DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
|
Bill Anderson |
Collecting vintage instruments is in my blood, ever since trying to find a prewar flathead years ago. Now I am "banjo crazy" primarily for open backs dating from about 1850 - 1910. I am posting photos of some of my open backs. Take a look at my hangout site if you enjoy that kind of thing. I never tire of seeing photos of nice instruments.
I love playing and collecting vintage open back banjos for the following reasons:
1. Affordable, at least for now
2. Original 5-string necks ....... usually original tuners are fine, the banjos are generally ready to play and enjoy.
3. Play old music on old instruments, it's just better. Instruments that have character and can tell a story
4. Artistry and craftsmanship of the highest order. .........old world materials no longer available
5. Investment potential ........ play it and let it grow.
6. Variety of manufacturers .....different tonalities, weights, sizes, scales, heel carvings, peg head shapes, inlay patterns, etc.
7. Easy to sell and trade
8. Enjoy playing and owning a piece of Americana
7 comments
Bill Anderson has 131 friends. View entire friends list.
schlange ![]() |
swerbin |
Warren Yates |
Silvio Ferretti |
Greg Earnest |
jbalch |
flatthead |
clawhammerist |
JanetB replied to topic 'My book on the Old-Time Fiddler (and Banjoer), Kerry Blech, just published ' 58 min
schlange replied to topic '"Tennessee" Resophonic banjo' 23 hrs
schlange replied to topic 'Disappearing posts' 23 hrs
Paul Roberts replied to topic 'Spammers and Scammers' 1 day
Redbone replied to topic 'Punching a Pre-War Tenor Tailpiece?' 1 day
Julio B replied to topic 'Got $250K lying around...?' 1 day
Julio B replied to topic 'Changing strings....aargh!!!' 1 day
Redbone replied to topic 'Punching a Pre-War Tenor Tailpiece?' 2 days
Noah Cline replied to topic 'TOTW 6 March 2026: The Baltimore Fire' 2 days
Redbone posted a forum topic 'Punching a Pre-War Tenor Tailpiece?' 2 days
JanetB replied to topic 'TOTW 6 March 2026: The Baltimore Fire' 2 days
JanetB uploaded MP3 'The Baltimore Fire (TOTW)' 2 days
Russell Carson posted a classified ad 'Weymann Banjo/Mandolin Project' 3 days
Russell Carson posted a classified ad '1950's Gibson 4 Hole Archtop Bow Tie' 3 days
Russell Carson posted a classified ad '1924 Vega Whyte Laydie #7 Plectrum' 3 days
Playing Since: 1962
Experience Level: Purty Good
Interests:
[Teaching] [Jamming] [Socializing] [Helping]
Occupation: Architect
Gender: Male
Age: 76
My Instruments:
BLUEGRASS BANJO:
1930 Gibson RB-3 (9602-12)
1936 Gibson PB-Granada (558-3)
1963 Gibson TB-250 (140179) 'Bellson'
CLAWHAMMER BANJO:
H. C. Dobson 'Silver Bell' and A.C. Fairbanks/Vega
Favorite Bands/Musicians:
Banjoists: Bobby Thompson, Adam Hurt, Earl Scruggs, J.D.Crowe, Scott Vestal, Ron Stewart, Robby Boone, Ron Block.....It's a pretty short list.
Classified Rating: (+3)
Rate this Member
Profile Info:
Visible to: Public
Created 4/7/2009
Last Visit 1/28/2021
I enjoy collecting vintage banjos / guitars and pickin' around the house where nobody can hear me. Recently gave up the dim lights and small money of playing in public, to playing solely in the safety of my own house...... and investing my time on Banjo Hangout. Thanks to Dub Crouch, Bob Rodgers, Robby Boone, Ron Stewart, David McLaughlin, Adam Hurt, Lenard Cockman, Joe Davisson, J.D.Crowe, George Gruhn, John Bernunzio, Doug Unger, Calvin Minner, Jim Bollman, Robert Bowlin, Gary Price, Jim Ruth, David McLaughlin, Scott Coney, L.D. Ridling, Snuffy Smith, Steve Huber and John Gough for your help, inspiration and friendship.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.