USED OPEN BACK (OLD TIME) 5-STRING BANJOS FOR SALE

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This early ODE Long Neck banjo, crafted by Chuck Ogsbury in the early 1960s, features a distinctive 32.25-inch scale length. A fascinating example of ODE’s early work, it boasts a cast aluminum pot with an integral arch-top tone ring—a design developed during the second or third batch of 100 instruments. With serial number 556, this banjo is a significant piece from ODE’s formative years.

In overall good condition, the banjo’s cast aluminum pot remains intact and undamaged. The neck is made from Maple with a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, which was a common material choice of the time. The stick itself is Mahogany and is stamped ‘ODE Boulder Colo. 556.’ The frets show light wear, though a few are somewhat flattened from use. Notably, a 5th string capo has been added, and while the 5th string peg and tailpiece may have been replaced, the headstock tuners are original.

The original hard shell case is included. Early on, ODE built their own cases in small batches (usually about 25 at a time), but by the time this banjo was made, the cases were sourced from established manufacturers, likely Lifton.

Hopkins certainly makes a wonderful banjo and this one is no exception. It is used (one owner, bought in 2024) and comes with a very nice hard case.  Mahogany Neck, Ebony Fingerboard, Buller-Designed Dove Pattern, Custom Hopkins Tone Ring, Double Action Truss Rod, Nickel-Plated Metal Parts, Waverly Two-Band Tuners, Kerschner Tail Piece, Hardshell Case.

• Select North American Cherry Neck
• Genuine Ebony Fingerboard, & Heel-cap
• 25.5” Scale, 1.34” Nut Width,
• 17 Nickel Silver Frets
• Straight Frailing Scoop & Bone String Nut
• Inlayed Front & Side Position Markers
• Adjustable Neck Rod & Cherry Rim Rod
• Planetary Geared Tuners with Amber Knobs
• Hand-Rubbed Finish

• 11” Multi-ply Curly Maple Tone-rim
• Heavy Notched Brass Tension Hoop with 24 Brackets.
• Cherry Rim & Renaissance head
• Chenille wrapped Strings & Dotson Bridge
• Plain brass hardware, No-knot tailpiece