Banjo FAQ

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer As a banjo player, builder or enthusiast, you’ve likely come across the ongoing debate between dowel sticks and coordinator rods. A common misconception I’ve encountered over the years is the idea that banjos built with dowel sticks are unable to have the action adjusted. This simply isn’t true. Banjos with (read the rest...)

Written By: Patrick David Sawyer The Golden Age of Banjo Innovation The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a revolution in banjo craftsmanship, led by A.C. Fairbanks and David L. Day. Their groundbreaking designs, including the Electric AKA “Whyte Laydie” and Tub-a-phone tone rings, set new standards for tone and playability, influencing generations of (read the rest...)

Cover Photo by Andy Wickstrom Patrick David Sawyer: Founder & CEO of Pisgah Banjo Company Patrick David Sawyer, originally from Morganton, North Carolina, has been crafting banjos since 2005. He built his first banjo under the guidance of renowned luthier and Appalachian treasure Charlie Glenn of Beech Mountain, NC, while studying at Appalachian State University. (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer In the world of musical instruments, tonewood selection is an art refined over centuries. Whether it’s the deep warmth of mahogany, the bright clarity of white oak, or the complex overtones of walnut, luthiers have relied on the unique properties of different woods to shape an instrument’s sound. But in (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer At Pisgah Banjos, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a core value that drives everything we do. One of our proudest achievements in this commitment to the environment is our use of solar energy to offset 100% of our energy needs. This isn’t just a bold step for us as a (read the rest...)

Written by: Patrick David Sawyer When it comes to banjo craftsmanship, even the smallest details can have a big impact on tone, intonation, and playability. One such detail is the banjo pip—a tiny but crucial component that determines how the fifth string functions. While some banjo manufacturers treat pip placement as a minor concern, Pisgah (read the rest...)

Written By: Patrick David Sawyer: At Pisgah Banjos, we believe that craftsmanship and ethics go hand in hand. That’s why we are incredibly proud to be Living Wage Certified by Just Economics. This certification reflects our commitment to providing fair wages, supporting our workers, and ensuring that our team members can thrive—not just survive. But (read the rest...)

Pisgah banjos stands for women’s rights and their liberty to choose what is best for themselves, their families and their bodies. What does this have to do with banjos? Well, in our opinion everything. Where the US government fails to protect women, minorities, and vulnerable members of our society, it is our responsibility and duty (read the rest...)

Written By: Patrick David Sawyer Disclaimer: The recommendations and insights in this article are based on years of hard work and hands-on experience in banjo building and setup. This guide is provided as a response to customer demand for a more detailed approach to upgrading a Deering Goodtime banjo for clawhammer playing. Every banjo and (read the rest...)