A straightforward, player focused breakdown of what actually separates the eleven Pisgah Banjo models in tone, feel, and construction.
When players first look at the Pisgah lineup, the big question is usually: What actually makes each model different? The truth is that while the designs share a unified philosophy, each model has a distinct voice, a unique feel, and a specific place in the tonal spectrum. Once you understand how tone rings, woods, rim sizes, and scale lengths shape a banjo’s character, the entire lineup becomes clear. A quick-reference comparison chart follows at the end.
Minimalist, woody, and the most affordable boutique banjo in the lineup.
The Roscoe is Pisgah’s simplest and most affordable handcrafted banjo. Built with a walnut tone rim and a cherry neck, it includes no metal tone ring and comes only in a 12 inch SRT scale. The tone is warm, dark, and wood forward with minimal sustain and a strong fundamental. Even as the least expensive model in the lineup, the Roscoe rivals other boutique open back banjos on the market in both build quality and price point when you compare instruments with the same or similar features. It is the ideal introduction to boutique banjos for players who want quality and simplicity without customization complexity.
Classic Round Peak punch with added volume and sustain.
The Woodchuck adds a rolled brass tone ring to Pisgah’s stripped down formula. With an ash rim, walnut neck, 12 inch pot, and SRT scale, it produces more volume, punch, and sustain than the Roscoe. If you want a rugged, traditional Round Peak sound with stronger projection, the Woodchuck is a powerful yet understated choice.
Plunky, warm, and highly customizable with a wood tone ring.
The Possum is Pisgah’s original flagship model and the banjo that helped define the company’s tone and philosophy from the beginning. It uses a persimmon wood tone ring that creates warm, dry, plunky tone with quick decay. It is one of the most customizable models, available in walnut, cherry, or clear maple with 11 or 12 inch rims and SRT, Standard, or A scale lengths. If you love that classic old-time thump and want flexibility in size, scale, and wood choice, the Possum remains one of the most compelling handmade banjos on the market.
Punchier, brighter sibling to the Possum with a brass ring.
By swapping the Possum’s wood ring for a rolled brass ring, the Appalachian gains more punch, clarity, and sustain. It is available in walnut, cherry, or clear maple with 11 or 12 inch rims and all three scale lengths. The Appalachian suits players who want more projection while staying rooted in warm, traditional open back tone.
Lightweight, chimey, and highly responsive with bell like sustain.
The Pisgah Dobson uses the historic Dobson tone ring, known for its chime, clarity, and lively response. Compared to the wood ring models, it has more sustain, a sweeter top end, and an expressive, touch sensitive voice. Available in walnut, cherry, or clear maple with 11 or 12 inch rims and all three scale lengths, this model is exceptionally responsive and expressive.
Bright, complex, and flexible thanks to a stainless spun rim and removable ring.
The Rambler features a stainless steel spun over rim paired with either a walnut or cherry neck. With the removable Dobson ring installed, the tone is bright, complex, and projecting. Without it, the Rambler becomes warmer and woodier. This versatility, combined with the classic spun rim aesthetic, makes the Rambler one of the most adaptable and unique models in the Pisgah family.
Warm, powerful, and refined with softer spun metals and upgraded hardware.
The Rambler Special builds on the Rambler platform with rims spun from aged copper or aged brass. These softer metals create a warmer and fuller voice than stainless. Wood options include clear maple, stained maple, walnut, or cherry. With upgraded cosmetics and the Hawktail tailpiece, the Rambler Special is a stage ready, visually striking, and tonally rich instrument.
Maximum volume, rich lows, and long sustain for stage or ensemble use.
The Tubaphone is Pisgah’s tribute to the legendary Vega Tubaphone. Built only from stained maple and fitted with Pisgah’s in house Tubaphone ring, this model offers powerful projection, deep lows, sparkling highs, and long sustain. Available in all three scale lengths and both rim sizes, it is the loudest and boldest banjo Pisgah builds.
Balanced, warm punch sitting between wood ring models and the Laydie.
The Wonder draws from the historic Little Wonder design. Built only from stained curly maple with a Little Wonder style tone ring, it offers warm punch with balanced sustain. Tonally it lands between the plunky wood ring models and the articulate Laydie and Tubaphone. It is a versatile, vintage leaning option available in all three scales and both rim sizes.
Bright, punchy, articulate tone with strong note separation.
The Pisgah Laydie is based on the classic Whyte Laydie design and constructed exclusively from clear curly maple. The scalloped Laydie ring delivers bright, punchy attack with excellent note separation and quick response. Available in 11 or 12 inch rims with SRT, Standard, or A scale lengths, it is favored by players wanting clarity and projection with traditional character.
Premium craftsmanship, elevated aesthetics, and refined Dobson clarity.
The Dobson Pro is the top tier, fully appointed Dobson variant. Built only from stained curly maple, it includes boutique level refinements such as a slotted headstock, enhanced cosmetics, and, on certain runs, goatskin heads or premium armrests. It delivers the bell like clarity and sustain of the traditional Dobson, but with the most refined feel and presentation of any Pisgah model.
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Comparison Chart
Model
Scale Options
Rim Sizes
Woods
Tone Ring
General Tone
Price Tier
Roscoe
SRT only
12
Walnut rim, cherry neck
Walnut tone rim
Warm, dark, very plunky
Lowest
Woodchuck
SRT only
12
Ash rim, walnut neck
Rolled brass
Classic Round Peak, more sustain
Low to mid
Possum
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Walnut, cherry, clear maple
Persimmon
Plunky, warm, fast decay
Mid
Appalachian
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Walnut, cherry, clear maple
Rolled brass
Punchy, warm, more sustain
Mid
Pisgah Dobson
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Walnut, cherry, clear maple
Dobson
Chime, clarity, strong sustain
Upper mid
Rambler
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Stainless spun rim, walnut or cherry neck
Dobson, removable
Bright, complex, flexible
Upper mid
Rambler Special
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Copper or brass spun rim, maple or walnut or cherry
Dobson, removable
Warm, powerful, upgraded feel
High
Tubaphone
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Stained maple
Tub-a-phone
Loud, deep, long sustain
High
Wonder
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Stained curly maple
Pisgah Wonder
Balanced, warm punch
High
Laydie
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Clear curly maple
Electric AKA Whyte Laydie
Bright, punchy, articulate
High
Dobson Pro
SRT, Standard, A
11 and 12
Stained curly maple
Dobson
Refined chime with premium details
Highest
Final Thoughts
Every Pisgah model shares the same core values: sustainably sourced Appalachian hardwoods, local manufacturing, and a commitment to honest old time tone. But each model sits in a different part of the tonal landscape, offering players a wide range of voices without losing the handcrafted identity Pisgah is known for.
If you want help choosing the right model for your playing style, feel, or tonal goals, BanjoFAQ has plenty more guides in the works. And of course, Pisgah’s shop is always happy to answer questions directly.
