Ome Juniper 6-String (2011)

While most of the instruments that came out of Ome Banjo Company's Boulder factory were fairly traditionalist and geared towards the old time and folk expert, we'd be remiss if we didn't give proper credit to some of their more unusual and unique instruments, like this glorious six-string open-back, which sets the bar for just how good a banjitar can sound. Based on the company's perennially popular Juniper model, this instrument features all-maple construction, a 12-inch pot, and a rolled brass tone ring under the head for a big, loud sound with lots of twangy mids and a long sustain. Just like the stock Juniper, the six-string edition is dressed to the nines with extensive abalone and mother-of-pearl inlay work at the headstock and fingerboard, which set off nicely against an amber red matte stain. As the company's usual nickel planetary tuners would obviously not be an option on a banjitar, Ome instead opted for premium closed-gear Schaller tuning machines for impressive and accurate tuning fidelity.

This instrument arrived in our store on the upper end of very good condition, with very minor cosmetic wear well within the range of normalcy for a banjo of its age. A very small amount of minor dents and divots are visible on the pot binding and the neck, none of which significantly impact the banjo's cosmetic appeal. The sole aftermarket alteration is a magnetic, single-coil Stratocaster pickup installed at the neck joint under the head, for a powerful, high-output sound when amplified. The pickup jack is attached the the banjo's coordinator rod and has not been routed through the side of the pot, making the pickup fully removable. Overall set up and playability are excellent, with a clean sound and low action in all positions. Included in the price is a non-original soft-shell case.

Specifications

Scale Length: 26.25"
Nut Width: 1.69"
Neck Wood: Flamed maple
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Peghead Overlay: Ebony
Peghead Inlay: Ome logotype and acanthus in mother-of-pearl and abalone, respectively
Fret Markers: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 19th frets
Nut Material: Bone
Tuners: Schaller nickel-plated closed-gear
Finish: Matte
Rim Size: 12"
Rim Wood: Highly figured maple
Tonering: Wonder-style rolled brass
Brackets: 26
Tailpiece: Ome engraved nickel six-string
Head: Renaissance
Armrest: None
Case: Non-original Modern Case Company hybrid-style polyfoam case