Few people know that the 5-string banjo that Makem played is acknowledged as "America's only true musical instrument."It is unique, and a piece of Americana like the Midwest diners of yesteryear.

Costzon 5-String Banjo Another excellent beginner banjo, this model does require some set-up, but it’s not too tricky. Like the two banjos above, this is a five-string instrument, and ...

"My father was born with this instrument," Laemouahuma Daniel Jatta says. "This is part of our history." Jatta, 55, is from Gambia, a member of the Jola people. He's holding an akonting: a three ...

A wide variety of tunings are used, with the most common being G4 D3 G3 B3 D4. If you’re looking for a melodic, versatile instrument that can be used across many genres then the 5-string is the best ...

Kevin Enoch carves wood for a banjo. The Beltsville, Md., man says he likes the precision of crafting a banjo. “Guitars tend to be pretty plain, whereas banjos from the turn of the century are ...

ALBANY — "Did all you people come here tonight on purpose?" Eric Weissberg asked a sold-out house at The Egg on Saturday night. Concert review "NY BANJO: A FIVE-STRING SUMMIT" When: 7:30 p.m ...

Hand the banjo man a stringed instrument, and he'll pick you a tune fine enough to make Bill Monroe, the so-called father of bluegrass, perk up his ears.

Inside his antiques-filled living room, Ed Taylor picks up a bluegrass-style five-string banjo and begins plucking away with the grace and elegance that only happens after decades of muscle memory.

Long before the banjo was considered a staple instrument in mainstream country music, it went through several iterations, but it always had been deeply connected to the Black experience.

Unless the room is ultra-hip -- meaning, its occupants know something about Don Vappie or Bela Fleck -- banjo gets a bad rap. The new PBS documentary titled "Give Me the Banjo," narrated by Steve ...