Ome Alpha 11" Open Back Banjo

The Ome Alpha 11" Open-Back Banjo is another beautifully crafted instrument from the renowned Ome workshop in Boulder, Colorado. Designed for old-time players seeking warmth, clarity, and handcrafted refinement, the Alpha combines elegant aesthetics with Ome’s signature tone engineering.

At its core is an Ome 5/16" rolled brass tone ring paired with a 9/16" 2-ply solid maple rim, delivering enhanced brightness, depth, and tonal response. The South American mahogany neck offers a smooth playing feel, while the ebony fingerboard features graceful Mother-of-Pearl and abalone star inlays, adding subtle visual elegance. Double-bound tortoid binding around the rim enhances the refined, vintage-inspired aesthetic.

The Alpha is finished with high-quality hardware available in Aged Brass or Nickel, and includes a scoop for clawhammer players, dual rim rods for stability, and Ome’s dependable old-time setup with a Renaissance head, Sweetone tailpiece, and maple/ebony bridge. A Superior hardshell case is included.

Highlights

Tone & Construction

• 5/16" rolled brass tone ring for clarity and enhanced response

• 9/16" 2-ply solid maple rim for warm, articulate tone

• 11" open-back design (also available in 12")

• Dual rim rods for stability and adjustability

Neck & Fingerboard

• South American mahogany neck

• Ebony fingerboard with Mother-of-Pearl & abalone star inlays

• 26.25" scale length

• Scoop for old-time/clawhammer playing

• Tortoid binding on double-bound rim, capped for durability

Hardware & Setup

• Choice of Aged Brass or Nickel hardware

• Renaissance head, Sweettone tailpiece

• Maple/ebony bridge

• Medium gauge strings

• Capo spikes at 7th & 9th frets

• Wooden armrest

• Old-time setup direct from Ome

Included Case

• Superior hardshell plush-lined case included