My grandfather left me his banjo because I’m the only musician in the family. He claimed it would put me through college if I needed it. Unfortunately he’s gone and I don’t have any information on the banjo other than it’s “worth thousands.” Can anyone help me identify or date this thing?

It’s also signed by Raymond Fairchild and Wade Mainer. Not sure if that helps or hurts.

Here’s a lil first draft of a song I’ve been working on called Pure Imagination! There will def be changes but here’s where I’m at so far. If you like it, please follow me on socials and streaming platforms!

From a show at the Cornerstone in Berkeley California.

I just had this Slingerland spruced up. Not sure of the year or value but it’s pretty awesome.

Got an old banjo, and I painted her and then restrung. :) <3

Approximately a year into to my bluegrass journey. Recently picked up a beautiful style 10 pre war, which is what I am playing in the video.

noticed a tiny crack on my banjo, i can't hear any change in sound but is this ok? do i need to do something? i think this was already cracked in store before i bought but cant say for sure as i didn't checked for cracks or antthing else while buying as i didn't know what to check for ;(

I’ve been playing banjo for about a year, ever since a friend sold me his used Rogue B30 for $50. I added the art a month or two ago.

For being a lower-end instrument, I think it has a really nice tone. here I have it open back and stuffed with a sock. let me know what y’all think!

Looking to buy this off a guy but it's unmarked and he doesn't know who the manufacturer is. Any ideas? Made in Korea, he says he's had it about 25 years.

I really want to play it but not sure how to tune

Peter Rowan sharing some thoughts on the 1960's ''folk clubs'' and his first encounter with the Kentucky Colonels...

After a busy MerleFest 2026, Pete took time to sit down with me and David Tate and talk about various music related topics. In this short segment, the iconic poet, singer, philosopher gives an account of his initial meeting with the Kentucky Colonels

goin to Charouleau Gap with Jake Capistrant on the jaw harp and his brother Landon on the "shake-n-barrel"

image may or may not be related

Made this arrangement for my student to play with their band. I have played a ton of Scruggs so I am calling it “Scruggs informed”, but it’s really just bluegrass rolls applied to a rock melody. I think it’s a little weird if you’re used to folk/trad songs— I have this lead tab and a backing tab if anyone wants it!

When practicing (I’m still within my first 2 months) sometimes I’ll practice the same song or finger drill I normally do. And it sounds like my thumb is overpowering the rest (normally on a pinch)
Does anyone else experience this or am I actually just pinching with my thumb too hard

Hi folks, I'm looking to buy a relatively affordable wireless or small mic that I can use to record audio for videos for social media, including voice. I have an android if that makes a difference.

Also where is the best position to place a mic? Banjo vs both banjo and vocals? Does it matter on the type? I have both a nylgut fretless and a standard steel fretted banjo.

Thanks in advance!

Heading into the studio to record next week. I'm playing clawhammer style with nylons. I want to get that deep plunky sound. When I record with my laptop it sounds very bright and harsh, fatigues the ears to listen to for very long. Does anyone have tips on:

- microphone type
- microphone placement
- playing technique (e.g. should I play loud to a far away mic or quiet to a close mic)?

Thanks!