Small shop for banjo players, owned by a banjo player
Launched in 2003 to serve the needs of fellow banjo players, Banjo.com has become a recognized leader not only in Bluegrass music, but the Americana, Country & Rock industry as well. Today, Banjo.com sells Shelby American Banjos exclusively, with personal guidance for players choosing their next instrument.
The owner of Banjo.com is professional musician Barry Waldrep. Barry has toured professionally for the past 30 years. Raised on traditional Bluegrass, and a forerunner on the Jam Band circuit. He has toured and recorded with many artists such as The Zac Brown Band, Randy Travis, Joey & Rory and also has performed with bluegrass greats like John Cowan, Tony Trischka, Scott Vestal & Tony Rice.
His recently released CD/DVD “SMOKE FROM THE KITCHEN” is a power house of Southern Rock/Bluegrass featuring Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers), Chuck Leavell (The Rolling Stones), Paul T. Riddle (Marshall Tucker Band), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke), Coy Bowles (Zac Brown Band), David Grisman, Benji Shanks & many others.
In addition Barry has many years of experience dealing in high quality acoustic instruments, and chooses to only sell high quality instruments at Banjo.com. Barry also strives to maintain the local family owned atmosphere in the showroom, and by personally dealing directly with customers throughout the world.
Fifty years chasing tone
Barry Waldrep has spent 50 years owning, studying, and testing hundreds of banjos in pursuit of the sound he hears in his head. For Barry, a banjo has to prove itself on stage, not just sound good in a room. Shelby American Banjos bring that experience together: powerful, warm, and cutting, with the grit and tone of traditional instruments.
Every millimeter matters
Playability matters just as much as tone. Barry’s approach starts with the neck, rim, and tone ring working together, and the action set correctly. He favors a neck as straight as possible and adjusts action through bridge selection, rather than using the truss rod or coordinator rods for that purpose. Each instrument receives his careful attention; this is a personal passion, not an assembly line.
Having found the combination that works, Barry intends to keep the designs and specifications of the current Shelby American Banjos models consistent. Custom models are available while retaining the core specifications at the heart of the instrument.
Our goal at Banjo.com is to sell products that we believe in ourselves. We want every customer from the beginner to the professional to have the best experience possible.
Our personal and professional principles are based on our Christian faith. We strive to honor God in all that we do.
Barry Waldrep, President/Owner
Frank Rindone, Customer Service Manager
Barry Waldrep with his wife Lesia and children Mallorie and Morgan