Introduction: John Wynn - Mandolin and Banjo

Wynn shows a large piece of Missouri black walnut, a favorite raw material, along with an "F-5" mandolin-in-process. He purchases wood locally from a third generation Ozark logger who knows Wynn's preferences. Sassafras (background) is abundant in the Ozarks and serves many traditional uses. Young roots are made into a medicinal tea or dye. The wood, known for strength and flexibility, is used by Ozark woodworkers as well as river guides to make johnboat paddles. Wynn once built a mandolin using Ozark sassafras - inspired by a tale that sassafras made the best sounding fiddles.

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