The Banjo Life

During the quarantine I started a new little musical side project called @fiddlebotmusic... if you like acoustic/electronic/remix kind of stuff with fiddle, banjo and synths then check it out... and follow and share 🎻🎹 (at Appalachian Mountains) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAfP2rWBlf8O0Px1uRgZ8Zolueb49WYXcdpwbA0/?igshid=ce1pcoy0ibso

A modern banjo is basically a combination of wood and metal. Altering the ways that wood and metal are combined will affect the sonic character or “voice” of the instrument, and some of the famous factory builders from back in the day contributed colossal efforts perfecting various combinations that have been time tested by generations of players. A good banjo maker is familiar with all of the different combinations and can distribute mass in a such a way to get the customer the optimal sound they want. One particularly nice combination of wood and medal is the classic wood rim paired with a metal bracket band and Tubaphone tone ring, especially when it involves a CMB maple block rim. They are pretty tricky to build but the sound is nothing short of incredible. Looking forward to getting this L model commission finished up in the coming weeks. #cedarmtnbanjos #banjobuilder #luthier #tonering https://www.instagram.com/p/CALa4rNhTq3DrmYeQg2n3sfcgntWaQUQ7wCO9M0/?igshid=1ib0j5aj8cipb

Good morning 🐔🌞✨ #cedarmtnbanjos (at North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAK7ujiAVKi8yvrOlR9--earwTLlQCeXUpkTZo0/?igshid=1sc9dgcnyb0b6

Thanks @nocontact2020 for having us this past weekend for what will likely be our last stage show for months. Keep an eye out for new singles coming out in about a month on @mountainhomemusic! https://www.instagram.com/p/CAIivlsh15SLPg-Ufc-LIIF8IpxqRRwBtSkEkM0/?igshid=f0qu23r18im5

Sometimes I work on bluegrass banjos too 🪕 https://www.instagram.com/p/CAF2n4GgETbmaHRkGmzcbukRIGu0VPc0etc_OE0/?igshid=l3fsmdoi81mc

A new Brainjo in its natural habitat on this lovely Mother’s Day weekend. Thanks Joel for sending this pic! #cedarmtnbanjos #brainjo (at North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CADKcbzg1XqwSRR-SpiFGTmfqhxS8rWTWzsZbQ0/?igshid=1t1p5au5gi9ng

I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to play on a stage with a big sound system and professional crew. This could be our last show for awhile so y’all be sure to tune in to our @nocontact2020 livestream tonight at 8! @unspokentraditionbluegrass (at Hickory, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_-9ZMvBAf5AWaUaCQTY2XBXArjRnl9deghWMc0/?igshid=xvummkk8khlt

I just realized that it’s been over two months since I’ve posted a pic of a banjo. The past six weeks or so have definitely been an adjustment since the kid has been homeschooling and my wife is still (fortunately) working full time. Not to mention my band tours have been cancelled. That doesn’t mean banjos aren’t being made though... I just assembled a batch of a dozen Brainjos and prepped them for shipping, and am making slow progress on a couple of custom commissions. Thanks to my clients for your patience, and I hope I haven’t disappointed my followers who are expecting tons of #banjoporn lol. We are taking it one week at a time and I hope to see many of you in person sometime soon 🤟 . #cedarmtnbanjos #brainjo #banjobuilder #workfromhomedad (at North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_xnSPlhH3q1NOmPJjU37DvNo0UWSQVFZhs8XQ0/?igshid=1890x92l9scqc

Stain or no stain? I got this nice piece of Birdseye maple from a friend awhile back and I’m considering making some kind of “Luthier’s choice” (but open to input) banjo with it later this year. Thoughts? Comment below... #cedarmtnbanjos #banjobuilder #luthier #maple https://www.instagram.com/p/B_fnQ_LhgdAUYk9uLua2iMghbEgrbS6lEyxqTw0/?igshid=kzpnsjlojrfy

I took this pic while watching an all-star jam at @merlefest several years ago. Definitely one of the most iconic Americana and bluegrass festivals in the country, and I’m missing the experiences both on stage and off. Hoping for a safe return in 2021. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_aG2FyBu5uL7YxOMtZFVlAzxQud9QM3Fr9-x00/?igshid=8lohk6dz6jj9

🤟😷🪕 https://www.instagram.com/p/B-nSkEsB4tU-cmCp2cBdHpDIZpiHdo4QF4-Zwg0/?igshid=189k713q3s1q2

When one of your clients sends you homemade cookies. Thanks Lizzy, they are delicious! 😋 #cedarmtnbanjos https://www.instagram.com/p/B94u0sbBRaDQW1FwrnHDZl6YRRKxq0PiENJiWU0/?igshid=yqxl50kuiod5

Batch building. It’s not for everyone but it works for me... as well as the majority of banjo makers who are consistently putting out any kind of volume. Won’t be long now before #Brainjo batch 12 is in finishing. Aaaaand I just got my new flannel lined @llbean work shirt! #cedarmtnbanjos #banjomaker #batchbuilder #madeinnc (at North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m3Z7vhSsZAeHFMTw7aZ1edm8MtkCWzpHnuDc0/?igshid=zxsnmrbwcbdo

🌞🌕 (at DuPont State Forest) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9dCva4BbHpnygvZpyZnGnR9eCfu20sqlxtbZQ0/?igshid=1obx7eu2epa4g

I think it’s time for some new workshop wear! This @cabelas shirt has served me well as an outer layer for years. Anybody have recommendations for work wear that you can’t live without? #workwear #cabelas https://www.instagram.com/p/B9UgR2XBxYjcxD8YK893ij-JfBK9sblBW1xb7M0/?igshid=1cq32coc83iwf

Ooo shiny 🤩 #cedarmtnbanjos https://www.instagram.com/p/B9HWPnNhXz5v2H_9OvArUc-gbMPjlsiQRfFzZE0/?igshid=b0rbuzbzk1ep

When your kid’s orthodontist happens to be a banjo picker and is willing to trade braces for an heirloom quality banjo. Thanks Dr. Luke and the awesome staff at @bro_smiles! #cedarmtnbanjos #orthobanjo (at Blue Ridge Orthodontis) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9AWy7JhpDI92uuTrbNaiAiToS6ZT4Zr7tmkYI0/?igshid=7l4t8jhi3k8u