All Banjo FAQs

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...)

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...)

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...)

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...)

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...)

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...)

Written By Patrick David Sawyer Founder and CEO of Pisgah Banjos and Balsam Banjoworks I started Pisgah Banjos in 2012 with the goal of building high-quality, handcrafted, American-made open-back banjos. But early on, I ran into a serious challenge: finding good, American-made hardware. At the time, nearly all banjo hardware was either imported or poorly (read the rest...)

Written By: Patrick David Sawyer When it comes to setting up a banjo, one of the most critical yet often overlooked elements is the bridge. Its height, placement, and string spacing all play a major role in your banjo’s tone, playability, and overall feel. As a builder and player, I’ve spent years fine-tuning setups, and (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer As a banjo builder and avid player I’ve worked with a variety of domestic hardwoods—each bringing its own personality to the instrument. But time and again, I return to walnut as a personal favorite. Whether it’s the wood’s rich color, its tonal balance, or the way it shapes the character (read the rest...)