Written by Patrick David Sawyer, Founder/CEO of Pisgah Banjo Company
Old-time music may have deep roots in the Appalachian mountains of the United States, but its branches stretch far and wide—including across the Atlantic, where the sound of clawhammer banjo has been quietly fueling a folk revival in the UK and throughout greater Europe. From pub sessions to festival stages, there’s a growing appreciation for the raw, rhythmic power of old-time music—and at the heart of it is the open back banjo.
That’s why we’re so excited to announce our new partnership with Eagle Music Shop, the UK’s premier folk instrument retailer and now, an official dealer of Pisgah Banjos.
Eagle Music Shop was founded in 2003 by lifelong musician and instrument specialist Steve Noon, alongside his daughter and business partner, Rachel Price. What began as a small family-run shop in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, has grown into one of the most respected acoustic instrument retailers in all of Europe. Their unwavering dedication to traditional music, combined with a genuine love for craftsmanship and community, makes them a perfect match for our banjos.
With a vast selection of mandolins, bouzoukis, fiddles, whistles, bodhráns—and of course, banjos—Eagle has long been the go-to source for folk musicians across the UK. But what truly sets them apart is their deep and growing commitment to old-time music. Steve and Rachel have recognized the surge of interest in traditional American stringband styles, and they’ve worked hard to make sure UK players have access to the instruments and support they need to dive in fully.
This isn’t the first time American banjos have crossed the Atlantic. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, iconic U.S. builders like Fairbanks, Vega, and S.S. Stewart exported their instruments to Europe, helping shape the early British banjo scene and influencing generations of players. That legacy is alive and well today—and through shops like Eagle Music, a new generation of musicians is rediscovering the joy and soul of the open-back banjo.
At Pisgah Banjos, we build instruments that honor this tradition—using sustainably harvested native hardwoods, traditional construction methods, and a deep respect for the music’s cultural roots. Thanks to our partnership with Eagle Music Shop, UK musicians now have a trusted local source for our handmade banjos—without the long wait or international shipping hurdles.
Whether you’re just beginning your old-time journey or adding another voice to your collection, we can’t think of a better place to find a Pisgah Banjo in the UK than Eagle Music Shop. They know the music, they know the instruments, and they know how to support a growing community of passionate players.
Here’s to the continued revival of old-time music in the UK—and to the shared traditions that connect us, no matter which side of the pond we’re on.
—Patrick
