Ome 12" Jubilee (c. 2015)

Ome's Jubilee open-back proved to be one of the company's most consistently popular options throughout their entire tenure in Boulder, with a warm, full tone that many still feel sets the standard for just what a clawhammer banjo ought to sound like. This one, dating from around 2015 or 2016, is indicative of all the things that made the Jubilee such a resounding success - the wide mahogany neck and the 12" cherry pot make for a formidable combination, and Ome's rolled brass flat ring, which calls to mind the early precursors to the Wonder-style tone ring, adds weight, sustain, and body to the tone for an instrument that sounds spectacular regardless of who's playing. The Jubilee, while a standard model in the company's lineup, was perhaps moderately more ornate than Ome's most affordable options, featuring abalone inlays on the headstock and frailing scoop, 26 aged brass brackets, faux tortoise binding on the pot, and a rosewood armrest.

This instrument arrived in our store on the upper end of very good condition relative to its age, with fairly light cosmetic wear. There is mild to moderate scuffing on the bottom of the back of the pot, along the edge of the tortoise cap that covers the maple ply. This scuffing likely resulted from being dropped or briefly dragged across a rough surface, but is not immediately noticeable and does not significantly compromise the aesthetic appeal of the instrument. The railroad spikes, installed on frets 7 and 9, were most likely done aftermarket. The set up is excellent, with true medium action ideal for melodic solo clawhammer. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.

Specifications

Scale Length: 25.63"
Nut Width: 1.34"
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Peghead Overlay: Ebony
Peghead Inlay: Abalone acanthus
Fret Markers: 3rd, 7th, 10th, 12th, and 15th frets
Nut Material: Bone
Spikes: 7th and 9th frets
Tuners: Aged nickel planetary with amber buttons
Finish: Hand-rubbed matte
Rim Size: 12"
Rim Wood: Cherry
Tonering: Rolled brass flat ring
Brackets: 26
Tailpiece: Aged brass hawktail
Head: Renaissance
Armrest: Rosewood
Case: Original hard-shell case