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.

Quickest Way to ‘Canmunicate’!

The CanJoe Company, located in Blountville, TN is happy to answer all inquiries about the authentic, cool one-stringed musical instruments. Just phone call 423-323-0174 from 10 AM-10 PM EST, any day of the week, and Men usually learn how to … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | Leave a comment

Public Notice

• “A trademark, {often designated by the symbol (TM)}, is a word, phrase, symbol, or design, or a combination thereof, that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods of one party from those of others.” ~ [United States Patent … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | Leave a comment

*** ALL NEW *** …”Kanjo Kits”

***NEW*** Order NOW before Christmas! ***NEW*** The CanJoe Company announces the re-introduction of the ‘Kanjo Kit’, now available! These new ‘Kanjo Kit’ products come as the ‘canplete’ package with everything needed for anyone to assemble & finish the build of … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | Leave a comment

The History of the Canjo

John L. VanArsdall (now known to the world as CanJoe*John) was born and raised in the mountains of east Tennessee where he was exposed to many styles and genres of music, and especially the music of the Appalachian mountain regions. … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | 1 Comment

A Labor of Love

On this rainy 2011 Labor Day, it has been decided to post a little about what kind of labor goes into the designing and building of canjo instruments. The CanJoe Company is the sole pioneer of the custom canjo instrument … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Real Deal

In 1994, Paula VanArsdall, my wife, was diagnosed with an incurable type of kidney cancer and her health was quickly declining. During her remaining few months on this earth, she highly enjoyed being entertained with music and by laughter, even … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | Leave a comment

Restored ‘Premium Canjoe’ & matching new ‘Canjoe Junior’

(Click on photos to view full size) The CanJoe Company recently received a ten year old “Premium” model canjoe instrument in the shop in order for some minor repair work (covered by lifetime warranty). It was originally sold at MerleFest … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | Leave a comment

CanJoe Company Product Warranty is Forever!

“You don’t have to preach honesty to men with creative purpose. Let a human being throw energies of his soul into the making of something, and the instinct of workmanship will take care of his honesty… A genuine craftsman will … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | 1 Comment

“Amazing Grace”

My mother, June, passed away a little over one month ago on June 23rd. One of her most all time favorite tunes was “Amazing Grace”. She also loved the way I played my canjoe instrument, so below is Serious condition … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | Leave a comment

“Cable Country News” Story on “Tour of Smiles”

The CanJoe Company became officially licensed in 1994. It began with the help of Herschel Brown who provided some parts and his personal support to help ensure the success for the first official licensed business of providing the commercial market … Continue reading

Posted in All ABOUT CANJOES | Tagged | Leave a comment