Ome Bright Angel 11" (2015)

Description

This banjo is out of this world! A lovely example of the higher end of Ome Banjos, this 2015 Bright Angel open-back shows off some exemplary craftsmanship and a truly Appalachian-inspired sound from our friends up in Boulder. The Bright Angel pairs a cherry pot with a cherry neck, for a bright, willowy sound not quite as percussive as maple, and with cleaner and crisper highs than one finds with walnut. On the interior, Chuck Ogsbury and company have installed a silver-spun tone ring, which enables the banjo to really pick up in volume if driven by a player with a heavy right hand. The 24-bracket pot adds to the brightness, and the full frailing scoop on the fretboard enables melodic clawhammer players to drop-thumb to their heart's content.

Cosmetically, it's one of our most unique banjos, with lovely moon, planet, and shooting star inlays up and down the fretboard and headstock in both mother-of-pearl and abalone. A hand-rubbed tung oil finish and aged brass hardware completes the package visually.

This banjo shows very few signs of playing wear, and no structural damage to speak of. There is a very prominent grain line on the back of the headstock that runs through to the neck, but not one that shows any signs of opening up or that affects the structural integrity of the headstock. There are also some very minor finish defects on the top right side of the headstock, which the banjo came with from the factory and are not the result of wear. We consider the instrument to be on the upper end of very good condition. Included in the price is the Superior hard-shell case, which was paired with the banjo at the time of its original purchase.