Ome Custom Openback (c. 1982)

Description

One of the virtues of Ome Banjo Company being such a small business is that we get to see far more custom instruments than we would from a larger operation. This openback, which we believe is from 1982 or 1983, is one of those custom shop instruments, put together from a handful of high-end parts to make a one-of-a-kind instrument. The pot, which is maple with a mahogany veneer and a has a huge Tubaphone-style tone ring on the interior, dates from the 1920s, and is paired with a modern mahogany neck for a lively, bright sound with a lot of volume and percussive pop. Some of the banjo's appointments are exceptionally rare - see the solid mother-of-pearl tuner buttons, and the Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and headstock overlay. Additionally, the owner of this banjo has installed a fifth-string capo rather than putting railroad spikes in the nicely figured fretboard, and also installed a Schatten pickup in the head, one of the best solutions for amplifying a banjo.

While alterations have been made to the instrument's original condition, the playing wear is very minor and the action is excellent. We consider this banjo to be in very good condition. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case included with the instrument at the time of its purchase from Ome.