For the money, the Ode Magician is hard to beat. Great for all styles including Roundpeak, melodic, and two-finger picking.

Why We Love This

In 1960, Chuck Ogsbury started Ode Banjos, with the goal to make exceptional yet affordable instruments.

After a 40 year hiatus (spent focusing on the Ome banjo line), Chuck and his team are reviving the Odes, bringing their no-frills, 19th century inspired banjos into the 21st century.

The Ode Magician features an 12” slightly heavier, curly maple multi-ply tone-rim that is bound with simulated tortoise shell and capped in black. It also features a heavy notched brass tension hoop, 24 rim brackets, and a solid cherry and ebony neck to give a rich and powerful 19th-century vintage banjo tone.

The tone is super clean and clear, with minimal echo. Pull-off's and hammer-on's are effortless with Ode's low action and quick and lively voice.