My first banjo was a Gretsch-made "Bacon" banjo, but I fairly quickly swapped that for a basic Ode long-neck model. I don't know the model or number, since I sold it when I happened on a Vega 12" Whyte Laydie banjo a friend was selling.

But I loved that Ode, and did the bulk of my larnin' on it. I sold it to Don Rusnack, who went on to open a banjo shop in northern Virginia, catering to the upper models the bluegrassers all like. I don't know where the Ode is now, or Don, for that matter.

Bob Clayton