Mr Hollander, Im still really new to the banjo and probably wouldnt be able to tell the difference..but..really do LOVE your artwork...very warm and homey feeling...when I get better at this thing will probably buy one because of it.
Mr Hollander, Im still really new to the banjo and probably wouldnt be able to tell the difference..but..really do LOVE your artwork...very warm and homey feeling...when I get better at this thing will probably buy one because of it.
Thank you Patrick!
Enjoy your banjo journey. We're here when you're ready!
I thought I'd share a picture of my mic set with the bolster. It's a Superlux gooseneck mic, and I clip the end onto the bolster, then use velcro straps round the dowel stick to hold the mic in place. This goes through a small battery pre amp, then direct into the PA. The sound is excellent. I've switched the bolster to the top of the pot, and I think it helps me to hear the banjo better acoustically when playing with other people, with the sound bouncing off the bottom of the pot up to my ears.
I have one for my OME mogul tenor and it is fantastic. Thanks.”
Second Customer Testimonial
"After reading several reviews, I found the review by Mandy Tyner (Banjo Lemonade) very in-tune with my banjo playing experience. All of my banjos are quite different than one other, but with one thing in common, they are powerful players, that cut through any session. In a large trad Irish session, and in a larger room, the volume and ring is not so much a problem (other than the fact that the sound can become muddy) - but with a smaller group (especially in a smaller space), the vibrational banjo ring can be overwhelming, in fact, painful.
After years of playing piano in trad and swing bands, my ears have been damaged to be sure. For me, the banjo ring results in persistent ringing of the ears, and at times, painful headaches.
I could not be more pleased with the banjo bolster, the painful ring is absent and, if desired, volume can be subdued. The bolster certainly appears overly simple, but as a retired physicist, I know this is not the case. With a couple of directional mics and oscilloscope , I found I can modify and measure the desired overtones and ring , as well as volume, by placement and 0+ head contact points.
The bolster will be in the following tenors: Nechville, OME mogul, B@D Silver Bell, and Vega Artist.
I recorded a piece using Banjo Bolsters on the full circumference of a cello banjo rim. Banjo Bolsters greatly enhance the sound of this instrument, as well as the sound of every banjo I've ever tried them on - profoundly transforming the instruments' tone, and my relationship to them. Here's the piece, recorded dry, if you want to check it out.
I recorded a piece using Banjo Bolsters on the full circumference of a cello banjo rim. Banjo Bolsters greatly enhance the sound of this instrument, as well as the sound of every banjo I've ever tried them on - profoundly transforming the instruments' tone, and my relationship to them. Here's the piece, recorded dry, if you want to check it out.
Ric, thanks for referencing my tune. I'm currently putting finishing touches on a 4-string cello banjo tune, using two Bolsters.
TONAL BEAUTIFICATION - a dramatically improved and satisfying sonic environment - is what you and Deb have brought to the world of banjos with your ingenious Banjo Bolster!
Thanks @BanjoT1 for your kind words about the Banjo Bolster! The following is a quote from the thread "Drum Dial surprise" in the "Banjo Building, Setup, and Repair" forum.
"So, misters Lorenzo the Magnificent and Dean T. (and the like), upon re-reading your posts I have come to lean on your side.
In fact, I think there should be a law that every new banjo should be sold with additional standard equipment- sorta like when buying a car - you also get a jack and spare tire.
So, every new banjo should come with extra Drum Dial, Banjo Bolster, bridge mute, brass knuckles, and puppy thumbs."
Thanks @BanjoT1 for your kind words about the Banjo Bolster! The following is a quote from the thread "Drum Dial surprise" in the "Banjo Building, Setup, and Repair" forum.
"So, misters Lorenzo the Magnificent and Dean T. (and the like), upon re-reading your posts I have come to lean on your side.
In fact, I think there should be a law that every new banjo should be sold with additional standard equipment- sorta like when buying a car - you also get a jack and spare tire.
So, every new banjo should come with extra Drum Dial, Banjo Bolster, bridge mute, brass knuckles, and puppy thumbs."
It seems as though you didn't get the sarcasm in BanjoT1's post.
As long as we're having a quote fest, allow me to jump in:
Last part of quote from drum dial thread,
"So, every new banjo should come with extra Drum Dial, Banjo Bolster, bridge mute, brass knuckles, and puppy thumbs."
Yours Truly wrote,
"Interesting list, especially including the brass knuckles. I suppose those would be included to ward off any banjo jokes that might come one's way. For me, the drum dial could be optional. The Banjo Bolster however, is an absolute essential. I own ten of them and couldn't contemplate life without them."
The reason I have ten Banjo Bolsters is that I have a "few" banjos. Sound-chaser that I am, I actually need more bolsters, because my normal scenario is using two Bolsters in every pot.
Using two bolsters, one in each half of the circumference, makes all of my banjos sound prettier to me, revolutionizing their voices in ways I find most appealing. In the sixty years I've been into banjos, nothing else has ever come along to so easily and consistently sonically beautify banjo sounds, like the Banjo Bolster does, so dramatically.
It's a highly praiseworthy device and I'm happy to sing its praises. As you might be able to detect, I'm a big fan, and a fan who believes in giving credit where credit is due.
As long as we're having a quote fest, allow me to jump in:
Last part of quote from drum dial thread,
"So, every new banjo should come with extra Drum Dial, Banjo Bolster, bridge mute, brass knuckles, and puppy thumbs."
Yours Truly wrote,
"Interesting list, especially including the brass knuckles. I suppose those would be included to ward off any banjo jokes that might come one's way. For me, the drum dial could be optional. The Banjo Bolster however, is an absolute essential. I own ten of them and couldn't contemplate life without them."
The reason I have ten Banjo Bolsters is that I have a "few" banjos. Sound-chaser that I am, I actually need more bolsters, because my normal scenario is using two Bolsters in every pot.
Using two bolsters, one in each half of the circumference, makes all of my banjos sound prettier to me, revolutionizing their voices in ways I find most appealing. In the sixty years I've been into banjos, nothing else has ever come along to so easily and consistently sonically beautify banjo sounds, like the Banjo Bolster does, so dramatically.
It's a highly praiseworthy device and I'm happy to sing its praises. As you might be able to detect, I'm a big fan, and a fan who believes in giving credit where credit is due.
Thanks Paul! Great to hear how much you're enjoying your herd of Banjo Bolsters!
The most misunderstood thing about the bolster which I think I have on either 3 or 4 of my banjos is that it is NOT a damper or a muffler. Its purpose is to take some of the rattle and noise and smooth out the vibrations coming out of your banjo, To my deaf ears, it seems to smooth out the tone, but not quiet the banjo. A lot of people think this is a damper, and there are such devices, but that is not what this is. but it is a useful product that can improve the sound of a banjo at ;east to my ears, and to my wallet as well!
The most misunderstood thing about the bolster which I think I have on either 3 or 4 of my banjos is that it is NOT a damper or a muffler. Its purpose is to take some of the rattle and noise and smooth out the vibrations coming out of your banjo, To my deaf ears, it seems to smooth out the tone, but not quiet the banjo. A lot of people think this is a damper, and there are such devices, but that is not what this is. but it is a useful product that can improve the sound of a banjo at ;east to my ears, and to my wallet as well!
Thank you Tony and all our awesome Banjo Bolster customers!!! We really appreciate your incredible feedback and enthusiasm for the Banjo Bolster. We really love hearing from you!
Special thanks to all the folks who purchased Banjo Bolsters during the sale. Many of you have received your orders and we're busy completing the rest. It's great to see so many return customers coming back for their 2nd, 3rd, 4th and even 5th Banjo Bolster! We're honored to play a part in helping your banjos sound their best.
The reason I have ten Banjo Bolsters, is that I have several banjos. Plus, sound-chaser that I am, I need lots of them. My normal scenario is using two Bolsters in every pot. Using two bolsters, one in each half of the circumference, makes all of my banjos more sweet-sounding; revolutionizing their voices in ways I find most appealing.
I simply cannot overstate the ingeniousness of this sonic transformer. Time and time again, banjos whose tone I'd grown weary of, have been profoundly reborn in gorgeous ways by using Banjo Bolsters. I've spent more than six decades trying everything else under the sun to achieve the magical sound I can easily get with the Banjo Bolster. In sixty years I've been into banjos, nothing else has ever come close to the Banjo Bolster, to sonically beautify the sound.
Thank you, Ric and Deb, for bringing my banjos back to life. The tones I can now pull out of my banjos has a distinctly rejuvenating effect on my mind-body-spirit. I'm forever grateful to you for your unique contribution to the world of sound. Your generosity in offering this life-changing device at such a negligible fee (including your guarantee), speaks volumes about your integrity and dedication.
The reason I have ten Banjo Bolsters, is that I have several banjos. Plus, sound-chaser that I am, I need lots of them. My normal scenario is using two Bolsters in every pot. Using two bolsters, one in each half of the circumference, makes all of my banjos more sweet-sounding; revolutionizing their voices in ways I find most appealing.
I simply cannot overstate the ingeniousness of this sonic transformer. Time and time again, banjos whose tone I'd grown weary of, have been profoundly reborn in gorgeous ways by using Banjo Bolsters. I've spent more than six decades trying everything else under the sun to achieve the magical sound I can easily get with the Banjo Bolster. In sixty years I've been into banjos, nothing else has ever come close to the Banjo Bolster, to sonically beautify the sound.
Thank you, Ric and Deb, for bringing my banjos back to life. The tones I can now pull out of my banjos has a distinctly rejuvenating effect on my mind-body-spirit. I'm forever grateful to you for your unique contribution to the world of sound. Your generosity in offering this life-changing device at such a negligible fee (including your guarantee), speaks volumes about your integrity and dedication.
Banjo Bolsters enhance the sonic superpower of a banjo.
Ever since the Banjo Bolster became such a significant influence on tone color, there has been a steep decline in banjo jokes. Merely coincidence? Or, are the gorgeous tones that we're now able to produce, having a rippling effect in human consciousness; a synchronistic side benefit?
I gauge my connection with music in terms of the degree to which I'm able to merge into a meditative state while playing. That's my gold standard. That's why I no longer enter the sonic musical universe without two Banjo Bolsters nesting in the 360 degree circumferences of all my rims.
Deb and I have teamed up with Pisgah Banjos to create four custom Banjo Bolster sizes, designed to perfectly match Pisgah's unique lineup of rim thickness and sizes. Each Banjo Bolster proudly presents the awesome Pisgah logo on one end and our Banjo Bolster logo on the other. If you're a Pisgah banjo owner, please check them out here.
"As a banjo builder, I spend a lot of time thinking about tone. Wood choice, rim depth, tone ring combinations, head tension—every element plays a role in shaping the voice of an instrument. And while I’m proud of the banjos we build at Pisgah, I’m always looking for ways to help players get even more out of them.
That’s why I want to talk about a small but powerful upgrade that I believe every Pisgah banjo owner should consider: the Banjo Bolster.
Designed by Ric and Deb Hollander, the Banjo Bolster is a thoughtfully engineered tone enhancer that rests snugly between the dowel stick and the rim—and here’s the most important part: it never touches the head.
That alone sets it apart. This is the only product on the market that offers this kind of tone control without interfering with the banjo head itself. Unlike tone-dampening products that rest directly on the head—often muting the instrument, deadening the response, and distorting the banjo’s natural voice—the Banjo Bolster takes a different approach. It respects the head’s natural vibrations, working in harmony with them rather than suppressing them. The result is a clearer, more articulate sound, as it gently tames excess overtones without sacrificing the banjo’s true character.
It’s not a mute, and it doesn’t kill resonance. Instead, it subtly reduces unwanted overtones, tightens up sustain, and adds warmth and focus to the overall tone. It’s like adding a fine-tuned EQ filter inside the pot—without losing the soul of the instrument.
Now, when I first held one in my hands, I was honestly shocked. As someone who works with quality materials every day, I could instantly tell this was a well-crafted, high-integrity product. Every Banjo Bolster is made from all American-made materials and sewn with high-quality European thread. That attention to detail is rare, especially at this price point. This isn’t some mass-produced accessory—it’s hand-built with care one at a time, and it shows.
The even better news? Pisgah Banjos has officially partnered with Ric and Deb to create four custom Banjo Bolster sizes, each one precision-fit to match Pisgah’s unique lineup of rim thickness and sizes.
In the shop, I’ve tested them across a variety of models, and the results are consistent every time. Bass tones become more focused. The midrange gains definition. Harsh highs are softened just enough to bring out the warmth and clarity in your playing—especially for clawhammer players seeking that dry, old-timey sound we all love."
A belated “Happy Father's Day” to all you dads out there, and a warm thank you to our wonderful Banjo Bolster customers. We truly appreciate your business and the uplifting testimonials you share with us.
We have several exciting announcements!
#1 - The Banjo Bolster Sale is On
Now is a great time to pick up a Banjo Bolster, Grab Pouch or Banjo Bolster Hat on banjobolster.com! We're having a site-wide 15% Off Sale! Use discount code BANJO-HANGOUT-15 during checkout to save 15% on your entire order!
#2 - Our Trademarks and Patent were Approved
We submitted two trademarks to the US Patent and Trademark Office for approval. One for the combination of the words "Banjo Bolster" and the other for the graphic mark. Both were approved and are now fully protected!
We also received wonderful news from our attorney that the US Patent and Trademark Office has approved our patent application and granted us a full Utility Patent (the highest level of protection) for the Banjo Bolster! We will be receiving our official patent number very soon. The process took longer than we expected, but we are delighted with the outcome.
#3 - New Limited Edition Fabric
We are excited to offer our new, custom designed, Limited Edition fabric, “Stars and Stripes” in honor of Independence Day which is rapidly approaching.
This fabric is only available for a short time, so grab your patriotic Banjo Bolster now!
I appreciate the tone delivered by the Banjo Bolster, but if you place an order don't expect to receive any color but green. I've placed three separate orders at different times for a total of five bolsters in five colors to differentiate which bolster went with a specific banjo, but they all arrived green. At least a sticker was placed on each one to designate the banjo.
In the grand scheme of things a minor quibble. They do the job they were designed to do. Just a little disappointed.
I appreciate the tone delivered by the Banjo Bolster, but if you place an order don't expect to receive any color but green.
I've placed three separate orders at different times for a total of five bolsters in five colors to differentiate which bolster went with a specific banjo, but they all arrived green. At least a sticker was placed on each one to designate the banjo.
In the grand scheme of things a minor quibble. They do the job they were designed to do. Just a little disappointed.
Hi Mark,
I just left you a voicemail explaining why your Banjo Bolsters have green tissue paper gift wrapping on each one. Thanks for the kind words about the tone you're getting. They will sound incredibly better when you unwrap them.
Here's a quick video to clear this up.
I also wanted to say that if anyone ever has an issue or problem with their Banjo Bolster, please do not hesitate to contact us. We want all our customers to be 100% delighted with their orders and we would love to hear from you.
Thanks for the explanation. When I received the first bolster my reaction was "Man, this wrapper looks and feels just like tissue paper !", but it was so thickly layered and worked so well I figured that was just how you made them.
My confirmations didn't contain the color choices, so I thought maybe you just end up using what is on hand.
After unwrapping the three orders I have all the different colors I ordered. Each is well made and they fit great.
No complaints. Sorry for the less than perfect review. If I ever get another banjo of a different size I'll be sure to order another bolster.
note: Since this photo was taken, I've revised my approach to the Banjo Bolster. I now use TWO in each banjo, to go around the entire circumference of each rim. Big thanks to the Banjo Bolster team for taking the banjo's tone to another level, supporting the inveterate tone chaser's seemingly insatiable appetite for pulling more beauty out these beasts.
I’m with Paul! I have Bolsters on at least a dozen open back banjos myself, and can’t imagine life without them.
Question for Ric: one banjo that doesn’t have a Bolster has one of those “donut” sound chambers, which leaves about a 4” diameter opening in back and exposes just a portion of the dowel stick.
Can you please email me a pic of your banjo pot? It sounds like it has an internal resonator, which does work with a Banjo Bolster, albeit a pretty small one in this case. We're actually working on one now for another customer.
We have received several inquires regarding our Stars and Stripes, limited edition fabric, now that is no longer offered on the website. Our plan is to make this fabric available for the weeks of Memorial Day and Independence Day each year.
If you would like to order your Banjo Bolster with this awesome fabric outside of these times, please place your order and then contact us to let us know. We will make a note on your order and happily make it for you.
Can you please email me a pic of your banjo pot? It sounds like it has an internal resonator, which does work with a Banjo Bolster, albeit a pretty small one in this case. We're actually working on one now for another customer.
Ric
Hello Ric,
I missed the sale (life) but I have a few more BBs to order -- which I'll do when the next sale happens. I'll forward info on the Internal resonator / donut tone-ring when I place that order.
Well, my daughter who has a Masters Degree in textiles, made me something similar a decade ago. We joked about turning it into a business, but never did. So kudos to you guys for taking it further. I still use mine to this day. It’s not exactly like yours, of course. Mine is a longish rectangle shape, which is adjustable: how much is under the banjo head, and how much is left over to position between leg and banjo, stopping the banjo digging into my leg. Works for me. There’s no way my daughter is interested in commercialising it, so rest easy :-)
I missed the sale (life) but I have a few more BBs to order -- which I'll do when the next sale happens. I'll forward info on the Internal resonator / donut tone-ring when I place that order.
Well, my daughter who has a Masters Degree in textiles, made me something similar a decade ago. We joked about turning it into a business, but never did. So kudos to you guys for taking it further. I still use mine to this day. It’s not exactly like yours, of course. Mine is a longish rectangle shape, which is adjustable: how much is under the banjo head, and how much is left over to position between leg and banjo, stopping the banjo digging into my leg. Works for me. There’s no way my daughter is interested in commercialising it, so rest easy :-)
Hey Rob,
It's definitely different from what you have described. If you're interested in learning about the Banjo Bolster design you can check out our patent:
note: Since this photo was taken, I've revised my approach to the Banjo Bolster. I now use TWO in each banjo, to go around the entire circumference of each rim. Big thanks to the Banjo Bolster team for taking the banjo's tone to another level, supporting the inveterate tone chaser's seemingly insatiable appetite for pulling more beauty out these beasts.
