ABOUT

The woods used in OME banjos are carefully selected, thoroughly air-dried, and skillfully matched. Vibrant curly maple chosen for its superior tone, flexible strength, and unusual beauty form the neck, rim, and resonator of most models. Resonant and responsive South American mahogany is standard on many Vintage and Professional Series instruments while North American walnut and Indian rosewood are available on a special order basis.

The OME fingerboard, peghead overlay, and heel cap are made of durable African ebony or striking Brazilian rosewood and are artistically inlayed with colorful abalone and iridescent mother-of-pearl. The fingerboard, rim, and resonator are bound with traditional grained ivoroid or simulated tortoise on most models. OME necks are gracefully hand-shaped for optimum comfort and playability. They include our lightweight two-way adjustable neck rod, hardened nickel-silver frets, and a radiused or flat fingerboard. We use the OME Artist peghead shape on 4-string styles: the OME Double-cut shape on bluegrass styles; and the Victorian, Scroll, or Double-cut peghead on 5-string open-back styles.

Light-fast, grain-enhancing stains are used to bring out the full beauty of our air-dried woods. Multiple coats of a vibrant catalyzed varnish are thoroughly cured, sanded, and finely polished to produce an exceptionally durable and beautiful finish. Vintage Series banjos feature our tung oil and wax finish for a natural feel and warm appearance.

OME metal parts are precision made using our own special alloys, patterns, and dies. Final parts are meticulously polished then triple plated with traditional nickel, tarnish-resistant chrome, or rich 24-kt. gold. Gracefully hand-engraved metal may be ordered as an option on Custom series models and is standard on all Artist and Grand Artist series instruments. Permanently lubricated and sealed geared tuners, two adjustable rim rods, OME armrest and tailpiece, and a custom drumhead and hand-made bridge are standard on most models.

Great care is exercised during the final assembly of every OME, as wood and metal parts are precisely hand-fitted together. Final set-up and adjustment are patiently checked and re-checked to ensure proper fit, tone, and action. An arched-top, hard-shell plush-lined case and the OME limited lifetime warranty are included with every OME instrument.