Ome North Star Resonator (2020)

Description

Ome are better known for their open-back banjos than their resonators, but this lovely North Star from 2020 shows that they can make a bluegrass banjo with the very best of them. Pairing a walnut neck and burled walnut resonator with a maple pot, the North Star has a slightly mellower and richer tone than most Scruggs-style players will be used to, making it especially well-suited to melodic three-finger and John Hartford-style solo playing. The one-piece flange is a beautiful example of machining, with some very unique holes rather than the plainer array that one sees on most Gibson-style flanges. It also adds a nice amount of sustain to the natural voice of this instrument, as does the Ome Vintage-style rolled brass tone ring. Appointments are fairly modest among the Omes that we carry, with the North Star-style inlay patterning in abalone and mother-of-pearl on the headstock and fretboard, and a light hand-rubbed finish on the pot, neck, and resonator. The natural burling in the walnut on the resonator is very picturesque and makes this instrument a delight to hear as well as to play.

This North Star is in excellent condition with next to no signs of playing wear and no dents, divots, or scuffing anywhere on the instrument. Set-up is on the higher end of typical bluegrass action, but is still quite easy to play with a nice punch provided by the small amount of extra clearance. Included in the price is the original Superior hard-shell case, which was included with this banjo at the time of its original purchase.