Ben Mason

Bluegrass Builders Photos By Kristen Ellis Photographer Not only is Kentucky home to legendary bluegrass musicians like Rosine’s Bill Monroe, Lexington’s J.D. Crowe and Cordell’s Ricky Skaggs, but many lavish luthiers as well, whether it be Russell Springs’ Frank Neat, who’s built custom banjos for the likes of Earl Scruggs to the aforementioned Crowe and “Call Of The Wildman” personality Neal James; Caneyville’s Bryan England, whose mandolins and guitars have been used by country superstars George Strait and Brooks & Dunn; and Menifee County’s Neil Kendrick, who has been building guitars for over 20 years for the likes of Josh Williams of Rhonda Vincent and the Rage and others after being taught the trade by the late Homer Ledford. Following in those rich footsteps of Kentucky-bred instrument makers is Ben Mason, an up-and-coming craftsman of violins and violas based in Lexington who is among the next crop of young luthiers set to carry the torch and bui