This website is the online companion for the BanjoCraft book by myself, Robert Browder, (author and apprentice) and Mac Traynham (master craftsman). Mac is a first-rate banjo builder, old-time musician, cabinet-maker, and mentor. Mac has been building banjos since the 1970’s. Mac’s work has inspired many musicians as well as several banjo makers. During his early banjo making years Mac himself visited and observed banjo makers of the older generation.

I did a four-year apprenticeship with Mac during which he encouraged me to document the banjo making processes that we were working with at the time. The result of that documentation is the BanjoCraft book. BanjoCraft is kinda like a thesis for me. Of course, processes evolve as experience develops and other tools become available. This website features a lot of the content from the BanjoCraft book as well other newer material.

To learn more about Mac’s work and music please visit mactraynham.com

My own recent work can be found at thumpybanjo.com