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 made. It didn’t feel right to build a handcrafted instrument from locally sourced woods while being forced to use imported metal parts that lacked the same level of craftsmanship. I knew other boutique banjo builders faced the same struggle.
That’s why, in 2014, just two years after launching Pisgah Banjos, I founded Balsam Banjoworks—a company dedicated to manufacturing high-quality, American-made banjo hardware. Today, we operate out of the same facility as Pisgah Banjos in North Carolina, producing top-tier components not just for our instruments but for other builders who share our values.
Why We Work with American Machine Shops
At Balsam Banjoworks, we don’t just make hardware—we partner with skilled American machinists, foundries, and metalworkers to bring traditional banjo hardware back to life. Our commitment to keeping production in the U.S. is about more than just quality control; it’s about supporting the craftsmanship economy and ensuring that the art of banjo building continues to thrive.
Here’s why we insist on working with American manufacturers:
- Precision & Consistency – We work directly with machinists to refine every detail, ensuring a perfect fit and finish.
- Supporting American Jobs – By manufacturing domestically, we help sustain traditional metalworking and machining trades.
- Environmental Responsibility – Domestic production reduces our carbon footprint by eliminating long-distance overseas shipping.
- Honoring Banjo History – Many of our designs are based on historic banjo hardware, but made with modern precision techniques.
What We Make & Sell
At first, Balsam Banjoworks was purely a hardware company. But over the years, we’ve expanded to offer a full range of banjo-related products, including accessories, books, and tools. Whether you’re a luthier looking for premium hardware or a player upgrading your favorite banjo, we’ve got you covered.
Our Products Include:
- Banjo Hardware – Tension hoops, tailpieces, nuts, bolts, shoes, and more—all made from high-quality brass and stainless steel.
- Fretwork- tools and supplies for professional fretting
- Banjo Accessories – Bridges, capos, straps, strings, and more.
- Books & Learning Materials – Historic banjo books, instructional books, and other resources for players and builders.
🔗 Check out our full product lineup at Balsam Banjoworks
Designed by Banjo Builders, for Banjo Builders
What makes Balsam Banjoworks unique is that we’re banjo builders ourselves. We know what makes great hardware because we build and play banjos every day. Every component we produce is designed with playability, durability, and aesthetics in mind—because the hardware should match the craftsmanship of the instrument itself.
For more than a decade, my goal has been to revive and support American banjo-making. With Balsam Banjoworks, we’re doing just that—one tailpiece, tension hoop, and bracket at a time.
If you’re a builder, musician, or banjo enthusiast looking for the best American-made banjo hardware and accessories, I invite you to check us out.
Thanks for being part of the journey!
