Ryan Navey: The North Carolina Craftsman Preserving a Lost Art

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer
Pisgah Banjos

At Pisgah Banjos, we’re honored to spotlight artisans and colleagues who we have worked with over the years. It’s been a real privilege getting to know Ryan Navey, a true craftsman, fiddler, banjo player and owner of Carolina Banjo Company. I first met Ryan when he started purchasing banjo parts from us years ago. He has become a regular at our local old-time fiddler conventions as well where we get to chat banjo building and and play a tune here and there. A native North Carolinian, Ryan doesn’t just build banjos, he carves heirlooms, each one honoring the long, rich thread of banjo history, craftsmanship, and regional tradition.

Carver Turned Banjo Maker

Before ever picking up a banjo blank, Ryan spent over 25 years as a professional furniture carver and artisan woodworker. That background is foundational to his core values with his banjos. You see it in every curve of his neck joints, every hand-carved volute and heel. His banjos don’t just play beautifully, they feel like they were grown rather than made. North Carolina used to be a haven for furniture artisans before all the factories got shipped over seas. Ryan is a living remnant of this rich history and has chosen to keep this NC trade and craft alive though his banjos.

Distinctive Rim Design & Hookless Construction

One of the things that really sets Ryan apart is his hookless rim design. It’s sleek, elegant, and brilliantly executed. Instead of the traditional bracket-and-hook system like we use at PBCO, Ryan uses bent-wood tension hoops secured with brass machine screws, giving the rim a clean, refined look. It’s a subtle but powerful shift. The instrument is lighter, more comfortable, and the tone rings clear whether you’re playing steel or gut strings.

Attention to Detail in Fit & Finish

Ryan’s craftsmanship is second to none. His banjos are often described as having “flawless finish”, and I have to agree. Every carving is impeccable, every surface smoothed with care, and has that rare fine woodworking approach to building banjos. When you hold one of his instruments, you instantly feel the level of intention and attention that went into it. There’s no rushing here, just deep, patient, soulful work.

A Slow-Crafted Collection

Ryan doesn’t build for the masses. He produces only about two dozen banjos per year, and each one gets his full focus. That kind of limited output is unique in today’s world and it shows in the results. His banjos are highly sought after and move quickly when they do hit the market. They’re not just instruments — they’re collector-grade pieces that are meant to be played for generations.

Rooted in Tradition

What I love most about Ryan’s work is how deeply rooted it is in the cultural and musical heritage of North Carolina. He chooses native woods like cherry, walnut, and maple — each selected for its beauty, resonance, and connection to the land. His carvings often feature scrolls, trees, and mountain-inspired motifs that speak to where he’s from and what he values.

Respected Worldwide

Though based in Midland, NC, Ryan’s reach goes well beyond our region. His banjos are now in the hands of musicians all over the world — drawn not just by the craftsmanship, but by the soul he puts into every build.

A Personal Note

I’ve met a lot of banjo builders over the years, and I can honestly say: there’s no one quite like Ryan. He marries technical mastery with a genuine reverence for the instrument’s past. You can feel it in the work- the heart, the humility, the care. I’m proud to call him a friend, and even prouder to share a corner of this craft with him.

If you get the chance to play one of his banjos, don’t pass it up. It’s more than a musical experience — it’s a connection to something older, deeper, and beautifully human.