Since the early '60s in Boulder, Colorado, OME has devoted decades to refining the art of banjo making. Blending traditional craftsmanship with thoughtful design and modern precision, OME banjos feel timeless yet forward-thinking. Featuring elegant vintage-inspired details, the Tupelo is equipped with a 12" banjo pot to produce warm, resonant open-back tone. A perfect match for traditional and old-time music, the larger 12" cherry rim and Fiberskyn head deliver a richer, fuller voice with exceptional depth and clarity.
We ordered this Tupelo with a hand-carved Mahogany neck that a smooth tung oil finish for comfort and understated elegance. It has an ebony fingerboard with 17 hardened nickel frets, brass dot inlays, and a scoop to facility old-time and clawhammer styles. The paddle-style headstock with ebony tuner buttons and Rickard Cyclone tuners adds a touch of refined craftsmanship, echoing the banjo’s timeless aesthetic.
Every detail is carefully considered—from the ebony-capped heel and custom 5/8" OME bridge to the aged brass hardware, Sweetone tailpiece, Ebonite rim cap, and ergonomic wooden armrest. For greater projection and treble content, we ordered this Tupelo with a Rolled Brass tone ring. In your hands, the Tupelo feels like a formidable tool, but also an heirloom-quality instrument drawing inspiration from the finest prewar open-back banjos.
With a 25.5" scale length and a manageable 1-11/32" nut width, this OME Tupelo plays with ease and balance, and it weighs in at just 5 lbs 4.5 oz. It includes a hardshell case.