Brian Murphy - Posted - 07/31/2025:  16:50:34

From FB:

 

chuckv97 - Posted - 07/31/2025:  16:52:14

I’m sorry to hear that. My condolences to his family and friends.

slammer - Posted - 07/31/2025:  17:35:57

Oh Jeez!!! So sorry to hear this!!! I had the opportunity to visit him and his shop and own one of his banjos. RIP Arthur and condolences and prayers to the family!!!
Slammer!!!

dbrooks - Posted - 07/31/2025:  17:40:57

We have lost a true icon who helped make the world better. 

 

David

PKM - Posted - 07/31/2025:  18:36:00

Oh, I m so sorry to hear this ! What a terrific man and dear friend. I got to know Arthur very well, when after buyng my Hatfield banjo, I interviewed him for a article in Banjo Newsletter. I like to think that he & Beverly are together again now.

HarleyQ - Posted - 07/31/2025:  18:36:47

So sorry to hear this, Arthur was the BEST!!

PKM - Posted - 07/31/2025:  18:41:29

youtube.com/watch?v=8lOU7yqHlsM&t=56s

eagleisland - Posted - 07/31/2025:  19:04:59

Oh, no. Please, no.

I knew Arthur was sick; I knew of the struggles with the loss of Bev and the fire in his shop.

I will have more to say about all of this in a day or two. All I can say right now is that Arthur was the kindest, truest, gentlest man I'm ever likely to meet. I am privileged to have known him, and privileged to own a stunning banjo that he built.

And for those who have been on the Hangout long enough, I was - and am - privileged to have gained wisdom from him over the years for his contribution to this wonderful community.

Godspeed, Arthur. I have no doubt the Angels aren't just welcoming you home - they're saying "'About time! Sure took you long enough to get here, where you always belonged!"

the-fish - Posted - 07/31/2025:  19:11:28

Very sad indeed , so happy I took an opportunity to go down and meet him, had a banjo that wasn’t that happy with. I could have brought somewhere local but decided to make a day of it
Wouldn’t charge me, coordinator rods, neck adjustment, tap tuned head , checked bridge, and replaced some frets
What do I owe you ? Nothing, I didn’t do anything
I bought a bridge at hat and a shirt we picked some, he liked my claw hammer
Spoke a few times in last few weeks
Sad, sorry he’s gone , truly a gentlemen RIP Arthur

Disco Kid - Posted - 07/31/2025:  19:12:47

Arthur was the real deal. Never met him in person but spoke to him and his wife on the phone and corresponded years ago when I used to buy parts from him. I love that photo of his mailbox. Seems it should be enshrined somewhere.

Sgt Dale - Posted - 07/31/2025:  19:31:55

I had the pleasure of visiting Arthur a few months ago and meeting him for the first time. I had decided to get a Hatfield banjo even though I’d never seen or heard one in person. One of the things that led to my decision was the numerous comments about the character and integrity of Arthur Hatfield. When I arrived at his shop, he treated me as if he’d known me for years. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to meet and visit with him and a couple of his kin were there too. He helped make the world a better place and his legacy will now continue on through the years.
Praying for his family and friends.

TB327 - Posted - 07/31/2025:  19:32:38

one of the kindest guys he didnt believe in microphones he said stand in front of and play the banjo he also didnt believe in prewar sound my brother in law was his neighbor for 30 years he was a no bs guy

Dan Jocoy - Posted - 07/31/2025:  20:02:06

I cherish my Hatfield banjo and the friendship I was blessed to make with him and Bev. Salt of the earth people.

TB327 - Posted - 07/31/2025:  20:06:00

he told me prewar is bs the sound on recording a banjo is a flaw you have to hear it in the same room keep buying those microphoned banjos artheu disagreed with you

TB327 - Posted - 07/31/2025:  20:23:55

that his personal opinion i asked do you hear prewar he said f no

TB327 - Posted - 07/31/2025:  20:30:57

i bought a banjofrom arthur he said you dont have to give that all once i said im not a cheat

sunburst - Posted - 07/31/2025:  20:52:29

RIP Arthur

itsnotyou - Posted - 07/31/2025:  21:01:43

I never knew Arthur Hatfield except by his reputation for being a great guy and building great banjos. It sounds like the banjo community has lost a good man. Rest in Peace Arthur

raybob - Posted - 07/31/2025:  21:06:19

RIP Arthur.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 08/01/2025:  04:16:22

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

PKM - Posted - 08/01/2025:  05:06:48

I am privileged to have known Arthur well, and own one of his banjos, which I treasure. After the purchase, and a couple fo vsitis, I had the opportunity to spend time with him to write the article. I wrote to Banjo Newsletter editor, Donald Nitchie to say that readers should know about this great banjo builder. That experience is one that I enjoyed immensely, and will never forget.
banjonews.com/2012-11/arthur_h...njos.html

steve davis - Posted - 08/01/2025:  05:09:13

My condolences to Arthur's people.

HighLonesomeF5 - Posted - 08/01/2025:  05:55:20

Prayers for family and friends. Arthur you will be missed.

jswkingsfield - Posted - 08/01/2025:  09:21:15

Very sad news.   Many condolences to his family. I will continue to safeguard his "Old Ugly" banjo.

Thank you, Jim, for being there with him.  

Bart Veerman - Posted - 08/01/2025:  11:16:06

RIP Arthur

jbalch - Posted - 08/01/2025:  11:33:12

He was a great guy, I was blessed to visit his shop near Glasgow several times. Fond memories!



My favorite line from his banjo set-up video: "I won't tell you nothin' I don't know" ... good words to live by.

Banannajo - Posted - 08/01/2025:  13:20:25

I am so sorry for his passing. Condolences to his family and friends.

J.Albert - Posted - 08/01/2025:  15:48:25

RIP. Sad news.

I bought bridges from Arthur and one of his capos as well. He would carve the bridges to the heights I requested. Always a good order from Arthur and Bev.

One more has gone on...

eagleisland - Posted - 08/01/2025:  16:43:25

Here is the obit from John Lawless and Bluegrass Today.

It is kind, and respectful. It adheres to good journalism standards, which I greatly respect.

I'm not convinced that it adequately reflects how much those of us who knew and loved Arthur and Bev... knew and loved Arthur and Bev. Which means that I cannot be objective.

And I'm fine with that. May God welcome a wonderful man home, and may Arthur and Bev's reunion be joyous beyond measure.

Timron - Posted - 08/01/2025:  17:57:54

Arthur was a good friend to me and a talented crafter. His Banjos were a piece of his soul and were always really good. He had some amazing friends and yall know who you are. But I guess you have to be an amazing friend to gain one.

Brian Murphy - Posted - 08/01/2025:  18:12:24

Nice tribute in Bluegrass Today

Randy Escobedo - Posted - 08/02/2025:  14:32:45

Here's the link for the funeral home. Bev and Arthur were so nice.

afcrowfh.com/obituaries/james-...-hatfield

Edited by - Randy Escobedo on 08/02/2025 14:40:40

tsmitty - Posted - 08/03/2025:  08:41:01

So sorry to hear this. His family & friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. Arthur was a great banjo builder and a humble man. He built a custom banjo for me in 2007. I will always treasure this banjo. I flew to Kentucky to pick it up in person as I did not want to take any chances damaging it in shipping. Therefore, I had the unique honor and privilege of meeting Arthur & Bev and spending some time with him in his shop. Wonderful people, great memories. He was such a positive influence in the banjo & bluegrass world.

banjo bill-e - Posted - 08/03/2025:  09:43:30

Does anyone remember when it was that Arthur posted about the spots on his lungs and his decision to forego chemo? That was before the fire but I don't remember how long back.

BanjoLink - Posted - 08/03/2025:  17:55:17

Sure hate to hear this news. RIP Arthur.

Mad Hornet - Posted - 08/04/2025:  09:25:33

I've been off the internet for a couple weeks and seeing this was a punch in the gut. I got to spend time with him on two occasions and I wish there were a lot more people like him in the world. My Feud is my favorite banjo. RIP Arthur you are sorely missed!

Buddur - Posted - 08/04/2025:  09:59:36

Sad news for sure.

Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

Jim E. - Posted - 08/08/2025:  10:19:50

Not having looked in on BHO in recent weeks, I've only just learned of Arthur's passing. Like others who've posted here, I am sorry our banjo community has lost such a fine craftsman and gracious gentleman. Arthur built a banjo neck for me a few years ago and I greatly enjoyed our exchanges in that process every bit as much as I continue to enjoy playing on that beautiful, comfortable neck. Rest in peace, Arthur.

kat eyz - Posted - 08/11/2025:  09:32:19

For several years in a row Arthur and I both attended Nashville SPBGMA events . Arthur had a room where you went and played his banjos and visted with folks & i had a booth in the McGavick room. Each early morning before the McGavick room opened to the public i would go down to Bev&Arthurs room for coffee . We talked about everything you could imagine about banjos ...tone ...bridges...etc . We for sure where on the same page about a lot of things. I will cherish those days forever. Two great people i miss alot.

Banjo Studio - Posted - 08/15/2025:  09:16:07

Very sorry to hear this. Arthur guided me and built me one of my first truly professional banjos back in the 90's. It was a great instrument and I always missed that banjo after I sold it. Thinking of him, his friends, and his family and how much he contributed to our banjo community.

4thregionref - Posted - 08/15/2025:  11:44:10

A kind and gentle soul who will be missed

The Pope - Posted - 08/15/2025:  16:27:59

RIP Arthur. My Kenny Ingram Special has a neck made by Arthur...

saltcreek - Posted - 08/15/2025:  17:22:38

Arthur trated me like a friend the first and only time I ever met him thanks to my good friend Mark White.

JMalmsteen - Posted - 08/15/2025:  17:33:31

RIP and condolences to his family. He was a great person and made wonderful banjos.

okbluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 08/15/2025:  20:03:23

This will take some time to deal with.

Arthur was kindness impersonated. 

He was a selfless individual with a vision bigger than life.

 I had a non-Hatfield banjo once that had a Hatfield flying eagle neck on it. The neck had been made by Arthur for John Mark Batchelor. 

 I've never played such a fine neck before or since.

 God's got one fine banjo player in glory.

 There's no more pain where Arthur and Bev reside.

 God bless the memories of those two who truly made the banjo world a better place. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. 

Arthur and Bev lived out their days with as much joy as they could muster.

 I never met them personally but those who did were blessed.

Edited by - okbluegrassbanjopicker on 08/15/2025 20:06:01

Lefty5string - Posted - 08/15/2025:  20:18:34

RIP Arthur. Proud to have Special #4 and Feud #13.

maurodanielrossi - Posted - 08/15/2025:  20:24:18

Sorry to hear about Arthur passing. The world is a little quieter.

bbanjoboy - Posted - 08/15/2025:  20:59:25

So sad. Arthur and Beverly were fine foks. He will be missed.

lance martin - Posted - 08/15/2025:  22:11:32

I am honored to have a banjo that Arthur built for me a couple of years ago. He was so genuine and nice when it came to helping me craft my dream banjo. I’ll never forget calling the house, and speaking with Bev during Arthur’s first major health battle. Arthur was so kind and caring of others, even knowing that he had impending medical bills due to his treatment, he called and offered to refund my deposit I placed on the banjo build. He said he wasn’t sure if he’d make it, and wanted me to have the money in case he didn’t. I told him that there was no need for that, and I was rooting for him to recover; whenever he felt up to it, he could have a project to look forward to. My Hatfield banjo was special to me then, and even more so now. Arthur was a great, humble, and thoughtful guy. I’m saddened to hear of his passing.