The Upcountry Banjo Company

09/05/2026

For a closer look at my repro of the Union County tackhead banjo, visit my YouTube channel.

A look at my most recent tackhead banjo based on a 19th century ori...

09/05/2026

Newly made tackhead banjo based on an original 19th century example from Union County, North Carolina. For a closer look at this banjo and the original it is based on, visit my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/x2sU8A35W94?is=b0QOfkD5cfSB3vJn.

I design and build these to be highly playable instruments suitable for both contemporary old time players and those in living history or reenacting who are looking for historically accurate reproductions.

Tune is “Running in the White Oaks” from Gribble, Lusk, and York, an early-mid 1900s African American string band from Warren County, Tennessee.

09/04/2026

It's been a while since I posted any pictures of my work, but we have not been idle. Here are some images of my latest banjo. This is my second take on an original 19th century tackhead banjo from Union County, North Carolina which turned up on auction in 2024. The first I kept for myself and can be seen and heard in many of my videos. It's always satisfying to see things come full circle, and I am pleased to say that this one will be going home to a customer from Union County. The banjo features a cherry neck, tuning pegs, and tailpiece, white oak rim made from a 19th century grain measure, white oak edging around the head, hand forged tacks custom made in the Shenandoah Valley by Dennis Clem of Cedar Creek Blacksmithing llc, calfskin head, bridge made from vintage yellow pine, and Aquila gut strings. I will be posting videos of this banjo with sound samples soon. Also, keep an eye out as I will be posting images of other work from this summer in the upcoming weeks.

08/14/2026

“Walls of Jericho” is a traditional old time fiddle tune found along the Virginia/North Carolina border. Most versions such as those played by Albert Hash of Virginia and Muncey Gualtney of North Carolina are related to or reminiscent of the Rye Whiskey/Drunken Hiccups/Jack of Diamonds family of tunes in triple meter. This version comes originally from fiddle and banjo player Samuel Eldridge McNeil (1895-1981) of Floyd County, Virginia. I heard it first on a recording by Mac Traynham. Mac’s rendition is the primary influence on my playing here. Relative tuning AEAC #.

The title references the Biblical account of the Battle of Jericho in which Joshua laid siege to the great city. The walls were famously brought down by the shouts and trumpet blasts of the Hebrew people who paraded around the city seven days with the Ark of the Covenant.

If you listen closely, you can hear the trumpets and tumbling walls, special effects which can only be achieved in this particular tuning.

Come out to Hagood Mill Historic Site tomorrow, Saturday August 15 to hear this and more old time sacred music Caroline and I will be playing for the Mill’s annual Gospel Revue. We’ll be on stage 11:45 am to 12:45 pm.

07/19/2026

Wow, what a time we had at Banjo Extravaganza today! Always a great time catching up and sharing good music with friends. Hagood Mill puts South Carolina on the map for first rate banjo music with this annual event showcasing a wide variety of banjos styles and traditions. It’s a privilege to be a part of it.

07/16/2026

If you want to hear some *real* banjo music be sure to come out to Hagood Mill Historic Site in Pickens, SC this weekend for their annual Banjo Extravaganza! It is my humble privilege to share the stage again with some of the best banjo players around including Murphy Campbell, Bob Buckingham, Dan Gellert, and Clifton Hicks. I'll be playing Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:15. Hagood Mill is a great site that does important work preserving and promoting local history and traditions, well worth a visit anytime and especially this weekend.

🪕 Experience a Weekend of Appalachian Music, History & Tradition at the Banjo Extravaganza Festival! 🪕

Join us July 17–18, 2026, at Hagood Mill Historic Site for two unforgettable days celebrating the banjo, Appalachian culture, and the rich traditions of the Southern mountains.

🎬 Friday, July 17 | 6:30 PM

The festival begins with a special evening in the Heritage Pavilion featuring the premiere screening of Andy Eversole's new documentary, Banjo Earth: North Carolina. The film explores the people, places, and traditions that have shaped North Carolina's remarkable banjo heritage.

Following the documentary, acclaimed Appalachian musician Murphy Campbell will take the stage for a special live concert celebrating the musical traditions of the Southern mountains. A gifted ballad singer and banjo player, Murphy's performances preserve the stories, resilience, family traditions, and enduring spirit that have defined Appalachian life for generations.

Enjoy food and beverages from The Fermentary and Carolina Bauernhaus throughout the evening.

🎟 Friday Admission: $10

🪕 Saturday, July 18 | 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM

The celebration continues with a full day of outstanding banjo music featuring:

• Bob Buckingham
• Barrow Wheary
• Dan Gellert
• Murphy Campbell
• Clifton Hicks
• Molly Johnson
• Andy Eversole
• Owen Grooms

Spend the day exploring everything Hagood Mill has to offer:

⚒️ Live demonstrations by blacksmiths, potters, woodworkers, quilters, leatherworkers, spinners, chair caners, and other traditional Appalachian artisans.

🛍️ A marketplace filled with talented artisan vendors.

🍔 Great food from local food vendors.

🌽 Watch the historic 1845 Hagood Mill in operation and pick up fresh stone-ground cornmeal, grits, cookbooks, and unique gifts.

🪨 Admission also includes access to the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site, home to one of South Carolina's most significant collections of Native American rock carvings.

🎟 Saturday Admission
• $7 Ages 10 & Up
• FREE for Children 9 & Under

⛺ Stay for the Weekend!
Primitive camping is available onsite:
• $10 per person per night (Ages 10+)
• $15 per person for both nights
• FREE for Children 9 & Under

🚗 FREE Parking

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and spend the weekend surrounded by incredible music, mountain traditions, handmade crafts, and the beauty of one of South Carolina's most treasured historic sites.

📍 Hagood Mill Historic Site
138 Hagood Mill Road
Pickens, SC

🎟 Learn more and purchase tickets:
www.VisitHagoodMill.com/banjo-extravaganza

07/05/2026

Clip from Colonial Williamsburg yesterday for the 250th featuring some of my gourd banjo playing, but no sound unfortunately.