These are definitely some of our favorite items in the shop right now! We are extremely proud to now be carrying Menzies Instruments, owned by Jeff Menzies who makes gourd banjos, tackhead banjos, minstrel banjos, gourd fiddles, akontings, and more, and is located in Kingston, Jamaica. Jeff has a deep connection to community, people, and his work, and does a ton to educate others on the West African and Caribbean roots of the banjo. Currently Jeff is working to create a school and Cultural Center on the island of Jamaica called the Jamaica Academy of the Arts to teach folks to play the banjo, to have a mentorship program for lutherie skills, and to bring the instrument building Arts back to Jamaica which is home to so much of the history of the banjo. A purchase of a Menzies Instrument goes to supporting a great cause and an incredible luthier! Check out some of the amazing Menzies banjos we have in stock now!