ODE Style-D Model 6500 1980

Built during the late Baldwin era, this 1980 ODE Style D  Model 6500  is a high-appointment, Mastertone-style 5-string resonator banjo aimed squarely at bluegrass players who wanted a powerful flathead banjo with premium cosmetics.

ODE began in Boulder, Colorado under Chuck Ogsbury. In a Banjo Newsletter interview, Ogsbury describes 1965 as the point where the company shifted into a new “wood rim” line, developing bluegrass models with a one-piece cast-brass resonator flange and settling on a cast bell-bronze flathead design for the tone ring. In the same interview, he states that he also designed the ODE Style “D” inlay pattern during this ramp-up, and that the resulting B, C, and D models became the foundation for what later sold as Baldwin ODE banjos.

Ogsbury sold ODE to Baldwin in 1966. He notes that Baldwin kept banjo production in Boulder for about two years before moving it to DeQueen, Arkansas in 1968, and he also describes the peghead branding progression from “Baldwin” to “Baldwin ODE” to “ODE” alone, including examples made by Baldwin around 1980 carrying only the ODE name.

Within the Baldwin-era lineup, the Style D is widely regarded as the top-tier model, combining the most elaborate inlay work with gold-plated hardware and engraved metalwork. This banjo shows the expected Style D look: extensive pearl inlay on the fingerboard and peghead, a gold one-piece flange, and engraved armrest and tailpiece.

This bajo is in overall great condition. Original frets are all there, there is some minor binding rot on the neck, standard playwear and no breaks. Gold plating is in good condition overall. Includes a TKL hard case, likely the original.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: 5-string resonator bluegrass banjo
• Brand era: Baldwin-owned ODE period
• Neck: Walnut
• Fingerboard: Ebony, bound
• Inlays: ODE Style pearl inlay pattern on fingerboard and peghead
• Peghead branding: ODE logo only (consistent with late Baldwin-era branding changes)
• Resonator: Walnut with concentric purfling rings (as pictured and commonly listed)
• Rim: 9/16″ multi-ply maple rim
• Tone ring: Cast bell-bronze flathead
• Flange: One-piece flange with ODE oval cutouts
• Tension hoop: Notched
• Brackets: 24 brackets and bolts
• Hardware: Gold plated with engraved armrest and tailpiece
• Tailpiece: Ode “window” style tailpiece
• Coordinator system: Dual coordinator rods
• Tuners: Planetary tuners plus geared 5th-string tuner
• Head size: 11″ head
• Case: TKL hard case, likely original