As tariffs and trade restrictions ripple through the global economy, many companies—particularly in the instrument-making world—are bracing for impact. For Pisgah Banjo Co., however, this is not a moment of panic. It’s a moment that reaffirms the decisions we made long ago: to build something local, sustainable, and resilient.
From the start, we chose a different path. Rather than outsource labor or rely on imported components, we built our entire supply chain around U.S.-based manufacturing and responsibly sourced Appalachian hardwoods. Every tone ring, bracket, tension hoop, and tailpiece is made by American machine shops—many of them located right here in the Southern Appalachians. Our wood comes exclusively from regional forests, carefully harvested with sustainability in mind. These materials do more than make exceptional banjos—they reflect our values.
Because of these long-term commitments, Pisgah remains largely insulated from the disruptive effects of tariff-related price hikes. We don’t depend on imported hardware or offshore labor. Instead, our costs are rooted in American craftsmanship and locally sourced materials—both of which we deeply value and proudly support. While some raw material prices may rise due to inflation, our overall model remains strong, consistent, and grounded in ethical, sustainable practices.
By contrast, many manufacturers who’ve long relied on overseas production are now being forced to make tough decisions: significantly raise prices, or cut back on quality to protect their margins. Too often, it’s the customer who pays the price—either at the register or in the diminished integrity of the instrument itself.
At Pisgah, we’re not facing those compromises. We’ll continue building the same high-quality instruments, in the same intentional way, with no shortcuts. And we’re committed to holding our prices steady through the rest of the year.
If you’re curious about how we’ve built this model—and why we believe it matters now more than ever—we’ve shared more insight on BanjoFAQ.com:
🎯 Why Your Next Banjo Should Be a Pisgah
Beyond our values, we offer something no one else in the banjo world does: complete control over the look, sound, and feel of your next instrument. Our Pisgah Banjo Design Tool is the first and only interactive builder of its kind in the industry. It allows you to design your next banjo from the ground up—selecting rim size, tone ring, wood type, hardware finish, inlays, and more.
This isn’t just customization—it’s collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned old-time player or commissioning your very first handcrafted banjo, the Design Tool empowers you to create an instrument that truly reflects your voice and vision.
👉 Start designing here: pisgahbanjos.com/design-tool
🛠️ Don’t Want to Wait? Visit a Dealer.
If you’re eager to get your hands on a Pisgah banjo without the lead time of a custom build, check out our incredible retail network. These shops are stocked with ready-to-ship Pisgah instruments and are an essential part of our community. We’re proud to work with dealers who share our values and support players all over the world.
🤝 Support Small Builders
While we’d be honored to build your next banjo, we also encourage you to support other small, independent builders. Many of our peers in this tight-knit community are close friends and share the same values: ethical labor, sustainable sourcing, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Whether it’s from us or another boutique maker, choosing a hand-built banjo supports a movement rooted in care and quality.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about politics—it’s about principles. It’s about making choices that are intentional, transparent, and rooted in a deeper responsibility: to our craft, to our community, and to the environment. We’re not just building banjos—we’re building a company that reflects the values we believe in. And we’re profoundly grateful to everyone who chooses to stand with us on that path.
Thank you for your continued support. It’s an honor to keep doing what we love, the way we believe it should be done.
— Patrick David Sawyer Founder/CEO, Pisgah Banjo Co.
