James F."Buster" Mondello

These are a few pics of my Dad,playing the instruments that he loved over the years,along with a few of him scrutinizing my work!

Now,they ain't all banjos,but for him,Ill make that exception,as Banjos are me!

The start of a long career makin" music

My Dad is the young boy,my Granpa is to your left of him
My Dad is the young boy,Slingerland banjo is his.My Granpa is to his right,Stromberg Deluxe banjo in the center is his.

DAD Pics
On the Vegaphone Professional in the 60's
Thats a BD Senorita neck on it!
Added by John Di Pietro

DAD Pics
On another Vegaphone Whyte Laydie #9 in the 60's

Great collection of Stromberg guitar
"Glamour Shots"

Speakeasy gig, in 1939.

Dad in the Army band. with G2 Stromberg
Your "In the Army" now!

I still laugh when I see the "pipe" !!

On the Stromberg G3

Army Band, Red River Army Ammunition Plant, Texarkana Tx.

Dad's Childhood friend, Irving Ashby.
They grew up together, playing Stromberg instruments at the shop.
They stayed in touch until Irvings death.
Nice "Master 400" huh?

Never quits smilin' about Strombergs!

John Di Pietro (center)
Retired Vega Co. Master luthier.
John was the first person I met, that did this kind of work.
When I was 10,I met him, and went down to his shop,in Boston Ma.
I never forgot that experience.

Dad at Shakey's Pizza

Dad, with some of my "Stuff"

Dad Pics In his Element!!

With three Strombergs Dad with my Stromberg deluxe
With all of the Stromberg Family
He looks so sad!!!!!

And a quick lesson for his granddaughter,Erica!

Dad and Erica on the Maybell

Dad and I Strummin a little.

He's on his Stromberg,I'm on the Mastervox.

Dad and I

Mom is listenin to the racket!

Dad and I

There's that unhappy banjoist' look
Tryin to keep up with an 83 yr old man!

On the Paramount "A", from Barry Grant
I keep him adorned in new banjos constantly, being as he led a "sheltered life" , with Stromberg's and Vega's ruling our roost,as Mondello's!

Dad on Para A

Checkin out the "Tsumara's 1001 banjos"
He really enjoyed seeing all of the best of the best.
He had no idea that so many fine banjos were built,and was especially happy to see the Stromberg section.