Prewar Gibson Banjos We will start with the pre war Gibson banjo. This means that these banjos were made prior to 1947. The models during this time frame were the RB-1, (Straight Maple) RB-2, (Walnut) RB-3, (Mahogany), RB-75 (Mahogany) RB-4 (Burl Walnut) and the Granada (Curly Maple). These were also available in Tenor & Plectrum […]
American Banjo Museum Honoring History of the Banjo
The banjo is one of America’s most cherished musical instruments that runs deep into the nation’s heritage. It remains an essential instrument in bluegrass and international folk music, along with the fiddle, guitar and mandolin. The banjo originally came from West Africa and was brought to North America hundreds of years ago. You can learn […]
Sweet Sounds of the Banjo: The History of the Banjo
The banjo has been around for quite a long time. Despite its reputation as an American instrument, its origins are actually from the African continent. The history of the Banjo is a fascinating one that can increase your appreciation of this musical instrument. Early Days The banjo started out centuries ago as a simple instrument […]
Modern Artists and Bands Who Use the Banjo
Listen carefully, you’ll start to hear more tracks that feature a banjo The banjo is making a comeback! Many modern artists and bands play the banjo in their hit songs. The banjo is commonly associated with Dixieland jazz, bluegrass, and folk music, but it’s been used in other genres, including pop and rock, for many […]
Get Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo Book Special on Banjo.com
Earl Scruggs is one of the most well-known banjo players of all time. His three-finger style of banjo playing became known as Scruggs Style and is commonly used in bluegrass music. Scruggs Style can be heard in several recognizable songs, including “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and the theme song of “The Beverly Hillbillies.” With the Scruggs […]
J.D. Crowe and the New South Band: Progressive Bluegrass Musician
Like a lot of bluegrass musicians, J.D. Crowe gained his first musical exposure in church and at home. Growing up surrounded by music, and with an almost obsessive dedication to learning the banjo from a very early age, Crowe grew into one of the most important and influential bluegrass musicians of the century. Although he is almost […]