I retired in May and decided to pick up the banjo. Great fun. I started off with some entry level models and decided to get myself a nice one to continue my journey. I came across this beautiful OME open back banjo that I just had to have. The seller didn't have much info on this banjo. I searched online with no success. It has Boulder OME Colorado on the back of the head stock, and OME5858 stamped on the inside of the pot.
Any info I can get would be much appreciated. Or pointing me in a direction.
Thank you,
Brian Kimball
Made in 2011 apparently. Would need pictures to ID the model.
Maybe a Northstar: https://massstreetmusic.com/products/ome-banjos-north-star
they don't have any catalog pdf's after 2002 on this page but maybe googling could turn up a 2011-ish catalog
omebanjos.com/archive
Beatufiul instrument, does it have spun brass tonering?
Edited by - gtani7 on 09/19/2025 22:07:57
It might well be a North Star, look similar to This one
And yes, all these OMEs are extremely high quality.
Edited by - Laurence Diehl on 09/19/2025 22:45:26
Wizard
The "star" inlay in the scoop area is the Wizard inlay. The North Star inlay has a little more detail (rays).
The following info from Elderly describes the used Wizard I purchased in 2014.:
OME WIZARD (recent)
NOTE: Originally sold by Spruce tree Music, Madison, WI
EC, natural satin finish, maple pot features tortoise plastic inner and outer binding, mahogany neck, ebony fretboard, dot inlays, S scoop after 17th fret, 12" head, 26 brackets and shoes, Ome tailpiece, ebony headstock overlay, star inlays on headstock overlay and fretboard scoop, geared tuners with amber buttons, very nice, 1-11/32" nut, 25-1/2" scale, with OHSC, on consignment (SN:6297)
Dan Levensen had a good review of the Wizard here:
Edited by - Mark D on 09/20/2025 08:51:23
More photos.
Wizard
Brian, here are some of Elderly's photos of my Wizard serial number 6297:
I would like to thank everyone for their input on my banjo. Looks like it's a Wizard with a 11" pot. Guessing by the serial number (OME5858), it was made in 2010-2011 range. I'm looking forward to more learning on this site.
Thanks again,
Brian Kimball
What a cool banjo. Years ago I had an Ome open back, whatever the most basic model was called. Never should have sold it.
