Today, the best source in America for information on classic banjo is The American Banjo Fraternity. The ABF was formed in 1948 and is dedicated to preserving finger-style banjo music and promoting its performance. An extensive library of thousands of scores is available to members, and photocopies of the music may be had for a nominal fee. Members also receive the ABF publication,The 5-Stringer, an excellent source for information about banjo history, the players and the music. Additionally, the ABF meets twice per year for rallies-- three days of music and seminars devoted to classic banjo. For more information, contact:
The Fretted Instrument Guild of America (FIGA) is an organization that promotes interest in all types of fretted musical instruments. It was founded in 1957. FIGA publishes a bi-monthly magazine, called All Frets, which contains a regular column entitled, 5-String Classic Banjo Corner with Douglas Back.
The Banjoists' Broadsheet, also published in England, is another source for information on classic banjo and most other banjo styles. The Banjoists' Broadsheet is also a forum for subcribers' questions, recommendations and announcements about issues related to the banjo. To subscribe, contact:
The BANJO TIMES, now in its 15th year of publication, emanates from Essex, England and is published to promote interest in all styles of banjo and banjo playing. The editors are David and Natalie Price of Wayside Publications with issues every couple of months for a subscription of £10.00 per year (£13.00 USA). Historical articles and pictures are regularly featured as are articles on classic banjo and jazz banjo workshops. Also included are printed banjo solos and articles/letters from the subscribers. A diary of events records up-coming banjo events and there are regular entertaining articles like ON THE ROAD WITH DP (David Price). A free introductory copy will be mailed anywhere in the world. To subscribe, contact:
Classic banjo music may sometimes be found in the Banjo Newsletter. While primarily a magazine devoted to bluegrass and old-time styles, Banjo Newsletter occasionally prints music in tablature and articles for the classic banjoist. Visit their Web site's extensive tablature archive on Classic Banjo Tab for more information.
Mugwumps Online has information about classic banjo, banjo manufacturers, instrument repair, construction and back issues of the magazine.
In the late 19th and early 20th century, there were several publications dedicated to the interests of the banjo. Among them were The Cadenza, Crescendo, Stewart's Banjo and Guitar Journal and, the most popular (and longest-lived) of them all, BMG (Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar). All these journals have ceased publication but can sometimes be found in libraries, at auctions or at flea markets.
A discussion group about classic banjo has formed. If you would like to talk about this style with others, consider joining the group.Classic Banjo Yahoo Group