Written By: Patrick David Sawyer
As a banjo builder, I spend a lot of time thinking about tone. Wood choice, rim depth, tone ring combinations, head tension—every element plays a role in shaping the voice of an instrument. And while I’m proud of the banjos we build at Pisgah, I’m always looking for ways to help players get even more out of them.
That’s why I want to talk about a small but powerful upgrade that I believe every Pisgah banjo owner should consider: the Banjo Bolster.
Designed by Ric and Deb Hollander, the Banjo Bolster is a thoughtfully engineered tone enhancer that rests snugly between the dowel stick and the rim—and here’s the most important part: it never touches the head.
That alone sets it apart. This is the only product on the market that offers this kind of tone control without interfering with the banjo head itself. Unlike tone-dampening products that rest directly on the head—often muting the instrument, deadening the response, and distorting the banjo’s natural voice—the Banjo Bolster takes a different approach. It respects the head’s natural vibrations, working in harmony with them rather than suppressing them. The result is a clearer, more articulate sound, as it gently tames excess overtones without sacrificing the banjo’s true character.
It’s not a mute, and it doesn’t kill resonance. Instead, it subtly reduces unwanted overtones, tightens up sustain, and adds warmth and focus to the overall tone. It’s like adding a fine-tuned EQ filter inside the pot—without losing the soul of the instrument.
Now, when I first held one in my hands, I was honestly shocked. As someone who works with quality materials every day, I could instantly tell this was a well-crafted, high-integrity product. Every Banjo Bolster is made from all American-made materials and sewn with high-quality European thread. That attention to detail is rare, especially at this price point. This isn’t some mass-produced accessory—it’s hand-built with care one at a time, and it shows.
The even better news? Pisgah Banjos has officially partnered with Ric and Deb to create four custom Banjo Bolster sizes, each one precision-fit to match Pisgah’s unique lineup of rim thickness and sizes.
In the shop, I’ve tested them across a variety of models, and the results are consistent every time. Bass tones become more focused. The midrange gains definition. Harsh highs are softened just enough to bring out the warmth and clarity in your playing—especially for clawhammer players seeking that dry, old-timey sound we all love.
And the best part? The price. At just $39.95, it’s an incredibly affordable way to upgrade your tone without altering the setup, changing out parts, or compromising the build. As a builder, I’d recommend this to any of our customers—especially those looking for a more polished, expressive tone while keeping the full character of their Pisgah intact.
So if you’re already playing a Pisgah—and enjoying the craftsmanship that comes with it—consider adding a Banjo Bolster. It’s the only tone-enhancing product on the market that works with your banjo, not against it. And thanks to our new partnership with Ric and Deb, you can count on a perfect fit every time.
Check out this video review by Tom Collins!
From my bench to your jam circle—this one gets my full recommendation.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are based on my personal experiences as a banjo builder, player, and lifelong tinkerer. As always, tone is subjective—and the best way to know if something works for you is to try it for yourself.
