Pete Ross is not just a banjo maker; he’s a researcher and musician deeply immersed in the history of American music, particularly the banjo. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Ross has become a pivotal figure in the revival of early banjo traditions, especially gourd banjos. His journey into this unique craft started unexpectedly, fueled by a chance encounter with a field recording and a profound curiosity about the instrument’s origins.
Pete Ross’s early life was steeped in music culture. As he recounts, “I was always like a record store hound since I was in elementary school.” This passion led him to work in “weird indy stores” during the 1980s, spaces that championed underground music but also often held a “strong kind of roots music component.” It was in this environment of diverse musical sounds that Pete Ross had a transformative experience.
One day, while working, Pete Ross put on a field recording of a fiddle and banjo duo from 1940 or 1941, simply to have music playing in the background. Initially, he wasn’t paying close attention amidst the store’s activity. However, as the songs played, something caught his ear. “I was like man what is this,” Pete Ross remembers. He had heard bluegrass before, but this was different. It was “way more acerbic and emotionally direct,” with a “coarseness” that resonated with his appreciation for underground music.
Intriguingly, Pete Ross discovered that the musicians on the recording were African American. This revelation was pivotal. “It’s sort of the idea of African Americans playing this music that I always thought it was kind of the most cracker fire music out there. It was a revelation,” Pete Ross explains. This discovery sparked a deep dive into the history of the banjo and its African American roots. He learned that the banjo itself originated as an African American instrument.
Driven by this newfound knowledge and a desire to experience the sound of these early banjos firsthand, Pete Ross faced a challenge: “I found out pretty quickly, at least at that point, it seemed that none from that earliest period of history had survived. I was just so driven to learn more about it. I realized to hear one play, I had to make it myself. So that’s what got me started.” This realization led Pete Ross down the path of banjo making, focusing on recreating eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century banjos, including gourd banjos.
Today, Pete Ross is recognized as one of the foremost contemporary makers of gourd banjos. His work ranges from original designs to meticulous replicas of historic instruments. Pete Ross’s dedication to historical accuracy and craftsmanship has led to his banjo reconstructions being featured in prestigious settings worldwide, including museums, art galleries, movies, documentaries, and live performances. Pete Ross’s journey embodies a profound respect for musical history and a commitment to bringing the sounds of the past into the present.
