I make banjos because I love old-time music, and because I love working with wood. I grew up with banjo music over my shoulder almost constantly, although, none at home. I was struck by a piece of banjo music I heard on WBRF when I was 19 or 20. At that time I didn't have the least idea that there were so many ways to play the banjo. I play old-time clawhammer style and the banjos I build are built with that style in mind.

photography by Dave Franusich and Christina O'Connor

Working with wood is a truly satisfying experience. I love the look, feel, and smell of it. I love the demands that it makes of my skills and I love the way that it has developed my skills. A banjo is fairly simple thing but it has to planned out rather neatly for the whole thing to come together into a playable, durable instrument that will make music and hold up to the rigors of being tossed around, bought, sold, forgotten in an attic, dropped, and played.

There are several banjo makers around the NRV all of whom produce very special works of art. Greg Galbreath in Eggelston is a full time banjo maker and has founded a business known as Buck Eye Banjos, he is turning out some of the finest handcrafted banjos to be had today. Chris Via of Giles Co. also makes some Very nice banjos. And of course there is Mac Traynham of Willis from whom both Greg and I got our beginnings in banjo making. Mac has been making banjos for upwards of twenty years now and his work sets the bar in traditional hand made banjo craft.

So, if you like banjos and banjo music come out to Gillie's on a Tuesday night and you will likely get to hear some or go see the Jugbusters.