Don't think you can go wrong, really.īit of a plug: my banjo dealer, GD Armstrong, is also a luthier and long time friend of Burke's and John of late too and loaned John a tenor guitar he built for their latest tour. They're supposed to play like a dream, etc etc. I didn't get around to asking to play the Ome, it sounded pretty nice all around. I ran into a fellow with the same model at a session - he was inspired by Roger Landes, the Zoukfest organizer, who also has the same model and has booked John there a few times. I saw the two in a music store and John's playing is really quiet as things go - even the fiddling wasn't as brash as Kevin's playing. Someone told me that Kevin Burke remarked "Banjos - even when they're great, they're only good." Not a fan, eh? So it wouldn't surprise me that John might want to cut down on the decibel levels a bit. It does sound great to my ear, from these videos. How long has this banjo been on the market? How well has it been selling? Have you tried one or heard one live? I may be saving up my pennies to buy this banjo, and am curious if the endorsement is catching on, and others have been buying it up over the last X number of years? It seems to be a very legit endorsement, since John has been captured on these and other youtube videos playing this banjo. Here's Youtube video #3 of him playing in a session Here's Youtube video #2 of him playing his Ome Celtic (he switches to banjo at 1:24 minutes in the video) with fiddler Kevin Burke Here's a Youtube video #1 of John Carty playing his Ome Celtic with his daughter Maggie Here is an endorsement on John Carty's website about his banjo Here's a write-up on Ome's blog about this new banjo These openback banjos often have more growl, can be more mellow, yet still with the high notes no less. It is intriguing to me that both Angelina Carberry and John Carty are both playing and consequently promoting an open-back banjo for irish playing, when banjos with resonators have been most prominent in this style of play (it would appear). Perhaps you have one, or you've tried one, or you know someone who has one? I'd love to hear more about it. That said, I am curious who if anyone is familiar with this particular Ome banjo, and can speak to its tone and overall quality. Hey All - I play Irish tenor banjo and have learned that the famous John Carty (professional musician in Ireland) has been touring for some time with a new Ome Celtic Openback banjo with a 12" pot and brass hardware, is loving it, and most happy to endorse it.
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June 2023
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