Review: Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo

Reviewed by James Arial

Originally published in Guild of American Luthiers Newsletter Vol 2 #1, 1974

Earl Scruggs and the 5-String Banjo
Peer International Corporation
1740 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10019

This book was published in 1968. It is a comprehensive study of the 5-string banjo including a very well written adn illustrated chapter on banjo construction. The seventeen pages in this section of the book describe all phases of construction except that of making a resonator. There is an excellent segment on inlaying using a unique technique of sandblasting to carve the recesses for fancy work.

The book’s $10.95 retail price might scare off the casual luthier, but if you’re interested in Scruggs type picking as well as banjo making it is well worth the price. The technique used by Scruggs is very clearly described in step by step procedure. Thirty-five of his best known songs are presented in easily read tablature. ◆