dmiller - Posted - 11/11/2012:  15:46:41

That sounds nice!  Not bad at all for a "mutt" and "rusty picking".   

Edited by - dmiller on 11/11/2012 15:49:18

PeterJ - Posted - 11/12/2012:  12:12:55

That looks incredible, John. I love that your banjo has a story, and te restoration job Tommy did is amazine -- the binding loks like it was never missing. I really like the sound, too (and your playing is great).

You're right, those of us lucky enough to play Omes or Odes have a special affinity for them. These banjos have personalities of their own, and are great alternatives to the Mastertone sound (nothing wrong with Mastertones, but some nights you want something different for dinner).

FXHERE - Posted - 11/14/2012:  13:15:58

Sweet-- sounds greatand Tommy did a beautiful job as usual..Glad you posted this..

8thpol - Posted - 11/14/2012:  13:32:56

jbalch What a great thread! it was fun to follow. Banjo sounds great

jbalch - Posted - 11/14/2012:  13:59:41

Thanks guys:

I spent a while last night playing the Baldwin and comparing it to my Williams Kenny Ingram model (with Burlile tone ring).

The Williams is an awesome banjo - the best I've ever owned. I love the deep throaty tone of the Burlile tone ring on that Old Floor rim.  I won't pretend that this floorsweep Baldwin can match it for power and depth...It  just can't.

But ...side-by-side ...the Baldwin has it's own very special thing. The tone is really lively and the banjo really cuts. It sounds something like a cross between a flathead and a good archtop.

The Baldwin neck is the fastest I've ever owned.  That term: "fast" gets thrown around a lot ... but in this case it is a true description.  This neck dares you to play fast.  It fits my hand very well and the action is low and easy.

The banjo is very responsive.  It vibrates madly when you pick hard.  But "hard" picking is not required to get a good sound.  In fact, it plays very "easy" . You never have to fight it.   I think this is the kind of banjo that can actually make you a better player ... IMHO that is a rare and desirable trait in any instrument.

I bought this on ebaY for $750 thinking it was a legitimate style B.  I was initially very disappointed to find that there was no real tone ring and that none of the parts seemed to belong together.

But after Tommy worked his magic, I could not be happier.   This is a GREAT banjo with tons of authentic 1970s MOJO. It both:  100% mismatched parts ..  and totally original in this form.  I think it is honest and very cool!

Thanks to all who have contributed input to the story...

BrittDLD1 - Posted - 11/17/2012:  09:15:18

Welcome to "Ogsbury's Fun House", John! ;-)

mikehalloran - Posted - 11/17/2012:  17:08:10

>I bought this on ebaY for $750<

You poor man... Ha!

My candidate for the most famous ODE ever made still goes to this one. Maybe, someday, the guy will get the broken headstock fixed. I see he finally put tome Schallers on it.

Edited by - mikehalloran on 11/17/2012 17:17:19

jbalch - Posted - 11/17/2012:  17:15:24

The Monkees was probably my favorite of all the recording credits on Bobby Thompson's long list.  The first record I wanted to buy as a youngster was theirs. 

My Baldwin was sitting in a stand by the window today.  I noticed the sunlight looked very cool and snapped a few photos. 

Edited by - jbalch on 11/17/2012 17:18:43

DHutchens - Posted - 11/17/2012:  17:26:21

Neat gathering of wonderful parts...

dmiller - Posted - 11/17/2012:  21:11:56

quote:

---

Originally posted by DHutchens

Neat gathering of wonderful parts...

---

Yes.  Anyone would be proud to own this banjo.

To have it in their home, to hold it in their lap, to pick it - -

This photo certainly does it justice.  

(edited to add - - -) Is that a Ren head on it??

Edited by - dmiller on 11/17/2012 21:13:47

jbalch - Posted - 11/18/2012:  04:46:22

Thanks again guys! 

BTW the head on this banjo is an original REMO top frosted with a "BALDWIN" stamp.  You can see the head in the photo below.

Last night I recorded another quick sound sample - pick noise and all.

Fireball Mail - Baldwin banjo sample

McUtsi - Posted - 11/18/2012:  07:49:47

I have one of those old "Baldwin"-stamped heads myself...very cool...but,I was

just going to say:GREAT BANJO...mission acc´´d.McUtsi

jbalch - Posted - 11/18/2012:  07:53:07

I thought about taking that head off the banjo to save it.  It is almost like new.

jbalch - Posted - 02/24/2013:  08:49:46

I've got too many banjos ... I listed this very cool old instrument for sale in the Classifieds.

I think it is a great player for the price:  banjohangout.org/classified/34572

mikehalloran - Posted - 02/24/2013:  10:26:21

Arrrrrrgh! If I could still play, I'd be buying it.

dmiller - Posted - 02/24/2013:  22:47:42

Dadgum it!  I see it's been sold (pending completion of sale).

I suppose I should thank the buyer for removing the temptation

I've been having to buy it.  One ODE at the house isn't enough.

That's a fine looking (and sounding) banjo.  

Congrats to the new owner!