 1930s are archtops. And today we have the Gold Tone OB-250AT. known for its abilty to cut through a crowd of other players, they are quite loud, bright sounding. The tone is a little different than a flat top banjo, as the free vibrating area of the head is a little smaller than that of a flat top. The late Dr. Ralph Stanley was known for always playing an archtop banjo. His personal tone was enhanced by picking very close to the bridge which created a very percussive, sharp banjo sound. Today archtops are not seen as often as they used to be. If you play a flat top banjo now, adding an archtop to your collection is a great idea, as they can really add another dimension to your playing. You'll likely find some songs  you prefer to play your arch top for. If you are looking for your first or second high quality banjo, you can't go wrong with this lovely choice. (Listen to this banjo now with the player at the top of this page). An archtop banjo was my first serious banjo, and I've remained a fan for decades. I'm Dave of Beyond Guitars, and I like seeing the archtops almost as much as playing them. So when I got this banjo in my hands of course I wasn't sure what to expect. Since I am very familiar with the arch top sound and have played one for decades, I am rather particular about them. I've heard some cheesy sounding banjos that try to get a good tone with a list of specs. It takes more than good specs, the wood and metal materials must be of fine grade and they must be set up correctly. I am happily amazed at the serious attention the folks at Gold Tone obviously put into the design and build of this banjo. It sounds wonderful, with good sustain and nice percussive picking tone you expect from a really good banjo of any type. What I read about the tone ring, the rim and basic makeup of the banjo impressed me, and the tone did not disappoint in any way! Archtop banjos do not play any differently than a flat top. They don't have a higher head, and there is the same spacing below the strings as any banjo. The edges of the head are a bit lower but with the armrest you don't notice anything about that when playing. They do sometimes get an extra look from other people though, as they show a lot of interest in the "different" looking banjo. It's a lot of fun. And I'm not the only person who likes this banjo, lots of folks are chiming in about its quality. Personally I think it stands out as one of the best arch tops I've ever heard or played. For my business, It is a pleasure to keep this option available to my students and customers, as I've always been a great fan of that old time archtop sound. We've still got it going on today with the OB-250AT from Gold Tone! Hats off! Now Gold Tone takes pride in doing a great setup, but I do too. So I never let one get through our hands without a complete check, play, and readjustment if necessary. I guarantee it, and you will have a fine playing banjo from day one. Here are the particulars of the OB-250AT banjo: 40 hole sand cast tone ring Three ply Canadian maple rim Maple neck Ebony fretboard with Hearts and flowers inlay Curly maple neck binding bone nut Straightline tailpiece one piece die cast flange GT master planetary tuners notched brass brass tension hoop "Gold Tone" engraved arm rest bright chrome plating throughout. Country of manufacture: China Extras: This banjo comes complete with the sturdy hardshell case from Golt Tone, a lifetime limited warranty from the manufacturer   Buy with confidence. This purchase at Beyond Guitars carries our customer satisfaction guarantee. This banjo has a suggested list price of $1,889.00 but you won't pay that at Beyond Guitars.