Frederick J. Bacon (1871-1948) was a late 19th to mid 20th century performer and recording artist on the five string banjo.

Along with Fred Van Eps and Vess Ossman he was part of a group of banjoists labeled "virtuoso" in the newspapers.

[citation needed] In 1922 his company gained business experience in David L. Day, formerly of Vega.

on the headstock), some of which have been considered worthy of display in museums, as showpieces of artistic impulse from the Jazz Age.

[14] Across his career, Fred J. Bacon played a variety of musical styles on the five-string banjo and snare drum.

His performances included his own compositions such as The Fascinator and The Conqueror march, classical compositions such as Minuette a l'Antique by Paderewski, and arrangements of folk music or minstrel songs, including Massa's in the Cold, Cold Ground.

"[21][22] In 1918 Bacon was advertised for a concert representing the banjo before the American Guild of Banjoists, Mandolinists and Guitarists, alongside musicians such as concert Mandolinists Samuel Siegel (mandolin) and William Foden (guitar).

[26] While living in Hartford he started the "F. J. Bacon and Company" in 1902, with A. E. Squires and G. S. Masleu, selling musical instrument strings.

While visiting Brandon, Vermont in 1901 he sold his "patent neverslip banjo bridge" to W. H. Johnson of that town.

[30] In 1905, while still living in Hartford, Bacon applied for a patent for a new type of resonator for open-backed banjos.

[10][13][31] Builders finished working on their house and barn in Forest Dale (part of Brandon), Vermont in 1907.

[35][36] By 1914, Frederick and Cassie Bacon had sold the Forestdale building used for their banjo factory and moved to New London, Connecticut, across the river from their company's future location.