Banjo pickers all over the US have come to rely on Arthur Hatfield of Glasgow, KY as a reliable luthier, set up man, and and more recently, banjo builder. His Hatfield Banjos have been well regarded since they were introduced, and Arthur also performs as a member of Arthur Hatfield & Buck Creek.

We were saddened to learn from our friend Dave Jack that Arthur was recently injured in a shop fire, resulting in 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his hands, arms and face. He is expected to recover fully, but may have to endure a long and arduous process of skin grafts and therapy before he can consider returning to work.

Like so many small, self-employed entrepreneurs in and around bluegrass music, Arthur’s resources are not vast and several of his friends over at The Banjo Hangout are looking into ways to offer assistance, perhaps through a banjo raffle, or a trust account that can be accessed by Arthur’s wife, Beverly.

For now, friends of Arthur and Beverly Hatfield can send well wishes at the following address:

We will post with updates about Arthur’s condition, and how our readers can be of assistance as we get more information.