Introduction to Crafters of Tennessee 5-String Banjos

The History of Crafters of Tennessee

Mark Taylor, the son of internationally known vintage instrument collector, craftsman and flatpicking (squareneck) dobro artist Tut Taylor, grew up in middle Georgia and comes from a rich musical heritage. His early introduction to music was in the 60's when his dad would take him to bluegrass shows at schoolhouses to see groups such as Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs and the Foggy Mountain Boys perform. He was exposed to all of the pros.

Just as the masters had introduced Mark to bluegrass music, he was able to spend time with great craftsmen as well. His father was an early force in seeking out vintage instruments. "I started doing work on musical instruments while dad was still in Georgia. Randy Wood and Bob Givens came up from time to time to work with dad. That's when I was first introduced to the art of building instruments. I watched a lot, they would at times let me do some sanding and other smaller jobs. I really got heavy into instrument building in early 70's."

Mark and his dad started his first company soon afterwards building the "Tennessee" brand of mandolins, resophonic guitars, banjos, and acoustic guitars. This company continued for several years. In 1977 Tut decided to move to Pigeon Forge, TN where he started a small retail shop. Mark continued to build instruments under the "Crafters of Tennessee" name.

During the next few years Mark began building custom and special order instruments for many individual artists. This list of artists has grown quite extensive since that time.

Along the way, "Tennessee" instruments have made their way into places such as the "Tennessee State Museum", the "Smithsonian", and as well as in the hands of one of the Presidents of the United States of America.

In the early '80s Mark decided that he would continue to build custom instruments and focused on mandolins, banjos, resophonic guitars, and custom instruments and forego the large factory route. "I continued building musical instruments decidated to the artist. I had developed a pretty good market, and to date I've built over a thousand of them."

In 1986, he again opened a small shop with one employee, specializing in repair work and special custom pieces. This continued until the spring of '93 when he helped form the "Rich and Taylor" musical instrument company. The company continued for about three years. After the close of "Rich & Taylor", Mark continued under his old name of "Crafters of Tennessee".

Today the Mark Taylors musical instruments have become world-renowned. He always keeps several custom projects in the works at any one given time. The list of musicians and professional artists has grown beyond imagination.

While one-of-a kind custom and art instruments will always be a special part of Mark Taylor's life, he still is very aware of the individual musician's needs.

"Mark ads: Experience, knowledge and pride are some of the keys to our success and the products we build, we have a lot of experience within these walls."

Mark adds, our employees make up what is known as "Crafters of Tennessee".

He has earned the reputation of a master in the art of building musical instruments. His craftsmanship and ability supercedes any in the field for detail, perfection and knowledge of instrument construction and sound quality.

Mark concludes, "we have a good group of people who will always be responsive to the wants and needs of the customer as well as the artist. I'm mighty proud to be a part of what's happening. It takes a team, and we have it all together."