At Banjo Studio, we have always been massive fans of tenor banjos, and we are thrilled to introduce the Ome Wicklow 11" 19-Fret Tenor Curly Maple Openback Banjo. Serving as the highly anticipated replacement for the beloved original Ome Jubilee Tenor, the Wicklow marries traditional Irish music sensibilities with world-class American lutherie.
If you are looking for a meticulously crafted tenor banjo that delivers a deep, warm tone with heirloom-quality construction, your search ends right here.
The Tone Engine: 11" Rim & Vintage Tone Ring
At the heart of the Wicklow is a beautifully crafted 11" curly maple rim paired with an Ome Vintage tone ring. This combination is a match made in heaven for tenor players. It provides exceptional note separation and a punchy attack, while the 11" rim and Fiberskyn head rein in harsh overtones. The result is a deeply warm, resonant, and balanced tone that easily drives a traditional Irish session without sounding piercing or overly bright.
What Makes the Wicklow Unique?
Ome is legendary for their impeccable attention to detail, and this banjo is loaded with premium upgrades and stunning visual appointments that set it apart from standard tenors:
Stunning Curly Maple Construction: The neck and hand-sculpted armrest are crafted from premium Curly Maple, offering both breathtaking, tiger-striped visuals and superior ergonomic support for extended playing sessions.
Victorian Walnut Headstock: The peghead features Ome's classic Victorian profile, beautifully overlaid in Walnut and adorned with elegant Mother of Pearl and Ebony inlays.
Elite Hardware & Tuning Stability: Outfitted with world-class Rickard Cyclone tuners (featuring tortoise buttons) and aged brass hardware throughout, this banjo stays perfectly in tune while exuding a gorgeous, understated vintage aesthetic.
Refined Aesthetics: From the ebonite rim cap and tortoise-shell binding to the 24-notch brass tension hoop, every inch of this instrument is designed to be a visual and acoustic work of art.
Why You Need This Banjo
The 19-fret layout is the gold standard for tenor players, offering the perfect scale length for the fast triplets and wide chord voicings required in Celtic music and traditional jazz.
Built from select tonewoods with top-tier hardware, the Ome Wicklow is more than just a musical instrument; it is a serious investment for the discerning player. It offers the flawless playability, lasting tonal character, and rugged reliability you need, whether you are recording in the studio or leading the rhythm section at a local pub.
