The HANDS BEHIND the MADE
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Patrick David Sawyer
Patrick (he/him), originally from Morganton, NC has been building banjos since 2005. He built his first banjo under the guidance of Luthier Charlie Glen while a Geography and Appropriate Technology student at Appalachian State University. Having a great interest and deep respect for Appalachian culture, he has studied and worked with luthiers and crafts people from Boone to Brasstown. With an engineering eye and high standard for structural and aesthetic quality, Patrick draws from the traditionalism & innovative spirit of the mountain folk to create beautiful looking and rich sounding instruments that make his mentors (and customers) proud. In 2014 Patrick started Balsam Banjoworks as a separate banjo parts and accessories company providing quality, American made hardware to banjo builders all over the world.
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Rob Coronado
Originally from Chicago, Rob Coronado brings a rich mix of craftsmanship and life experience to the Pisgah Banjo team. After spending 13 years backpacking and busking across the country with his guitar, Rob turned his passion for music into a career in instrument building after an injury that paused his performing. For the past 5 years, he’s been crafting instruments and running Steel and Gravel, his own company specializing in custom resonator cover plates for resophonic guitars. He also founded Life Off The Rails, a mentorship program guiding teens through creative, hands-on projects that inspire purpose and self-expression.
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Tim Gastrock
Tim joined the Asheville scene in 2003 from Fairfax, VA. He has been with Pisgah Banjos since early 2019. His lunch break old time banjo tunes light up the shop with his beautiful fiddle playing. Tim is a graduate of the Haywood Professional Craft Program and is the furniture maker behind Sweet Leaf Woodworks. When he's not working with wood and instruments, he is immersed in the soil with his wife, Marietta, tending to their beloved garden with their dogs and chickens running in the background.
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Jack Furman
Jack Furman (he/him) joined Pisgah Banjos via Houston, TX. He graduated from Roberto Venn School of Lutherie and is well versed in all aspects of instrument building, setup and repair. Jack is an accomplished fiddle, accordion, and concertina player and was involved in the old-time and folk music community in Houston. Outside of building banjos, Jack and his wife like to explore their new home around Asheville, searching for endangered salamanders and getting a taste of southern Appalachian culture.
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Lyle de Vitry
Lyle came on board to PBCo in 2022. His positive and easy going attitude have made him a joy to work with around the shop. Lyle helps with various things around the shop, including setting up and assembling banjos. Before coming to Asheville, Lyle spent time in Philadelphia, PA where he attended Temple University. He then worked for several years with Outward Bound in both Boston, MA and Philadelphia, and later went on to work at the Black Mountain Academy as a Residential Coach. He is a talented cello, fiddle, and guitar player and also an excellent singer. When he is not in the shop, he enjoys creating music and spending time with his beloved Alice.
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Joe Swierupski
Joe is a seasoned luthier with over two decades of experience in instrument repair, restoration, and craftsmanship. He has served as the lead technician at Mountain Song Guitars and Chicago Fretworks, specializing in high-quality structural and finish work on both acoustic and electric instruments. With a background that includes roles at Fender USA and as an instructor at the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, he brings a deep knowledge of guitar/banjo construction, repair, and teaching to his craft. In his free time, he enjoys playing his pedal steel guitar.
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Mike Burger
Mike has been part of the Pisgah Banjo team for the past two and a half years. Before turning his craftsmanship toward banjos, Mike spent much of his career as a high-end goldsmith, honing the precision and artistry that now define his work in the shop. Outside of Pisgah, Mike plays guitar with his local band Gulf of Mexico and enjoys time with his wife, Julie, his partner of 36 years. He also makes custom guitars and banjos as Burger Guitar Worx!
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Ed Nixon
Originally from Savannah, Ed joined Pisgah Banjo Company as a shipping coordinator and builder after six years of restoring banjos. He brings a love for traditional instruments and attention to detail to every project. Outside of work, Ed enjoys fostering dogs, playing at old-time jams, and hiking in the North Carolina mountains.
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Leif Scott
Leif works in the benchroom at Pisgah Banjo Company, where he handles sanding, fretting, and fine detail work. He began his lutherie career at Shabat Guitars in Los Angeles, developing a keen eye for precision and craftsmanship. Outside the shop, Leif enjoys playing guitar and exploring new sounds and styles.
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Alex Tolini
Originally from Boston, Alex is a luthier in the bench room at Pisgah Banjo Company. A graduate of the Haywood Community College Professional Craft Program in furniture building, Alex brings fine woodworking expertise and attention to detail to every instrument. He has been a full-time luthier for four years and also plays drums with Commander Voodoo, Asheville’s New Orleans inspired yacht funk band!
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Will Schmitt
Originally from Iowa, Will is the Administrative Assistant and Shipping Coordinator at Pisgah Banjo Company. With a background rooted in business and a love for the outdoors, Will has thru-hiked both the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. Outside of work, he enjoys performing as a singer-songwriter and sharing his original music at local venues.