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FragileMagic - Posted - 04/22/2026: 10:13:35
Greetings from a banjo newbie! I recently inherited a beautiful 1998 OME Juniper - it was won in a raffle at MerleFest 2003 and is signed by the great Béla Fleck! I wondered if any of you smart and experienced folks might have specific insight or suggestions regarding this instrument.
I do have some questions:
- Since the head has no markings, any idea what type it is?
- One of the tension hooks is bent - is there a specific kind of hook I need to buy?
- Lastly, I purchased a Deering cradle strap - are there any drawbacks to securing it with two Chicago screws as I've done in the attached photo, assuming the screws don't make contact with the wood? Is there a better way?
Appreciate any help you can provide as I get started, and I look forward to being a part of this community!
mrphysics55 - Posted - 04/22/2026: 10:21:45
Looks like an OME “Sweetgrass”
FragileMagic - Posted - 04/22/2026: 10:29:35
quote:
Originally posted by mrphysics55
Looks like an OME “Sweetgrass”
Gotcha - looking at some images online, maybe it is! I did email the OME contact email address asking for any info they had and received a reply from someone with Gold Tone stating that it was a Juniper. But their whole reply was just, "Very nice banjo, Juniper." Maybe they're wrong?
pinenut - Posted - 04/22/2026: 11:07:23
quote:
Originally posted by FragileMagic
Greetings from a banjo newbie! I recently inherited a beautiful 1998 OME Juniper - it was won in a raffle at MerleFest 2003 and is signed by the great Béla Fleck! I wondered if any of you smart and experienced folks might have specific insight or suggestions regarding this instrument. Chuck's banjos are as good a it gets for playability and tone per type. Very nice.
I do have some questions:
- Since the head has no markings, any idea what type it is? Fiberskin. It would be louder and more responsive with frosted or renaissance. Consider a longer brass tailpiece (for overtone reduction) if you decide to change the head.
- One of the tension hooks is bent - is there a specific kind of hook I need to buy? Carefully, with soft tools, bend it straight again. Plastic hammer, a scrap of wood and squished fingers should get it done.
- Lastly, I purchased a Deering cradle strap - are there any drawbacks to securing it with two Chicago screws as I've done in the attached photo, assuming the screws don't make contact with the wood? Is there a better way? Looks good, Leather/cloth (shoe)lace is fine too.
Appreciate any help you can provide as I get started, and I look forward to being a part of this community!
P.S. Show us pics of the backside...
Edited by - pinenut on 04/22/2026 11:18:06
FragileMagic - Posted - 04/22/2026: 11:41:23
I greatly appreciate the response pinenut, especially the advice on bending the hook! So wait, you want to see photos of my..... oooh, that backside. Enjoy:
Edited by - FragileMagic on 04/22/2026 11:42:35
pinenut - Posted - 04/22/2026: 11:50:42
quote:
Originally posted by FragileMagic
I greatly appreciate the response pinenut, especially the advice on bending the hook! So wait, you want to see photos of my..... 
oooh, that backside. Enjoy:
So nice; it has the dual coordinator rods and the 2-3 ply rim.
You might pay more or get something different, but you'll never play a better banjo.
Edited by - pinenut on 04/22/2026 11:57:44
FragileMagic - Posted - 04/22/2026: 12:14:16
quote:
So nice; it has the dual coordinator rods and the 2-3 ply rim.
You might pay more or get something different, but you'll never play a better banjo.
Awesome to hear! I'm in love with the tone and look forward to the day I can play it well enough to do it justice! For now it's just constant bum-ditties on repeat until it's second nature.
PrairieSchooner - Posted - 04/24/2026: 07:49:18
That's a mighty fine banjo right there!
