by Patrick David Sawyer, Pisgah Banjo Company
Hey folks, Patrick here from Pisgah Banjo Company and BanjoFAQ.com. I want to share some insight into one of the smallest but most important parts of every Pisgah banjo…. the nut. After years of building and setting up open back banjos, I’ve learned that the nut has a huge influence on tone, tuning stability, and overall playability. That’s why we’ve made the decision to use Graph Tech TUSQ XL nuts exclusively across every Pisgah Banjo model.
This decision wasn’t made lightly. It’s based on years of hands-on experience and countless hours of testing different materials. I’ve worked with bone, synthetic, and other traditional options, but TUSQ XL has proven time and again to be the most consistent, best-sounding, and most reliable choice for open back banjos.
A Step Toward Sustainability
One of the first reasons we made the switch is simple: TUSQ XL is 100% free of animal products. Traditional bone nuts are made from cattle bone, which can vary widely in density and porosity. By using a man-made alternative, we get away from animal-derived materials entirely and can guarantee a more uniform product from one instrument to the next. This fits our values at Pisgah — building instruments with consistency, sustainably, responsibly, and with respect for both our craft and the environment.
Why TUSQ XL Sounds Better
TUSQ XL is made from a highly resonant engineered material that transfers more vibration from the string to the neck and pot. That means more sustain, better harmonics, and a livelier tone. Natural bone can have soft spots that dampen vibration and create dead notes, but TUSQ XL eliminates that inconsistency.
The result is a clean, bell-like response on open strings and a consistent tone across all fretted notes. In our shop tests, every banjo we’ve fitted with a TUSQ XL nut had noticeably improved clarity and responsiveness. Simply put, it sounds better.
Permanently Lubricated for Smooth Tuning
Graph Tech impregnates TUSQ XL with PTFE, the same low-friction compound found in premium lubricants. This means the nut is self-lubricating, allowing strings to slide freely without binding in the slots. For players, that translates to better tuning stability and no more squeaks or “pings” when adjusting strings. You can bend, retune, and capo freely knowing the nut won’t hold you back.
Consistency and Craftsmanship
As builders, one of our biggest challenges with natural materials like bone is inconsistency. Two nuts from the same batch can behave completely differently. With TUSQ XL, every piece is identical in density, tone, and workability. That allows us to achieve repeatable results with each instrument…exactly what we strive for in our shop.
This precision helps us maintain Pisgah’s reputation for exceptional setup quality, ensuring each banjo leaves our workshop playing and sounding its very best.
Aesthetic Options for Every Style
We offer TUSQ XL nuts in both black and white versions, as well as a decorative scalloped design that pairs beautifully with our vintage-style and slotted headstocks. Every Pisgah Banjo model now comes standard with one of these options, depending on the style and finish of the instrument. They not only perform beautifully but also complement the look of each banjo.
If you already own a Pisgah banjo purchased built Sept. 2025, you can upgrade your nut to TUSQ XL at any time. We recommend having it installed by a professional luthier or sending your instrument to us for fitting to ensure perfect slot depth and spacing.
White Scalped Version
A First for the Banjo World
We’re proud to have partnered directly with Graph Tech to design and offer the first pre-shaped TUSQ XL banjo nut ever made for the market. Until now, players and builders had to adapt guitar nuts or blank slabs to fit banjos. Working with Graph Tech, we developed the proper string spacing, height, and geometry specifically for open back banjos. It’s a small piece of hardware, but a big step forward for precision and tone consistency in our craft.
Backed by Real-World Experience
Everything I’m sharing here comes from years of hands-on experience building, repairing, and playing banjos. We’ve tested these materials under every condition imaginable….from the humidity of North Carolina summers to the dry air of winter workshops. The TUSQ XL nut continues to impress us and our customers for its tone, durability, and dependability.
This isn’t marketing fluff. It’s a decision grounded in continuous improvement and practical results, made by builders who care about how every part of the instrument performs.
Final Thoughts
At Pisgah Banjos, we believe the smallest details matter. Choosing TUSQ XL nuts is one more way we can ensure our instruments meet the highest standards for tone, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a daily player, a touring musician, or a weekend jammer, this upgrade delivers real benefits you can hear and feel.
If you want to learn more or schedule a nut upgrade for your Pisgah banjo, feel free to reach out through our website or stop by the shop in Fairview, North Carolina.
Thanks for reading….and as always, keep in touch!
Patrick David Sawyer
Pisgah Banjo Company | BanjoFAQ.com
