About Friendly Banjos

At Friendly Banjos, we believe the banjo is the perfect first string instrument for beginners. Its simple design and easy-to-learn nature make it a fun and rewarding choice for new players. Founder Zack Munsell discovered this firsthand in 2019 when he bought his first banjo. He was amazed at how much more approachable (or "friendly") it felt compared to other string instruments he'd tried, like the guitar and ukulele.

In 2022, Zack left his full-time job to pursue his dream of creating a beginner-friendly banjo company. He embarked on a cross-country journey, learning from and living with master banjo makers in North Carolina, Tennessee, Oregon, and Colorado. This adventure led to the creation of the prototype for The Friendly Banjo.

In December 2022, armed with just the prototype and his experience as a social media marketer, Zack launched a successful Kickstarter campaign for The Friendly Banjo. A year later, he partnered with Massachusetts-based instrument manufacturer Magic Fluke to bring his vision to life. As of 2025, each banjo is handcrafted in Magic Fluke’s solar-powered workshop in Sheffield, Massachusetts, ensuring top-quality craftsmanship and the playability of a full-size banjo—not a kids’ toy.

Smiling banjo illustration with colorful text 'Friendly Banjos'.

Meet The Founder

Zack Munsell is the proud uncle of seven incredible nieces and nephews and a friend to every child he meets. With a true passion for connecting with kids, he is committed to making each child feel seen and heard. This dedication fuels his work creating banjos for children and families, empowering them to express their authentic selves through both play and music.

Based in East Chatham, NY, Zack enjoys exploring the Berkshires and Adirondacks with his dog, Emmy. What truly defines Zack is his unwavering commitment to following his dreams, no matter how unexpected they may seem to others. In 2019, he completed a nearly six-month thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, even though he had never camped for more than two nights in a row before setting out on that life-changing journey.

Black and white photo of two people with three dogs in front of a car.

Meet The Manufacturer

Every Friendly Banjo is handcrafted by our manufacturing partner, Magic Fluke. Since 1999, Magic Fluke has been renowned for producing high-quality, innovative American-made instruments, including ukuleles, violins, banjos, mandolins, and more. Magic Fluke is committed to sustainability, operating our of a solar-powered workshop, and sourcing the wood for all their instruments locally. We are proud to partner with Magic Fluke, knowing that every Friendly Banjo meets the exceptional standards that have made them a trusted name in the music industry.

Person working with a Tormach CNC machine in a workshop.
CNC machine carving wood plank with drill bit
Man working with bandsaw in workshop, wearing safety glasses and apron
CNC machine carving wooden spoon shape
Person applying wood glue to a wooden object in a workshop.
Person woodworking in a workshop, wearing safety goggles and apron, shaping a wooden piece with hand tools.
Man working on guitar in workshop with dog resting on floor
Close-up of a hand holding a red marker drawing squares on a wooden board with other colorful squares.
Person spray painting an object outdoors wearing a mask and gloves.
Person wearing a colorful headband and sweater, working with tools on a drum in a workshop, surrounded by various instruments and materials.
Person handcrafting a stringed musical instrument, wearing a sweater and apron.
Person working on banjo neck with colored frets
Colorful banjo with rainbow stripes and smiley face on the drum head in a workshop setting.

Our Vision

At Friendly Banjos, we believe in the transformative and healing power of making music. We view the banjo as an incredible gateway for people of all ages to start their musical journey. Our mission is to empower as many individuals as possible to embrace playing music and enjoy the lifelong benefits it brings.

Want to help Friendly Banjos without buying a banjo?

Make a donation.

Thank you to our 150 Kickstarter backers who played a vital role in bringing Friendly Banjos to life.

Aaron Hemmila, Aaron Tagliaboschi, Adrien, Alex Diment, Alex Kincade, Alexi, Alicia Askey, Allison Rebecca Penn, Alyce Mark, Alyssa Ryan, Anna, Anna Ryan, Andrew Dalton, Andrew J Monks, Audrey Stueckle, Benjamin Howland, Beth Hempelman, Brendan, Brett A, Brianna Wehner, Brian Noyes, Brooke Perez, Bryan White, Campbell J Longworth, Carina, Carlos Navarrete, Casey Stanton, Casey Tepper, Chad Faulkner, Chase, Chris Hernandez, Colin, Colleen Feeney, Cyril Vallet, Dan Miller, Darrell Holovach, Dave Munsell, Dave Rite, Deb Sundin, Debra Brungardt, Diane Munsell, Eddie V, Elena Schoen Northen, Emma Sundin, Eric Raum, Erica R. Smith, Erik Peterson, Erik Wilson, Evan, Frank Dellasala, Gina Alba, Graeme Brunst, Griffin, Hannah Amundson, Hannah Hollis Moss, Harry Kastenbaum, Hayley Rose, Hilary Riley, Ian Soderberg, Jacob Corvidae, Jake Palatine, Jamie Collins, Jamie Ryan, Jasmine Hogan, Jean-Marie Olsen, Jeanne Griffin Tuthill, Jeff Andrew, Jeff Scholtes, Jessica Kowal, Jim Griffin, Joe Lewis, John Dalton, John Everette-Domino, John Malarik, Jonathan, Jonathan Ritter-Roderick, Jordan, Juliette LaMontagne, Justin, Justin Freedman, Katrina Mills, Katherine Stocking-Lopez, Katie, Katie Furr, Katie Vincent, Kenneth Glickman, Kevin Cafaro, Kyle McDonald, Laura Loewy, Leslie Cobb, Liz Libby, Lisa Brennan, Madeline Langley, Madeleine Slama, Maureen Josephine, Matthew Cwynar, Matthew DeDeo, Matt Corbett, Matt Kohler, Matt Rundio, Meghan Johnson, Michael C. Mihalecz, Michael Wodarski, Michaela, Mike Munsell, MJ Shiao, Molly Heller, Morgan Cafaro, Nicole, Nicole Flores, Nicole Wachtel, Noah K, Olya, Paul, Pey Carter, Phil Stebbing, Racey Garnet, Ravi Manghani, Rebecca, Regan Calvert, Robbie Hogan, Ryan, Sammantha Lopez, Sara Parks, Sarah Beatie, Scott Blazis, Sean Ball, Seth & LeeAnn, Seth Van Norman, Shawn Hosseini, Shelby Swafford, Sonja, Taran Wilson, Tatiana Gebing, Thomas Munsell, Tim Ball, Timothy Snyder, Tristan Elias, Tristan Novokshonoff, Zack.

Resources

To learn more about the African roots of the banjo you can visit Black Music Project.

You may also enjoy reading Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History by Kristina Gaddy

To learn more about our manufacturing partner Magic Fluke you can visit www.magicfluke.com

For more about our origin story, check out @buildingabanjocompany on Instagram and Tiktok.

Check out Brooks Banjos and Cloverlick Banjo Shop if your in the market for a high-quality, American Made banjo