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John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos

28 Oct 05 - 05:01 PM (#1592656)
Subject: John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos
From: Guy Wolff

Being a catter who lives one town away from this historic Luthier's shop , I thought it would be fun to ask if anyone has seen or heard of his work. In Gura and Bollmans book "The American Instument " they mention that Ashborn made more guitars in his few decades open (1840's and 50's )then Martin did in the whole 19th century . I would love to see one of his banjos. I did get up close and almost personal to one when that great show came to the Katonah New York Museum . Lots of glass in the way though . Ashborns work is very thought out , If I could spell sucinct I might use the word to discribe his thinking as a musical instrument designer .
                Anyway any stories here would be very interesting to read . All the best , Guy
There is someone making a remake of his famous early banjo . Have a look .
http://www.minstrelbanjo.com/Ashbornindex.html


28 Oct 05 - 07:26 PM (#1592752)
Subject: RE: John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos
From: Guy Wolff

The important sentence I left out here( sorry) was that Ashbore was also one of the earliest Maufactuaries (not home made but made in a shop) of banjos in the USA .

            All the best , guy


28 Oct 05 - 07:40 PM (#1592766)
Subject: RE: John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos
From: Leadfingers

Guy - Sorry to have to admit it , but I have never of the brand ! But then . I am only a Bad Banjo Basher in UK !!


28 Oct 05 - 09:01 PM (#1592829)
Subject: RE: John Ashborn Guitars and Banjos
From: Guy Wolff

Not many people have heard of Ashborn . Leadfingers have a look at " The American Instroment " by Phillip F Gura and James F Bollman . Published by Chapel Hill press . It gives a very broad picture of banjo making in the 19th century in the USA . Anyone interested in the subject will love this book .
               I live ten miles away from where the shop was and I didnt even know about him .I had a Guitar made by Ashborn but didnt know till I lucked into helping the museum with a pottery problem . There was a case like a giutar I had and there you go ><><><> Holy cow I have an1840 guitar made in my home county . !!!   Ya Hoo . !!