More About Me
My dad gave me my first lesson in 1959. Dad was a professional caliber tenor banjo player in Pittsburgh, where I grew up. I began making a banjo using the basic information contained in the first edition Earl Scruggs book. I also began to collect and restore old banjos around 1968. Was one of the first 12 artisans to occupy spaces in the Torpedo Factory Art Center in old town Alexandria Virginia. There I made and repaired banjos. Many Gibson Mastetone replicas and fancy open backs. Early A.C. Fairbanks , Vega and SSStewarts were favorites. The first banjo I made was on the cover of Banjo Newsletter later to be sold to Carl Pagter founder of the California Bluegrass Association. I also made and sold to him a custom neck banjo having a “ Christian Dior” rose inlayed into the peghead. Later while owning Vintage Music, an acoustic shop specializing in bluegrass and Oldtime roots music I produced reproduction parts for A.C.Fairbanks and Vega banjos. All in 10 15/16 OD.. tuba phone and white lady, tone rings, bracket, bands, tension, hoops, and miscellaneous associated parts. A degreed artist I was drawn to the fancy inlays and heel carving seen on some of the fancy banjos I began to see and collect so I began replicating these. Now retired as an Art archivist I continue to make and restore banjos. Arlington Virginia 22203
703 303 0539
