BanjosUSA : Tony Trischka and Helpful Links for Those Who Enjoy or Play the Banjo!

Tony Trischka began playing the banjo at about the age of 14. He began his recording career in 1971 with the band Country Cooking. An author, Tony has written "Masters of the Five String Banjo", which "focuses on eighteen banjoists who have made significant contributions to their field, including the legendary Earl Scruggs, John Hickman, and others. Each chapter contains a short biography, a lengthy interview, illustrative photos (detailing hand position, pick placement and banjo of choice), and a selection of their best-known tunes in tablature (with accompanying analyses)." Recently, Tony has released the album "Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular," featuring other banjo players who make the "double" including Earl Scruggs, Steve Martin, Béla Fleck, Alison Brown, Tom Adams, Bill Emerson, Kenny Ingram, Scott Vestal, and Noam Pikelny, and the album "Territory," with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. You can learn more about Tony Trischka and his appearance schedule at his website. You can also listen online to Tony Trischka playing part of "Fox On The Run." Learn about Alison Brown. . . or John Hickman. . .

Services

Though I have not personally used some of these services, they have been recommended by people I respect.

Angie's Banjo
Byron's Double Stop Fiddle Shop
Fitch Banjos
Recording King
DrBanjo.com
Deering Banjos
Sullivan Banjo
Gold Tone
Bluegrass Unlimited
International Bluegrass Music Association
Bluegrass Lyrics
Bluegrass Works

A Sullivan Banjo is pictured above left.

The Complete 5 String Banjo Player by Tony Trischka An authentic guide to bluegrass music for for beginners and more advanced players. Among other topics, he covers holding the banjo, reading tablature, the melodic style, composition, improvisation, and arranging. Buy Now!
The Complete 5 String Banjo Player by Tony Trischka (DVD). A DVD and perfect companion to the book above starring Tony Trischka. Covers the book and includes bonus concert recordings! Buy Now!

Banjos for Sale

Banjos for the beginner and the professional can be found for sale at Byron's Double Stop Fiddle Shop. They can be professionally set up to meet your needs and produce the best sound possible. Currently, they have these models in stock:

Gibson TB3 1925
Goldtone Electric: manolin banjo
Kristufek / Krishot
RB3 Gibson
Ridge "Classic"
Ridge "Select"
Goldtone OB250
Goldstar Saga

A video short video demonstrates the quality and value of some of these banjos.

Special Books for Advanced Banjo Enthusiasts and Musicians

Masters of the Five String Banjo by Tony Trischka and Pete Wernick includes more than 400 pages of interviews, tunes, photos and analysis, covering every conceivable aspect of the three-finger style. This book focuses on eighteen banjoists who have made significant contributions to their field, including the legendary Earl Scruggs.

Melodic Banjo by Tony Trischka.
A complete instruction guide to "Keith style" banjo technique. Over 30 tunes and songs by Bill Keith, Eric Weissberg, Alan Munde, Bobby Thompson, Vic Jordan, and others. With interviews and personal descriptions of their playing styles. Trischka gives an in depth view of the melodic/chromatic technique.

Thank You for Visiting!