JW Carpenter - JW was born in Saltville, Virginia; he lives there currently. He says he is close to being retired. JW says he plays almost all stringed instruments: dobro, banjo, mountain dulcimer, fiddle, autoharp, upright bass, and some ("not much" mandolin). In addition he also is a singer, He says he has played the "Opry" for the last twenty years. JW is now playing with the band " Route 107", aptly named for the highway leading to Saltville. He is related to some musicians like his grandfather Rob Chapman, Ted Barrett and Dude Pickle. JW admires the music of Flatt and Scruggs . He stated he enjoyed playing with Bill Monroe the most. The Smyth County Jam is fortunate to have guests of his caliber to come to entertain.