Actor, comedian and banjo-picker Steve Martin once called the shop to order his own Stelling. "I sold him a SwallowTail," Stelling said, referring to one of the custom models.

It's been more than 30 years since Geoff Stelling picked his banjo for the folks in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

It’s not your everyday banjo. With musical instruments being cranked out of big factories every day, Geoff Stelling’s handmade banjos are a true rarity. The Afton-based business produces just ...

Another notable consideration for beginner banjo players is that Jameson, the manufacturer, includes free basic banjo lessons on the company’s website. Pros: Quality mahogany and maple construction.

San Diego Grass and Eclectic played around town in the late '60s and early '70s. Banjo player Geoff Stelling founded Stelling Banjo Works in 1974. Stelling became involved in blue ...