Banjo FAQ

By Patrick David Sawyer North Carolina has quietly nurtured one of the richest and most diverse banjo-building traditions in the world. From the fretless mountain banjos of Beech Mountain to the boutique open-back revival of today, the Tar Heel State continues to inspire builders and players alike. Note: This is not a complete list. North (read the rest...)

By Patrick David Sawyer If you’ve ever wanted to build something meaningful with your hands—something that sings, that travels the world, that gets passed down through generations—this might be your moment. Pisgah Banjo Company is growing, and we’re looking for a full-time Lean Manufacturing Production Technician to join our team in Fairview, NC. This isn’t (read the rest...)

By Patrick David Sawyer At Pisgah Banjos, we believe understanding the history behind the music makes us better players, builders, and listeners. That’s why we’ve curated a small but powerful collection of books that explore the roots of old-time, Americana, bluegrass, and especially banjo music. Here’s a quick look at the must-reads we carry in (read the rest...)

By Patrick David Sawyer | Founder and CEO, Pisgah Banjos  Disclaimer: The views expressed here are based on my personal experience as a professional banjo builder and designer. They reflect years of hands-on work, research, and close collaboration with other respected luthiers in the field. At Pisgah Banjos, we draw deeply from the rich history (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David SawyerPisgah 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 (read the rest...)

Written by Patrick David Sawyer If you’ve spent time walking around Asheville, you’ve probably noticed Wyatt Grant’s artwork—even if you didn’t know his name. His bold, geometric style shows up on murals, taproom walls, signs, and posters throughout the city. There’s something about it that immediately feels familiar, like a barn quilt you’ve passed on (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer Founder/CEO Pisgah Banjo Company A Case for TKL: The Backbone of Banjo Protection In the world of instrument protection, TKL has long been an industry standard. Known for their rugged durability, no-nonsense design, and American-made reliability, TKL hardshell cases have earned their place as the go-to option for countless musicians—banjo (read the rest...)

Written By: Patrick David Sawyer When it comes to open-back banjos, rim size is one of the first choices you’ll face—usually between an 11” or 12” pot. Both are standards in the industry, and while they might seem like a small difference on paper, they each bring a distinct tonal personality. The 11” rim is (read the rest...)

We’re thrilled to announce that Pisgah Banjos has partnered with Folkway Music in Waterloo, Ontario—our exclusive Ontario retailer. Folkway isn’t just another music shop; they’re a high-end acoustic music haven with an unmatched reputation for quality and expertise. Despite the frustrating tariffs and trade tensions, we’re pushing through because we believe Canadians deserve access to (read the rest...)