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Presented here is an early ODE long-neck banjo, boasting an impressive 32.25-inch scale, meticulously crafted by Chuck Ogsbury in the nascent years of the 1960s near Denver, Colorado. This intriguing instrument showcases a cast aluminum pot with an integral arch-top tone ring, a design refined during the second or third 100-instrument production run of ODE banjos. Bearing the serial number 541, this banjo exemplifies ODE's early craftsmanship.
In overall good condition, this ODE long-neck banjo features a complete and undamaged cast aluminum pot, while its Maple neck hosts a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard—a prevalent combination during its era. The Mahogany stick, stamped 'ODE Boulder Colo. 541, exhibits light fret wear, though some frets show a degree of flatness. An added 5th string capo is in place, and the 5th string peg and tailpiece may have undergone replacement. The headstock tuners remain original.
Accompanying this distinctive banjo is its original hard shell case, a relic from ODE's early practices when cases were produced in batches of 25, possibly sourced from established builders like Lifton by the time of this instrument.
Noteworthy in ODE's history is the contribution of Kix (Creston) Stewart, an early artisan who later founded Stewart-McDonald after leaving ODE. In 1966, Baldwin, having recently acquired Gretsch, purchased ODE. Chuck Ogsbury later rekindled his passion for banjos, establishing the OME company in the early 1970s with partners. Following various changes, he assumed control again in 1978 and regained full ownership in 1988.
