I am extremely grateful for the brain trust of this website as I would have had absolutely no idea what was going on with this banjo were it not for some old discussion threads that shed some light on some obscure footnotes of banjo history.
Best I can tell, this is a pretty typical Ode 6505 from their very prolific year of 1980 (I have two more 1980 6505s I will be listing for sale eventually), but instead of the standard flathead tonering, someone installed an unplated archtop tonering that reads “NGM OCTOBER 8 1976”. Thanks to this website, I now know this is the work of Marietta, Ga’s North Georgia Music, where a gentleman named Bill Baylock made a relatively small number of tonerings. Oddly, this is not the same Bill Baylock that made much beloved flathead tonerings in Ohio, though I’m also selling a Frank Neat banjo with one of those Baylock Flathead rings if you are in the market for something like that.
Besides the aftermarket tonering and a non original presto style tailpiece, this banjo confirms to the usual specs of these banjos. The hardware is nickel and shows some patina. The neck and resonator are walnut, while the peghead overlay and fretboard appear to be ebony.
Comes set up with monsterous 3/4” bridge, but it plays and sounds great with that.
Ships in the original “Gretsch” branded hard shell case.
Not sure if you will find a cheaper American made, professional grade archtop tonering equipped five string banjo.
Thanks for looking and please reach out with any questions.
