All Banjo FAQs


A Case for TKL: The Backbone of Banjo Protection

10 Apr 2025
Written by: Patrick David Sawyer Founder/CEO Pisgah Banjo Company A Case for TKL: The Backbone of Banjo Protection In the world of instrument protection, TKL has long been an industry standard. Known for their rugged durability, no-nonsense design, and American-made reliability, TKL hardshell cases have earned their place as the go-to option for countless musicians—banjo (read the rest...)

Why Tariffs Won’t Derail Pisgah Banjo Co.—And Why Our Commitment to U.S. Manufacturing Matters More Than Ever

03 Apr 2025
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 (read the rest...)

“Size Matters (But Not as Much as You Think): Choosing Between 11” and 12” Banjo Rims”

01 Apr 2025
Written By: Patrick David Sawyer When it comes to open-back banjos, rim size is one of the first choices you’ll face—usually between an 11” or 12” pot. Both are standards in the industry, and while they might seem like a small difference on paper, they each bring a distinct tonal personality. The 11” rim is (read the rest...)

Pisgah Banjos Partners with Folkway Music: Bringing Authentic Banjos to Canada

28 Mar 2025
We’re thrilled to announce that Pisgah Banjos has partnered with Folkway Music in Waterloo, Ontario—our exclusive Ontario retailer. Folkway isn’t just another music shop; they’re a high-end acoustic music haven with an unmatched reputation for quality and expertise. Despite the frustrating tariffs and trade tensions, we’re pushing through because we believe Canadians deserve access to (read the rest...)

Banjo Heel Shapes: Folk vs. Vintage – A Matter of Tone and Tradition

07 Mar 2025
Written by: Patrick David Sawyer Every detail in banjo design plays a role in shaping how an instrument sounds and feels. One often-overlooked but crucial choice is the heel shape and its relationship too the rim. At Pisgah Banjos, we primarily use two distinct heel styles: the Folk-style heel (aka Dobson heel) and the Vintage-style (read the rest...)

“This Machine Surrounds Hate and Forces It to Surrender”

01 Mar 2025
From the hands of the oppressed to the voices of protest, the banjo has always been a symbol of resistance against tyranny and hate. Born from the ingenuity and resilience of enslaved Africans, it carries the spirit of defiance. The banjo is not just an instrument—it is a weapon against oppression, a voice for the (read the rest...)

Banjos of the Flower Moon: America’s Instrument in Scorsese’s Latest Film

23 Feb 2025
I love seeing Old-Time music featured in films, especially when I know and play alongside those involved. At our local Old-Time Jam in Asheville, NC, Phil Jamison—who consulted on Killers of the Flower Moon—shared stories about teaching Leonardo DiCaprio to square dance and working with Martin Scorsese. He even made a brief appearance as the (read the rest...)

The Truth Behind “Made in the USA” Banjos: What Consumers Need to Know

15 Feb 2025
Written By: Patrick David Sawyer Why We’re Writing This We’re writing this article in response to recent trends in the banjo industry where certain companies have begun using the “Made in the USA” label in a way that we believe lacks full transparency. While they may meet the legal definition, they are not always forthcoming (read the rest...)

How to Fix a Loose Fifth String Tuner on Your Banjo

23 Feb 2025
By: Patrick David Sawyer There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a fifth string tuner that won’t stay put. If you’ve been playing banjo long enough, you’ve probably experienced this at some point—your tuner starts slipping, or worse, it pops right out of the hole entirely. Fortunately, this is an easy fix, and I’ll walk you (read the rest...)
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