Ode Style C Model 6505 (c. 1980)

For decades, Ode's Style C resonators have been regarded as some of the best bang-for-your-buck options available to the bluegrass player looking for a played-in instrument with a unique and original voice. This one, which dates from the final year of Ode's Baldwin era, provides a glimpse into a unique era in banjo building after the Gibson heyday but before the modern era of high-end Masterclones, when manufacturers were experimenting with new woods, tonal systems, and designs. Coming in a bit below Ode's premium Style D models, the Style C combines a walnut neck with a maple pot, mahogany resonator, and a brass flathead tone ring for a sounds that's punchy but not lacking in warmth or midrange. While it undoubtedly lacks the cosmetic flash of the Style D, this 6505 still sports classic appointments, including a fretboard inlay pattern clearly influenced by Gibson's hearts and flowers design, and the original Ode logotype on the headstock, just like the design used during the company's early years when they were based out of Chuck Ogsbury's build shop in Boulder, Colorado.

This banjo arrived in our store on the upper end of very good condition, with a below-typical amount of cosmetic wear and no structural damage at all. All parts appear to be original and are in good working condition, and the set up is excellent, with low, very comfortable action. The most obvious cosmetic wear is scuffing on the back of the resonator (likely from a belt buckle), and mild tarnish on the hardware. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.

Specifications

Scale Length: 27.13"
Nut Width: 1.13"
Neck Wood: Walnut
Fretboard Wood: Ebony
Peghead Overlay: Ebony
Peghead Inlay: Mother-of-pearl
Fret Markers: 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, 17th, and 19th frets
Nut Material: Bone
Spikes: 7th and 9th frets
Tuners: Nickel planetary with clear buttons
Finish: Poly lacquer
Rim Size: 11"
Rim Wood: Multi-ply maple
Rim or Resonator Binding: Cream
Resonator Wood: Mahogany
Tailpiece: Nickel presto
Head: Frosted white
Armrest: Nickel
Case: Original hard-shell case