About Friendly Banjos
At Friendly Banjos, we believe the banjo is the perfect first string instrument for beginners. Its intuitive design and easy playability make it fun to learn and instantly rewarding. Founder Zack Munsell discovered this firsthand in 2019 when he bought his first banjo and was amazed by how much easier it was to learn compared to other string instruments he’d tried before. What started as a hobby completely reshaped his perception of the banjo and sparked a passion to make it as accessible as possible for beginners.
In 2022 and 2023, Zack traveled across the U.S., learning from master banjo makers and immersing himself in the uniquely American craft of banjo making. This journey led to the creation of The Friendly Banjo, a thoughtfully designed instrument specifically for children and the adults who teach them.
After a successful Kickstarter campaign in December 2022, Friendly Banjos partnered with Magic Fluke in April 2024 to bring The Friendly Banjo to production. Every Friendly Banjo is handmade in Magic Fluke’s solar-powered workshop in Sheffield, Massachusetts.
Meet The Founder
Zack Munsell is the proud uncle of seven amazing nieces and nephews and a friend to every child he meets. With a genuine passion for connecting with kids, he is dedicated to ensuring that each one feels seen and validated. This commitment drives him to create banjos for children and young families, empowering everyone to express themselves and be heard.
Based in East Chatham, NY, Zack enjoys hiking in the Berkshires and Adirondacks with his rescue dog, affectionately named “Emmy Dog.” One thing that stands out about Zack is his deep commitment to following his dreams, even when they seem unexpected to others. In 2019, he successfully completed a nearly six-month thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, despite never having spent more than two nights in a row camping.
Zack is passionate about spreading joy and having fun wherever he goes. An optimist at heart, he believes that even the toughest challenges can be embraced with a sense of fun and light-heartedness. Music, for him, just so happens to be one of the easiest ways to embody this spirit.
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.
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.
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.
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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