SOLD pending completion - Thanks for looking

This banjo was discussed at length in the thread linked below . I received LOTs of great information (Thanks). The consensus was that it may have been assembled in Arkansas from mostly Boulder, CO made, original, ODE parts. It was probably an employee-built banjo or put together by someone who had access to the Baldwin plant and left-over or spare parts.

It does not conform to a specific model. But it is a composite of very cool old parts and is truly unique.

Plenty of detail photos of the banjo as-found are on my BHO photo page here: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=1896&albumid=7163

This banjo plays and sounds amazing … with plenty of 1960/70’s MOJO! The slim neck is FAST and begs to be played melodically. There is a sound sample at the "More Information" link below.

Here are some interesting details (from the BHO discussion thread):
- Mahogany Neck (probably carved by Boulder, CO employee & custom guitar builder: Monte N.)
- Engraved metal parts (appear to be hand-made by famous Colorado engraver Al Gabriella)
- All parts are original ODE or Baldwin – from different models

The tone ring is a simple metal hoop that was actually the outer skirt of a Paramount-style ring that Ode produced. It lacks the inner portions of that style ring. I assume those parts were never installed on this banjo because there are no holes in the rim to accommodate them. The tone ring is engraved around the skirt and very cool looking. It also sounds great as-is.

The fingerboard binding was missing so I had it all replaced by master luthier (Baldwin ODE expert) Tommy George of Sommerville, TN.
I think this is a “honest” piece of Baldwin ODE history – and a GREAT player. The resonator binding is brittle and probably should be replaced.

Original (Lifton?) case included.

I’m offering it for sale at a price comparable to a modern Chinese-made banjo. IMHO this is WAY more cool…..

Please ask any questions...