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Handcrafted in Boulder, Colorado, this 2009 OME Bright Angel 5-String Banjo represents the fine example of OME’s artisan lutherie. Featuring gorgeous, highly figured maple and adorned with intricate Mother of Pearl and Abalone shell inlays, this instrument is as much a work of fine art as it is a master-grade acoustic instrument. Maintained in near-mint condition with virtually no playing wear, it offers a rare opportunity to own a world-class open-back banjo built at the peak of modern American craftsmanship. We have found a very small scratch on the back of the neck that can barely be felt.  

The Silverbell Tone Ring: Design & Sonic Profile

• What It Is: Inspired by the legendary 1920s Bacon & Day (B&D) Silver Bell design and refined by OME, the Silverbell tone ring features a spun brass shell and internal tone chamber rim assembly. Rather than relying solely on raw brass weight, the chambered design interacts dynamically with the head and rim to act as a internal acoustic equalizer.
  
  
• How It Sounds: The Silverbell tone ring delivers a brilliant, bell-like clarity with a sharp, articulate attack and crisp upper-register chime. It provides ringing sustain without losing note definition, creating a bright, focused tone that punches through open-back tubbiness. When combined with the 12-inch head, the Silverbell ring generates a dynamic soundscape—deep, resonant lows underpinned by shimmering, crystal-clear high notes.
  
  

Banjo Studio Evaluation

• Old-Time & Clawhammer Pickers: Ideal for players looking for the full, room-filling low end of a 12-inch rim without sacrificing the crisp, rhythmic drive and melody separation needed for clawhammer and frailing styles.
  
  
• Melodic & Fingerstyle Players: The instant attack and bell-like ring make intricate melody lines pop across every fret on the fingerboard.
  
  
• Acoustic & Ensemble Performers: Perfect for musicians who need an open-back instrument that cuts through jams or acoustic ensembles without sounding harsh or thin.

Specifications

NECK

 Premium Curly Maple neck
 26.25” scale, 1.25” nut width
 22 Frets Ivoroid bound ebony fingerboard
 Ivoroid bound peghead with ebony overlay
 Two-way adjustable truss rod
 BRIGHT ANGEL Mother of Pearl Abalone shell inlays
 Boat shaped ebony capped heel
 Inlayed front and side position markers
 Hardened nickel-silver frets and bone string nut
 Capo spikes at 7th, 9th, and 10th frets
 OME Planetary tuners
 Polished lacquer finish

BODY

 12” 2-ply maple rim with Ome Vintage tone ring
 Ebonite capped and Ivoroid bound rim
 26 rim brackets, Sweetone tailpiece
 Heavy notched tension hoop, Frosted top head
 OME Nickel armrest, Trillium bridge
 Nickel hardware
 Original Deluxe hard-shell, plush-lined case