I have a 6500 DSR 1977 Ode. It is a beautiful banjo in near perfect condition. If Gibson makes a louder or clearer sounding banjo,I would love to hear it. I'm by no means a banjo authotity, but I do know and listen to several late 20's and early 30's gibsons that blugrass musicians in my area own and play and I can tell you none of them sound any better than my Ode. I can tell you with certainty that every Ode that I have seen have the highest craftmanship in their construction. Jost my opinion!!!