Pickin' again!

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Ode Banjos

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For those who love, own & play Ode Banjos

180 Members, Created 2/6/2011 -

Administrators: kwfolk1 (owner)

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From rbfour5 on 4/19/2015 10:44:32 AM

It's been a long while (too long) without a banjo, and now I am the proud owner of a 6505 Model C, #10-79-54-N. Feels good to be playing again, just need to get my fingers working after a near 15 year hiatus. It is in exceptional shape for a 36 year old ODE. It has the typical narrow fingerboard of the Gretch ODE's, which is difficult for my fingers.

It only seemed right to have Tommy George build a custom neck for me, which is well underway now, and should be completed in June. Being an ODE fan, and especially the Model D inlay, Tommy is making my custom replica neck with pre- Baldwin D inlays (propeller at the 22nd fret) and truss rod adjustment through the end of the heel. As well, a MUCH wider fingerboard, 1.25", 1.81", 1.98" width at nut, 12th fret, heel. I am so looking forward to the finished project, and carrying my ODE to Tommy's shop for the fit.

If you couldn't tell, I am just a little more than excited! Will post pictures when finished, and video when I get my chops back.

4 Comments
cactus says: 4/19/2015 5:39:15 PM Good luck with your project. I'm sure we are all anxious to hear about the results. Keep posting!
	BrittDLD1 says: 4/21/2015 6:54:16 AM Congrats on your 'new-to-you' banjo! Obviously... KEEP the original Baldwin-ODE Style C neck. That's part of your banjo's history. (And I know that some people with small hands LIKE that narrower neck.) Tommy is the right guy to make an ODE Style D neck for you. (I assume he's making the neck itself out of walnut -- to match the Baldwin resonator.) Sounds like a nice project.
	rbfour5 says: 4/21/2015 6:39:05 PM Definitely keeping the original neck. And yes, Tommy is building an exact replica, laminated walnut, rosewood, maple; sent him photos of my resonator so that he could match as closely as possible the walnut. I will keep you all informed!
	rbfour5 says: 8/16/2015 12:06:36 PM I picked my ODE up from Tom George 2 weeks ago, and pictures just don't do it justice. The replica neck he built for me is incredible. The inlays are perfect; the custom width fingerboard is just a dream to play (for my large hands); the Old Organ bridge from Tim Purcell, 11/16" H x 1-7/8" spacing is equally as comfortable as the neck. And the tone in this ODE with the neck and the bridge really turned my head. I could not be any happier with the way it all turned out. If anyone is looking for a true Ode/ Baldwin replica neck, do yourself a favor and give Tom George a call. (And BTW- what a great, kind man to deal with. We are already discussing my next project!) Thanks Tom!
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