Description
New Ute 11″ Maple Ltd Open Back
New / SN: 205
1 1/4″ nut width / 26.25″ Scale
We are almost to the end of our run of these special banjos, known as “Specials” or “Limited” editions. Today ODE and UTE brands of open-back banjos are built using American Cherry wood.
These “specials” and “limited editions”, are made with Mahogany, Walnut, or Maple. These special banjos are made in small batches by Chuck Ogsbury, the founder of ODE and UTE banjo brands in Boulder Colorado.
This is an 11″ UTE open back banjo with a flamed maple pot.
At the peghead, you’ll find a rosewood overlay with a buffalo nickel inlayed at the center. The nickel tuners, including the 5th string tuner, are K&H, and feature bronzy-colored buttons.
Moving down to the neck, there’s a volute right behind the peghead, situated behind the bone nut. The neck profile is generous and full-feeling, particularly in the first position, similar to late 1800s styles. There is an ebony heel cap.
The fingerboard on the neck is handcrafted by Chuck Ogsbury using an exotic wood. The fingerboard is flat and features medium-sized pearl dot inlays. White dot position markers adorn the side. The last five frets on the fifth string side of the fingerboard are beveled at a 45-degree angle for more rambunctious frailing without bruised fingertips. Two railroad spikes are placed at the 7th and 9th frets for capoing at A and B respectively.
There is a flamed maple dowel stick that matches the flamed maple on the rim. The outer bottom of the rim is bound with tortoise celluloid.
The hardware on the rim has an antiqued appearance, including the tension hoop, shoes, hooks, and nuts inside the pot. The bridge is a Dotson, and the tailpiece is a No Knot type.
This banjo also comes with a high-quality OME gig bag.
https://youtu.be/ydQg67HqTIQ
