Earl Scruggs’ Banjo to Join Hall of Fame Exhibit

The primary instrument Earl Scruggs used throughout his career is set to go on public display for the first time. His Gibson RB-Granada Mastertone banjo will become part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's 'Precious Jewels' display in July.

Scruggs acquired the Granada in a trade with Don Reno in the late '40s. He played it on the seminal 1949 recording of his song 'Foggy Mountain Breakdown' by Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs & the Foggy Mountain Boys. He continued to use the Granada on the road and in the studio with Flatt & Scruggs and the Earl Scruggs Revue, and he played it for the rest of his life. Scruggs passed away in March of 2012.

The 'Precious Jewels' exhibit spotlights a handful of important instruments that helped to create the foundation of modern country music. Other instruments on display include Mother Maybelle Carter's Gibson L-5 guitar, Lester Flatt's Martin D-28 guitar, Bill Monroe's Gibson F-5 mandolin, Jimmie Rodgers' Martin 00-18 guitar and Hank Williams' Martin D-28 guitar.

Earl Scruggs' banjo will go on display beginning July 12.