Bloom's Banjos – The Home of the Hornbeam Special

Welcome to Bloom’s Banjos, the home of the Hornbeam Special.

We are a maker of fine custom banjos including The Osprey, The JB Special, a Fretless model, and the aforementioned Hornbeam Special made from select North American Ironwood (aka Hornbeam), with a bookmatched curly maple neck.

Take a look at our History page for some background, or check out the Banjo Models page for the details on our instruments.

Have a listen to Dan Gellert playing a Hornbeam Special.

Feel free to drop us a line.

The Hornbeam Special

Features North American Ironwood set on a Hard Maple rim, a book matched Curly Maple neck stained a light Cinnamon, and Mother of Pearl inlaid mythical creatures on the ebony fretboard and peg head.

Price upon request.

The JB Special

Features a hard maple rim and rolled brass tone hoop. Nickel plated hardware, Gotoh planetary tuners and a Hawktail tailpiece. An instrument that will meet the needs of both advanced and novice players.

Price upon request.

The Osprey

Our basic Bloom beveled rim banjo was inspired by the Fairbanks Whyte Laydie and Regent banjos of the early 1900's. It features a book matched maple neck, ebony fingerboard, Galax scoop and beveled rim.

Price upon request.

Fretless Model

This model is very similar to The Osprey, but without frets. It also features the Galax scoop, Fibreskin head, planetary tuners, and No Knot Tailpiece.
*Available via special order only.

Price upon request.

WOW! I just bought the Hornbeam from Elderly (traded in my Deering Vega Little Wonder). What a difference. The instrument is a delight to the eyes - equivalent to me of an Ome; the sound amazing. Congratulations on a job well done and a product well designed and made.

Steven A. Melnyk

Describing The Hornbeam Special: "I love it. It's easy to play and responds in a way that encourages me to try passages that I wouldn't attempt on other banjos I've played."

Frank Lee
The Freight Hoppers

"It is my opinion that you are the single best hand-maker of banjos in the United States. Even though you don't make very many, every one is a honey.

I'd recommend them, not to just anybody, but to very good Old Time players who are searching for just the right instrument. Yours come as close as anyone's to perfecto."

Andy Cohen
Award-Winning Musician

Way to go, Jan! Beautiful work. Can't wait to play 'em.

Laura P. Schulman
Clawhammer Banjo Player

Jan, thanks for all your time last week in showing and explaining all the craftsmanship and hand work that goes into each of your instruments. They really are great sounding and playing banjos -- very special indeed -- and I can't wait to get my new Hornbeam Special!

Duane Abbot
Musician

I was impressed with your level of craft when I saw your work this past spring at the Battleground festival at Tippecanoe and heck, they sound good too! Whoever buys one of your banjo will be getting some top drawer equipment.

Best of luck with your banjo biz, you make a fine banjo.

Paul Breen
Fiddlin Billy Matthews and The Old Time Players

Old Time Music Lives

At gatherings like Clifftop & Keedysville;

in Groton, Elkins & Wheatland;

on porches and in backyards across America.

Clawhammer til you drop.