For sale-Description/details:

1. old time openback Gold Tone OT-800 banjo w/tubaphone tone ring, includes original deluxe arched-top hard shell case

2 i purchased it new from Gold Tone in november 2025

3. i paid a total of $1,325.98

4. i see it advertised on gold tone’s web site now for $1,679.99!

5. i paid extra to have gold tone install a fiberskyn (remo) head…i have the original renaissance (remo) head that gold tone shipped to me in the box; it has never been used; i will include it in the sale in case you prefer a renaissance head

6. i paid extra to have gold tone install rail road spikes at frets 7, 9 & 10

7. i bought and installed the wooden armrest myself; i can’t find any records or receipts for that purchase; so i’m not sure the brand of the armrest…it’s very likely the little mountain armrest, which goes for $75

8 i have babied this instrument; it’s in excellent, like-new condition; don’t think there are any blemishes on the finish or other parts of the banjo

9. hard shell case is in excellent condition

10 in october, 2026 i did have fret ends filed and dressed and frets polished by local luthier…$60 charge…

11. i am probably making a big mistake selling this banjo because it is a better banjo than i will ever need.  this would be a life-long banjo in any collection of banjos.

12. instead of my copying and pasting all the specs for the banjo that can be easily found  on-line, i’m going to let you do that.  but of course let me know if you have any questions and i will do my best to answer them.

13. will ship in original gold tone packaging and shipping box

14. the only thing i will copy and paste is the product description from gold tone’s website:

“The OT-800 pays homage to one of the most sought-after banjos of the "classic" period (1890 to 1930) when the Boston School of banjo making was the highest expression of the art. The pot sports a pre-WW II-style Tubaphone tone ring, which adds pleasing overtones via a square-section tube mated to a solid brass rod, all encased in a turned brass sleeve. This sits snugly on an eleven-inch maple rim equipped with dual coordinator rods (for easy action adjustment) and is topped with a Remo Renaissance head carrying a maple and ebony bridge. A No Knot tailpiece anchors the strings. The authentic bracket-band carries the shoes without the need to drill holes in the rim, increasing the OT-800's power and sustain. The maple neck has a bound ebony fretboard inlayed in engraved vintage style and a scoop at the pot for the hardcore clawhammer player. A deluxe arched top hard case is included.”

15. for shipping purposes:

46” x 20” x 8”

23 lbs

16. Thanks for looking.

17. we will not respond to general, non-specific inquiries, such as “Is it still available?”

18. We live in Eldorado (about 25 minutes south of Santa Fe); buyer will have to pick item up at our house (unless we are shipping).

19. We’re posting this item on multiple forums but if you can see this then it is still available.

20. Please look at all the photos carefully, ask any questions and come see it before any offer, bid or purchase as all sales are final; no returns or refunds accepted; sold as is.

21. Reasonable offers will always be considered.

22. oh!  Almost forgot, i also recently bought and installed an upgraded bridge, a pisgah falcon persimmon 5/8” bridge…check it out on pisgah’s website, supposed to be an advance in banjo bridges…i do have the original gold tone bridge which i will include with the banjo.

23. and!  Almost forgot!  I just came across the original Gold Tone arm rest, the metal armrest, i will include that with the banjo too.  And it appears i made a note that it was the little mountain armrest in fact that i replaced the original armrest with!