Author Archives: CanJoe*John

About CanJoe*John

CanJoe*John began making and marketing the authentic 'canjoe' instruments from their origin. Introduced to them by their creator, Herschel R. Brown, in the early 1990s, John, from the beginning, helped Herschel manufacture them in Herschel's shop. John relocated back to his home state of TN in 1993 and continued, initially with Herschel's direct assistance, to make and market them, establishing the licensed sole proprietorship, the CanJoe Company, in 1994. As a professional musician CanJoe*John became billed as the "world's most unique musician, playing the world's most unique musical instrument, the canjoe" (aka, canjo). Always with his own personal canjoe instrument in hand he was awarded the adult "2007 Male Bluegrass Instrumentalist of the Year" by the North American Country Music Association International (NACMAI), and now having the distinction of being the first and only canjoe picker to ever perform on the Grand Ole Opry, has literally taken the one-stringed thing to the outer limits! CanJoe*John is a master craftsman and artist who designs, creates and crafts these instruments as custom works of musical fine art for those who respect and require the best of the best, truly genuine, original one-stringed musical instruments. He can be reached via email at canjoe@canjoe.com, or by phone at 423-612-4320.

In The News

Posted on July 18, 2017 by CanJoe*John

It’s interesting how the truth always rises to the top. Over a year and a half ago, two separate unassociated private emails were received a few days apart by the sole proprietor and founder of the CanJoe Company (established 1994) … Continue reading →

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A recent phone call to the CanJoe Company of Blountville, TN came from a very sweet sounding voice of a lady who was searching for a stringed instrument that she, a non-musician, might easily learn to play. In her internet … Continue reading →

Posted on July 13, 2017 by CanJoe*John | Leave a comment

Andrew King’s Super Custom Canjoe

Posted on May 12, 2017 by CanJoe*John

Nearly one year ago, CanJoe*John received an email from a young man who had purchased, on line from another maker, a one-stringed musical instrument using a can as its resonator and referred to as a canjo. He became curious as … Continue reading →

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Heads Up Penny

Posted on January 15, 2017 by CanJoe*John

Creating custom designed stringed musical instruments specific to the wishes, desires, tastes, as well as matching personalities and characteristics of the owners of their personal instruments is all about what the CanJoe Company, of Blountville, TN, does best. Occasionally, very … Continue reading →

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Tour of Smiles-jo, 2017

Posted on January 9, 2017 by CanJoe*John

Still in progress, this specific instrument is currently being created and hand crafted to commemorate the “Tour of Smiles”, a now 23+ year and still ongoing journey that began with a declaration to my wife as she lay dying from … Continue reading →

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Always Custom Created

Posted on November 15, 2016 by CanJoe*John

Every genuine CanJoe Company instrument is created specific to whoever will own it. Each is expertly hand crafted in every detail using the finest materials possible; real frets, real tuner key, real guitar/banjo string, completely musically accurate, every single one, … Continue reading →

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The History of Canned Stringed Instruments

Posted on September 21, 2016 by CanJoe*John

The history of stringed musical instruments using metal cans, tins, any and all metal based canisters, including fuel cans, oil cans, cookie tins, metal boxes or barrels, bread boxes, or even all sizes of food storage and beverage cans, regardless … Continue reading →

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Early Days of the Genuine, Original ‘Canjoe’ Instrument

Posted on May 10, 2016 by CanJoe*John

Some of the earliest days when the one-stringed canjoe instrument was barely heard of by virtually anyone in the world, much effort and money to get it popularized was expended. Herschel R. Brown (deceased), the official creator of the instrument … Continue reading →

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“King of the One String Thing”

Posted on March 17, 2016 by CanJoe*John

The CanJoe Company of Blountville, TN officially began operating as a licensed business in the year 1994, but prior to the legal beginning of the operation of the public commercial sales of these instruments by the proprietor, now known worldwide … Continue reading →

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Another Fine, Custom Designed CanJoe*John Exclusive

Posted on March 15, 2016 by CanJoe*John

Some folks know and highly appreciate the quality, authenticity, and the factual history of these fine, hand crafted instruments. The man in this photo, Gene, is ecstatic with his beautiful new, fully electric, custom created CanJoe Company of Blountville, TN. … Continue reading →

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