Buying Guide and How To’s

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer Photo by Andy Wickstrom If you’ve ever picked up a banjo with a warped or bowed neck, you know how frustrating it can be. The action is all over the place, intonation suffers, and the instrument just doesn’t play like it should. That’s why a truss rod is one of (read the rest...)

When I was a kid, we had a persimmon tree in our backyard. Every fall, I’d watch as the fruit ripened to a deep orange, knowing that once it softened, it would be sweet, rich, and unlike anything else. If you’ve ever bitten into an unripe persimmon, you know just how astringent they can be—but (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer Photo By Andy Wickstrom As a banjo player, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of designing an instrument that perfectly suits your style, sound, and aesthetic. That’s where the Pisgah Banjo Design Tool comes in—a game-changing online configurator that lets you customize your dream banjo from top to bottom. Pisgah (read the rest...)

Written By: Patrick David Sawyer We are all guilty of waiting until a string breaks before replacing them.  I see this way too often at festivals, sessions and gigs which is unfortunate because a fresh set of strings can greatly improve the sound of your banjo.  The most effective way to maintain great tone, tuning (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer As a banjo player, builder or enthusiast, you’ve likely come across the ongoing debate between dowel sticks and coordinator rods. A common misconception I’ve encountered over the years is the idea that banjos built with dowel sticks are unable to have the action adjusted. This simply isn’t true. Banjos with (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer In the world of musical instruments, tonewood selection is an art refined over centuries. Whether it’s the deep warmth of mahogany, the bright clarity of white oak, or the complex overtones of walnut, luthiers have relied on the unique properties of different woods to shape an instrument’s sound. But in (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer When it comes to banjo craftsmanship, even the smallest details can have a big impact on tone, intonation, and playability. One such detail is the banjo pip—a tiny but crucial component that determines how the fifth string functions. While some banjo manufacturers treat pip placement as a minor concern, Pisgah (read the rest...)

Written By: Patrick David Sawyer Disclaimer: The recommendations and insights in this article are based on years of hard work and hands-on experience in banjo building and setup. This guide is provided as a response to customer demand for a more detailed approach to upgrading a Deering Goodtime banjo for clawhammer playing. Every banjo and (read the rest...)