Ortega OBJ850-MA
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
This Ortega is a solid choice for the serious bluegrass player or someone looking to explore traditional banjo sounds. The build quality is excellent for the price point, and the tone is surprisingly balanced – not overly bright like some resonators. It's a great entry into a premium-priced banjo without the top-tier price tag.
Product Description
- Ortega OBJ850-MA
- 5-String Banjo
- 3-ply solid maple body
- Flamed maple resonator
- Weather King Clear Remo head
- Hard maple neck
- Jatoba fingerboard
- Brass tone ring
- Gold-plated armrest with engraved Ortega logo
- Hardware finish: Gold
- Machine heads aligned to the rear
- 22 frets
- Scale: 670 mm (26.38")
- Nut width: 30 mm (1.18")
- Colour: Natural maple
- Includes gig bag
PROS
- • The 3-ply maple body delivers a surprisingly warm, focused tone for a resonator banjo.
- • The flamed maple resonator adds visual appeal and contributes to a brighter, more projecting sound.
- • Rear-mounted machine heads allow for easier string changes and tuning adjustments, a thoughtful touch.
- • The Jatoba fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience, resisting stickiness even in humid conditions.
CONS
- • The gold hardware, while aesthetically pleasing, might not appeal to players preferring a more traditional look.
- • The 670mm scale length could feel slightly long for players accustomed to shorter banjo scales.
- • While versatile, its tone leans toward bluegrass and traditional styles; modern genres require more tweaking.
Product Video
Key Features
Type
5-String Resonator Banjo
Head Size
11 inch
Resonator
Flamed Maple
Strings
Steel (likely .010-.040 gauge, but not explicitly stated)
Neck Material
Hard Maple
Weight
Approximately 12 lbs (based on similar models)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The brass tone ring provides a classic, ringing bluegrass tone, but it's a bit more assertive than some other materials like nickel, offering more projection and sustain.
The 30mm nut width provides ample string spacing, and the hard maple neck has a fairly standard 'C' shape, which should be comfortable for most hand sizes, though it’s slightly wider than some modern banjos.
The Weather King is a good quality, clear head that offers a bright, responsive tone. It's not the absolute top-tier like a FibraSky, but provides a great balance of performance and durability for the price.
