Instagram story viewer> @menziesinstruments> Posts

Jeff Menzies

@menziesinstruments

92.1K

followers

3375

following

🇯🇲 Instrument Maker/Artist/Musician/Educator. Kingston / Bull Bay, Jamaica.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Now accepting registration for my next “The Art of Gourd Banjo Making” workshops. Oct 11-16th, 2026 & Dec 31st - January 7, 2026/27. Each class is limited to 4 students. No wood working or musical experience is required. All tools and materials are supplied. Design and create your own banjo under step by step guidance and demonstrations. Local accomodation and transportations is available to students. Please reach out with any questions you may have. taken in Bull Bay, Saint Andrew, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

215

11

3 months ago

Just wrapped recording gourd banjo for Michael Abels, one of the great modern film composers (Get Out, Us, Nope, Omar) on a secret project. It’s expected to come out in 2027. Stoked to work with this amazing human!
————
#banjo
#gourdbanjo
#blackbanjo
#folkmusic
@menziesinstruments by @menziesinstruments

135

6

3 months ago

I was gifted a visit from the one and only @sulegreg today who drove down from St Ann to visit me. Kindred spirits were united and seeds were most surely planted. Was a true pleasure to meet you and your family. Until next time.. taken in Bull Bay, Saint Andrew, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

191

12

3 months ago

This past week, I hosted the ”The Art of Gourd Banjo Making” workshop here in Bull Bay, St. Andrew, Jamaica. I was honoured to welcome students from the USA and Sweden. We had a wonderful time embarking on the journey of designing and making a gourd banjo. Each student began with an unfinished board of local almond wood and each left with a banjo of their own creation that will offer a life time of musical and overall personal and spiritual growth. Thank you to everyone who made the effort to fly from afar to spend a week with me in the shop. Life long friendships were formed in every direction. Stay tuned for the next two workshop dates! taken in Bull Bay, Saint Andrew, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

263

16

3 months ago

Forever grateful to both Laguna Tools and ReString Appalachia for donating this Laguna 14BX bandsaw, which has enabled me to resume making instruments with the increased potential to offer local mentorship here in Jamaica.

#lagunatools #restringappalachia #menziesinstruments #hurricanemelissa #bandsaw taken in Kingston, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

167

15

4 months ago

Introducing Banjoster @collinwithonel a good friend and banjo student here at Menzies Instruments. Colin and I met at a volunteering event we were both attending here in Kingston, Jamaica. He introduced himself, asking, “are you Jeff Menzies the banjo maker?”. From then on we have been in close contact and he has been learning clawhammer banjo with natural talent and an incredible passion. I was honoured to gift Colin a @goldtoneinc banjo that was donated to me through the heartwarming generosity of @restringappalachia. Colin and I would like to express extreme gratitude for your support @nicholasedwardwilliams. Many seeds have been planted in response to your kind heart and determination. taken in Bull Bay, Saint Andrew, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

79

3

4 months ago

26” scale almond neck. Bone side dots. Hand painted 12” maple rim. Bone tailpiece and nut. Purple heart pegs. taken in Bull Bay, Saint Andrew, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

57

5

5 months ago

The final day to register for “The Art of Gourd Banjo Making” workshop in Bull Bay, Jamaica is quickly approaching. The deadline to register is May 28th, 2026. Please feel free to reach out via DM or email with any questions you may have. menziesinstruments@yahoo.com taken in Bull Bay, Saint Andrew, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

54

2

5 months ago

Custom left handed blue mahoe gourd banjo. Bone tailpiece and nut. Purple heart pegs. Jamaican goat skin. taken in Bull Bay, Saint Andrew, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

58

5

5 months ago

@menziesinstruments Are you interested in making a traditional Jamaican gourd banjo? 🪕

Contact Jeff Menzies to join one of his monthly workshops in Bull Bay, just outside Kingston.

I had the pleasure of being guided through the process of creating this beautiful instrument, and it’s a truly special experience. by @menziesinstruments

847

44

5 months ago

These siblings are fresh off of the bench and soon to be shipped to their new homes. Blue Mahoe ( Jamaica’s national wood ) is the gift that keeps on giving! taken in Kingston, Jamaica by @menziesinstruments

76

1

6 months ago

The length of time I’ve wanted a gourd banjo can be measured in decades. Why didn’t I scratch this itch sooner? Beats me, but this itch is almost scratched! Those low tones are compliments of Jeff Menzies and this gourd banjo. #banjo #jamaica #gourd #bluemahoe #menzies by @menziesinstruments

81

0

6 months ago