Ozark

The timeless appeal of The Banjo

Today's Ozark banjos in their present form only became common after 1880 or 1890. Boston was considered the banjo centre of the USA at the time and thousands upon thousands of cheap banjos were being churned out of factories. However their popularity was short-lived and it wasn't until the turn of the last century that they again became popular, albeit it in a low-brow way. In an attempt to elevate the banjo into an acceptable parlour instrument many music publishers began producing songs composed for the banjo. However the banjo once again declined thanks to the innovation of the guitar and by 1920 the only banjo being produced was the new four string-tenor version of the Jazz Age.

However in the Ozark region the popularity of the banjo never palled and the design began adapting according to personal music tastes. Unlike their city counterparts back country banjo players experimented and eventually evolved into the Country and Western or Bluegrass music we know today.

Typical Ozark banjos do not carry the name of their manufacturer. Back in the day most were obtained via mail order from large department stores and many of these turn of the century Ozark banjos can now be found a flea markets or estate auctions throughout the Ozarks. Yet the Ozark Banjos found on the market today can thank these predecessors without which the banjo would not have caught on nor would it be identifiable with the Ozark region as it is today. Indeed it can be said that these predecessors put the Ozark region on the world map and the interest in the sound it produces has dramatically increased.

As the older generation of banjo pickers pass away and younger generations of Ozarker's appear, these old instruments are losing interest. Old Ozark banjos are not capable of producing the sounds needed for Bluegrass for instance.

Ozark Banjos today

Today Ozark banjos are wide and vary from affordable, light and durable. This makes them easier to transport and thus the increase in their appeal. This also means that online purchases are more frequent and the joy of the Ozark is spreading throughout the world.

Many models are popular with multi instrumentalists who are happy to experiment with alternatives in the banjo family. High levels of quality are put into the manufacture of banjos which results in a rich and resonant sound. The result is that music can vary and sound experimentation can take place with ease. A whole host of music genre's are willing to use the sound of this instrument as part of a fusion based project.

It is not unusual to find hybrid creations on offer that are throwbacks to the 19th century and which offer all the characters one would find in an 8 string mandolin, with increased volume. This type of banjo is popular as a folk instrument and is popular with folk ensembles as well as acoustic work. It is great for taking to festivals as it is not only finely crafted it is very attractive and affordable.