ODE long-neck banjo purchased! New to group.

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Ode Banjos

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For those who love, own & play Ode Banjos

180 Members, Created 2/6/2011 -

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From giweb on 1/29/2015 3:13:57 PM

January 27, 2015

Joined the ODE group! I was fortunate to find an ODE long-neck model 33 grade 1, serial number 654. Seller said it was a 1964 but I have spent many hours reading BHO archives about ODE and member replies to my forum post. Conclusion being a 1962, not 1964.

Thanks to all the BHO ODE enthusiasts for all the responses and archived information!

Anxiously waiting delivery of my new purchase. When it arrives I will post photos and any other details!

giweb

1/29/15 UPDATE COPY FROM FORUM POST:

My beautiful ODE has arrived. It turns out to be the best of the best . . . thanks to all ODE faithful for your background, possibilities, comments and conjectures! Waiting for my treasure I read every link to ODE banjo I could find on BHO and the rest of the internet. No wonder they are so prized! BHO members who were active in the CHUCK OGSBURY / ODE BANJO odyssey have shared and continue sharing their contemporaneous stories, memories and details. What a perfect way to spend time waiting for my banjo! Thank you!
Thanks to all that research, I can identify MY BEAUTIFUL ODE #654 as a model 33 long neck, grade 1, with scroll headstock. The rim is sand-cast early 30 series, 52 hole casting with integral-arch-top. Could be late 1962 or early 1963. Could be made from whatever was available in the shop. Doesn't matter - it's perfect!
I let it warm up while I explored it, connected my tuner and could not believe the tone and sustain! Up and down the neck, it sang to me! I spent several hours enjoying the sounds.
I've been looking for an ODE long-neck for awhile. It's even better than I dreamed! Photos later, it's midnight!
giweb
"Nothing Worthwhile is Easy!"
"Making Music is Worthwhile!"
Finally getting an ODE is priceless!

9 Comments
	boulderfolkie says: 1/23/2015 10:36:19 PM Well done! We ODE Longneckers are a unique breed indeed.
	jcm16fxh says: 1/24/2015 5:36:26 AM congrats! I keep looking for one to buy.
	stanger says: 1/24/2015 6:05:55 AM Congratulations!
	darwinyarwin says: 1/24/2015 8:21:24 AM Welcome, Tom. Glad you found the group!
	darwinyarwin says: 1/24/2015 8:23:26 AM Welcome, Tom. Glad you found the group!
	BrittDLD1 says: 1/27/2015 6:46:03 AM Congrats! The '62 date seems more appropriate. ( I have notes on a few #7xx serials which were purchased in '62.) But remember... some were made earlier, and sat around the Boulder shop for a few months -- before someone ordered one of that model. It should be a nice banjo. I assume it has the 52-hole cast archtop sandcast rim. Lots of good people in this Group!
MolineOde says: 1/29/2015 6:29:45 PM I have been remiss because I wanted to tell you I thought the 1962 date was right. I bought an Ode Model 43, Grade 2, serial no. 1685 in the spring of 1964. So your 6xx serial no. must be before 1964. I still have my 43, still in the original case with all the original fixtures (except a new plastic head, strings, and three lugs I had to replace). I even have the "how to care for" doc and the strange piece I never understood that may be a mute. I even have a partial set of the strings that came with it. It is in perfect condition. About three years ago I got serious about it again when I found this website and the Scruggs book. When I originally bought it there was woefully little literature or (at least in my small town) instruction available. I was into the folk thing, and mostly strummed it. Although I did buy Pete's book from Ode and managed a slow version of "Breakdown" which he tabbed and his "frailing" strum, which Dave Guard seemed to use with the K Trio. I will get around to posting some pictures at some point, but it is really a wonderful instrument. My biggest "problem" is trying to figure out a strap arrangement that balances the neck correctly. The 43 grade 2 was the best I could afford at the time. I remember foregoing the Scruggs tuners so I could get the scrolled peg head. And I really was happy I could afford the snowflake dots and the ebony fretboard. I don't think I understood the additional lamination that strengthened the 40 series necks then, but I do now.
	stanger says: 1/29/2015 6:59:49 PM The thing I love the most about Odes is their flexibility. No matter which model is purchased, every one of them is up for anything a player wants to play on it, and they are great banjos to grow on. When i bought my first, in 1964, I was just beginning to develop my frailing and 3-finger playing at the same time, and my first banjo, a cheap Kay, wasn't close to being up to the job. As soon as I unpacked the Ode I knew it was going to make all the difference for me and my playing. And it did. For 14 years, it was my only banjo, and it never once let me down. I literally wore it out, but even today, with a total fret job, an extensive cleanup and overhaul, it would still be ready to go just as much as the other Odes I've purchased since then.
	stanger says: 1/29/2015 7:01:01 PM The thing I love the most about Odes is their flexibility. No matter which model is purchased, every one of them is up for anything a player wants to play on it, and they are great banjos to grow on. When i bought my first, in 1964, I was just beginning to develop my frailing and 3-finger playing at the same time, and my first banjo, a cheap Kay, wasn't close to being up to the job. As soon as I unpacked the Ode I knew it was going to make all the difference for me and my playing. And it did. For 14 years, it was my only banjo, and it never once let me down. I literally wore it out, but even today, with a total fret job, an extensive cleanup and overhaul, it would still be ready to go just as much as the other Odes I've purchased since then.
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