Ome Alpha Open-Back Banjo

Ome banjos were made in Colorado since 1971, and moved to Titusville, FL after they were acquired by GoldTone in 2023. Our rep brought us one of these Alpha open-backs and we were all highly impressed. Great deal for a handmade banjo!

From Ome:

The Alpha is our brand-new, mainstream open back banjo that combines made-in-America craftsmanship with smart design choices in a richly resonant banjo that fits into a great number of traditional music styles. The Alpha is built with an all maple multi-ply tone rim and is paired with a Remo Renaissance head, 14 brackets, and a notched brass tension hoop. The tone rim design creates a warm and classic old time sensation with every note. The mini paddle headstock shape borrows from a time long forgotten. K&H low-profile "pancake" style planetary tuners with vintage-style amber buttons inspire tuning confidence. The 1 11/32" nut width makes playing the Alpha a comfortable and smooth experience. The Alpha's mahogany neck with its smooth rounded over heel and tung oil finish harkens back to simpler times. The two-way truss rod provides precise control of neck relief and compensation for lighter or heavier string gauges. With its 17 fret, S-scooped, rosewood fingerboard, the Alpha is perfect for all styles of clawhammer banjo. Rounded out with a mahogany armrest, a wooden rim stick, and a .656" walnut and ebony capped bridge, the Alpha compliments any banjo collection. The 12" rim is finished in a thin satin lacquer to project maximum warmth and response while maintaining that old time vibe. The Alpha weighs less than 6 pounds and has a 25.5" scale length which allows it to be easily played in standard tunings as well as tuned up to A. A comfy padded bag is included for the Alpha's protection. Every Alpha is made by OME luthiers in Titusville, Florida, USA.