DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
The banjo reviews database is here to help educate people before they purchase an instrument. Of course, this is not meant to be a substitute for playing the instrument yourself!
7231 reviews in the archive.
Where Purchased: Eagle Music in the UK
Year Purchased: 2025
Price Paid: £1599 (GBP)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
I play Old Time music and chose this banjo for the wood tone ring. Just used it at my first session and wow did the sound cut through without losing any warmth when driven hard.
Sound Rating: 10
The set up was perfect for me right out of the gig bag.
Setup Rating: 10
I really dislike bling on banjos so the Pisgah banjos appeal, to me for their earthy, woodiness. I don’t want bling, I want honest to goodness workmanship and a great sound and that’s what I got. The walnut is a rich, warm dark brown and the persimmon used for the headstock inlay and fingerboard blends perfectly with the walnut. I chose walnut for the warmer tones as well as a fiberskyn head for a little more plunk and the whole thing is very easy on the eye.
Appearance Rating: 10
The workmanship on this banjo is mighty impressive. It just feels like it is built to last without feeling chunky or cumbersome. Lovely aged brass hardware and a really nice finish in the wood. I’d be more than happy to gig with this as my only banjo and to rely on it to deliver.
Reliability Rating: 10
I bought through Eagle music as I am in the UK so I didn’t have any direct contact with PBCO during the making of the instrument. As the exclusive dealer in the UK, Eagle Music honours the Pisgah limited lifetime warranty on faulty workmanship for the life to the original owner - and there’s no way I’d sell this beauty! Still top marks though to Pisgah for choosing Eagle Music who I have shopped with for many years and always received the very best of customer service.
Customer Service: 10
There is nothing on this banjo that would need to be changed. Maybe I’ll slip a moon bridge on there simply because I like the aesthetic but it’s not necessary. The intonation is fine as is. Nothing about this banjo looks or feels cheap.
Components Rating: 10
I was aware of Pisgah banjos even before they became available to buy in the UK but I couldn't imagine the taxes and shipping if I bought straight from the company. As soon as I heard that Eagle Music were selling them in the UK, I put my order in. I did play the Appalachian in store before making my order for the Possom which is essentially the same banjo with a different tone ring. Figuring heavily in my choice was Pisgah's environmental stand, as well as their political stand. They seemed like a company I wanted to support. I also loved the idea of having a banjo made of hardwoods local to the company so I knew that the wood in my banjo had been listening to old time music for a couple of centuries. A romantic notion maybe, but it felt as though it might add some authenticity. I cannot say how delighted I am with the warm tones, the lightness of the bank in its gig bag and the overall plain but well made appearance. I am well and truly smitten and would definitely recommend Pisgah Banjo Company and the Possum in particular. This is my fourth banjo and I can see it fast becoming my go-to.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from Patrick Heavner
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: 1150 ($US)
Great sounding banjo, definitely not bright, not too loud (thanks to the persimmon tone ring), perfect old-time sound I was looking for.
Sound Rating: 10
Only thing I had to do when I received the banjo was to set up the bridge and play. I installed a higher bridge, not that it was needed, just a question of personnal preference.
Setup Rating: 10
The banjo is plain looking, which is NOT a bad thing to me, quite the contrary. The persimmon fretboard and peghead match the walnut neck and rim gorgeously. This is a really beautiful banjo, professionally built with appalachian hardwoods.
Appearance Rating: 10
I've looked at (admired) the banjo again and again, I can't see the slightest problem with it, every single part (wood or hardware) will last a lifetime I'm sure.
Reliability Rating: 10
Patrick has been very helpful, answered every single e-mail I sent immediately and answered every question I had. Couldn't have been better / easier.
Customer Service: 10
I wouldn't change a thing, maybe install a natural head someday just to give it a shot but really no hurry here....
Edit: I have installed a natural goat head (by John Balch) and a mystery wood bridge by Bart Veerman since the review, the banjo sounds much better now - and it already had a great sound and tone. Perfect set up for my taste !
Components Rating: 10
I couldn't be happier with that banjo, it sounds exactly as I hoped and is exquisitely built with beautiful woods. Every aspect of the transaction with the Pisgah Company has been perfect.
I highly recommend this banjo to anyone looking for a great sounding / looking open back banjo.
Overall Rating: 10
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.