Wynn Banjos
Name-
Owner- Clyde Carr Michigan
Built- Early 1980's
Mr. Carr is a musician whose love is Gospel/Bluegrass Music. In 1983 he happened upon a man who was in need of money. The man had two Wynn Instruments, a Jesse McReynolds Model mandolin and a Wynn Banjo. Mr. Carr made the purchase knowing he had just found two treasures. Fast forward over 25 years and Mr. Carr finds himself surfing the internet and happens upon the Wynn Mandolins website. He contacts Mr. Wynn and sends photos of these two instruments. Mr. Wynn recollection of these instruments is as follows; a man came into the shop one day and saw this banjo that Mr. Wynn had built for himself. The gentleman was persistent about purchasing the banjo and Mr. Wynn put a price on it...a mistake he would later regret. The man bought the banjo and the mandolin. Mr. Wynn said the man moved to Ohio and that was the last he saw these instruments until Mr. Carr contacted him.
Notice the detailed carving on the back of the peghead and heel of the neck. According to Mr. Wynn this was one of his favorite Banjo's and one he wishes he had back.
Owner- Stuart Spencer, Forth Worth TX
Name- Old Gold Wynn
Built- October 1983
Stu Spencer is the proud owner of this older Wynn Banjo. He discovered it was for sale in Nashville, TN and bought it after researching Wynn instruments. This Wynn was originally built for Mickey Weber of Stillwater, OK. Mr. Weber passed away a few years after it was built and it is not known where the banjo traveled from that time.
Above are the photos of the Wynn when if was found for sale in Nashville, TN. Below are the current photos of the Old Gold Wynn after it was reconditioned by Mr. Ron Satterfield of Nashville Plating Service. Stu now has a wonderful Wynn Banjo that undoubtedly will be a family heirloom for future generations to enjoy. Congratulations Stu on this great find!
Name- The Bag Piper Banjo (Berry & John Jr. have another name for it, ask them)
Serial #-
Owner- John Wynn
Note- John did all of the handcarving on the heel of the banjo himself.
Name- The Eve Banjo
Serial #-
Owner- Anonymous
Note- Notice the detailed inlay of Eve on the peghead, the apple above her head and the snake at her feet. This is a favorite of John Wynn and he would like to buy it back from the current owner.
Name- The Cecilia Banjo
Serial #
Owner- John Wynn
Note- This is one of John's favorite banjos and he has been heard to say "this one's not for sale, it's mine." He has been asked "Cecilia, is that an old girlfriend or what?" That is an answer John will have to provide himself.
Name- Lady Liberty
Serial #
Owner- Anonymous
There is a story behind this banjo; the owner advises that it began as a Gibson which was purchased from Hoover Music in the 1970's. Then when the owner's sons were in their teens they accidently ran over it with a car after unloading it at a Bluegrass Festival. While the owner took the news in stride (his sons are still alive) he knew he would need to find a new banjo. The banjo was taken to John Wynn who took some of the old parts and incorporated them into this banjo. Notice the detailed inlays along the fretboard which include; the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell.
Name- Stubby
Serial #-
Owner- Harry Moore
This is a short neck 5-string Banjo built for Harry by John Wynn. It is tuned to an "open C" according to Harry and is loud.
Owner- Bob Gideon Hurley, MO
This banjo was built in 1977 by John Wynn. Bob has played the fire out of this banjo and it still sounds fantastic. Bob had this banjo signed by the legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley, you can see the signature on the front. If you ever get the chance to hear Bob play... take it, he is one of the best banjo players you will ever hear.
Owner- Danny Bradley
This banjo was built by John Wynn in 1978, Danny is the third owner. Danny wants to thank Jill for purchasing it for him. It has a John Wynn original tone ring and is made of native walnut from the Ozarks. Danny had it signed by the legendary Earl Scruggs at a Bluegrass Festival in Eminence, MO in 2001. Danny also wants to let everyone know that belt buckles can definitely take the finish off the back of a banjo...a mistake he will never repeat.
Owner- Danny Bradley
Name- Mom's Banjo
This banjo was built by John Wynn and Danny took delivery on December 22, 2006. This is Danny's second Wynn Banjo. It was named "Mom's Banjo" in rememberance of his late Mother. Danny said his Mom bought him his first two banjos. When she passed away Danny had this one built in her memory. It is made of mahogany and John Wynn handcarved the heel himself. According to Danny it has a JLS #12 tone ring and it sounds really great.
Owner- Mike Smading
Name-
This Wynn Banjo was built for Mike in 1986.� It was built from Walnut and Mahogany and sounds great according to Mike.� Mike said he requested it be finished in black and has his name inlayed on the fretboard. Notice the abalone cap on the heel of the neck.
Keep Checking back, more photos to be posted soon!