BanjosUSA : Osborne Brothers and Helpful Links for Those Who Enjoy or Play the Banjo!

The Osborne Brothers, Sonny and Bobby, became very influential bluegrass performers (though they first began charting country music in the late 1950's). Sonny played the banjo and Bobby played the mandolin, while both of them sang (often in a trio). Their final charted song was a new version of "Rocky Top" [here in 4 versions]; which was also a hit song for them in 1968. "Rocky Top" is also currently available on their bluegrass CD "From Rocky Top to Muddy Bottom" first recorded as an album in 1977. Though Sonny has retired, Bobby still performs with his group Rocky Top X-Press. Their CD, "The Essential Osborne Brothers Collection" includes several favorites; including "Dusty Miller," "Kentucky Waltz," and "Bluegrass Concerto." In addition to these bluegrass songs, you will certainly want to check out their "The Osborne Brothe rs' Bluegrass Collection," with 24 songs, including "No Mother Or Dad." Tony Trischka writes of their influence in his book "Complete 5 String Banjo Player". If you enjoy the Osborne Brothers, you will surely want to learn more about the banjo playing of Alison Brown. . . and 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!