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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: Online
Year Purchased: 2022
Price Paid: Don't Remember
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I ordered a custom built Pisgah banjo in 2021 and paid the upfront cost. When I ordered the banjo the completion time was 8 to 10 months. They changed the timeframe on their website to 1 year. I asked for my deposit back as this wasn't what I agreed to and do not want to wait a year. I was told it has always been a year. I directed them to the way back machine online that shows there website in April of 2021. It clearly states 8-10 months. They still wouldn't refund my money and said I could use it to purchase items in their shop. I asked if they had started building the banjo and they said no. Crappy customer service if you ask for a refund and impossible to get your money back.
Sound Rating: 1
I ordered a custom built Pisgah banjo in 2021 and paid the upfront cost. When I ordered the banjo the completion time was 8 to 10 months. They changed the timeframe on their website to 1 year. I asked for my deposit back as this wasn't what I agreed to and do not want to wait a year. I was told it has always been a year. I directed them to the way back machine online that shows there website in April of 2021. It clearly states 8-10 months. They still wouldn't refund my money and said I could use it to purchase items in their shop. I asked if they had started building the banjo and they said no. Crappy customer service if you ask for a refund and impossible to get your money back.
Setup Rating: 1
I ordered a custom built Pisgah banjo in 2021 and paid the upfront cost. When I ordered the banjo the completion time was 8 to 10 months. They changed the timeframe on their website to 1 year. I asked for my deposit back as this wasn't what I agreed to and do not want to wait a year. I was told it has always been a year. I directed them to the way back machine online that shows there website in April of 2021. It clearly states 8-10 months. They still wouldn't refund my money and said I could use it to purchase items in their shop. I asked if they had started building the banjo and they said no. Crappy customer service if you ask for a refund and impossible to get your money back.
Appearance Rating: 1
I ordered a custom built Pisgah banjo in 2021 and paid the upfront cost. When I ordered the banjo the completion time was 8 to 10 months. They changed the timeframe on their website to 1 year. I asked for my deposit back as this wasn't what I agreed to and do not want to wait a year. I was told it has always been a year. I directed them to the way back machine online that shows there website in April of 2021. It clearly states 8-10 months. They still wouldn't refund my money and said I could use it to purchase items in their shop. I asked if they had started building the banjo and they said no. Crappy customer service if you ask for a refund and impossible to get your money back.
Reliability Rating: 1
I ordered a custom built Pisgah banjo in 2021 and paid the upfront cost. When I ordered the banjo the completion time was 8 to 10 months. They changed the timeframe on their website to 1 year. I asked for my deposit back as this wasn't what I agreed to and do not want to wait a year. I was told it has always been a year. I directed them to the way back machine online that shows there website in April of 2021. It clearly states 8-10 months. They still wouldn't refund my money and said I could use it to purchase items in their shop. I asked if they had started building the banjo and they said no. Crappy customer service if you ask for a refund and impossible to get your money back.
Customer Service: 1
I ordered a custom built Pisgah banjo in 2021 and paid the upfront cost. When I ordered the banjo the completion time was 8 to 10 months. They changed the timeframe on their website to 1 year. I asked for my deposit back as this wasn't what I agreed to and do not want to wait a year. I was told it has always been a year. I directed them to the way back machine online that shows there website in April of 2021. It clearly states 8-10 months. They still wouldn't refund my money and said I could use it to purchase items in their shop. I asked if they had started building the banjo and they said no. Crappy customer service if you ask for a refund and impossible to get your money back.
Components Rating: 1
I ordered a custom built Pisgah banjo in 2021 and paid the upfront cost. When I ordered the banjo the completion time was 8 to 10 months. They changed the timeframe on their website to 1 year. I asked for my deposit back as this wasn't what I agreed to and do not want to wait a year. I was told it has always been a year. I directed them to the way back machine online that shows their website in April of 2021. It clearly states 8-10 months. They still wouldn't refund my money and said I could use it to purchase items in their shop. I asked if they had started building the banjo and they said no. Crappy customer service if you ask for a refund and impossible to get your money back.
Overall Rating: 1
Where Purchased: Direct
Year Purchased: 2015
Price Paid: ~1450 ($US)
This is my second banjo, replacing a Goodtime Classic with some custom parts. That was a fine banjo, and I loved the sound, but I have been completely blown away by this instrument.
The sound is clear as a bell, not too twangy. It has a sweetness to it but is still pretty loud (a good bit louder than my goodtime). The banjo has fantastic sustain, and hammer-ons & pull-offs sound perfect.
Seriously in love with the sound.
Sound Rating: 10
Pretty easy to setup. Bridge position was marked well although it does sit a bit off that position naturally, maybe some things got jostled in shipping. Action is fantastic. Took a minute to get used to moving from a lighter banjo with a skinnier neck, but really love it. Very playable.
Setup Rating: 9
Combination of the brass hardware, walnut, and persimmon is stunning. There's some oxidation on the brass especially around the rim and brackets, but in a way that actually looks good with the rest of the banjo. Grain on the persimmon fretboard is gorgeous.
Pictured don't do this banjo justice, it's really really great looking. Inlay on the headstock is simple but well done.
Appearance Rating: 10
Feels to be built incredibly solidly. Positively heavy duty. No concerns here.
Reliability Rating: 10
Patrick was super helpful. Warranty on most components and work, I'm not expecting any difficulties and if his communication thusfar is any indication, I trust they'll back up this instrument.
Customer Service: 10
Far higher quality than my goodtime classic all around. Don't anticipate replacing any parts.
Components Rating: 10
Love love love this instrument so far. I had high expectations and they were totally exceeded.
Overall Rating: 10
Where Purchased: Direct from Patrick at Pisgah
Year Purchased: 2014
Price Paid: 1150 ($US)
An 'earthy' plunky sound from the 12" walnut pot, with a really beautiful ring from the rolled brass tone ring. Played over the head, it gives a great volume, but played over the scooped neck it offers a lovely pop - accentuated by the Clifford Essex Imperial 5/8" bridge I've fitted. Superb.
Sound Rating: 10
This is my second banjo and coming from a Goodtime openback, the action felt a little on the high side, but having used it for 3 months now, it is actually just right for me and not that high at all.
Setup Rating: 9
The neck and pot are walnut and the pot is capped with cherry. I opted for the paddle headstock and standard heel, and went for brass fittings. The fretboard is persimmon which is a beautiful, creamy-coffee colour and looks great with the darker walnut. It is quite simply stunning and at least as good looking as Kate Beckinsale! The boys at Pisgah know how to make a good looking instrument. I know looks aren't as important as sound/tone, but they count when choosing a new banjo.
Appearance Rating: 10
I've only had it for 3 months but it's certainly built to last.
Reliability Rating: 10
I live in the UK and even with the time difference Patrick always replied very swiftly, and despite my silly questions before and after ordering it, he remained very polite...
The shipping costs were very reasonable at $100 and it arrived very well packed.
Customer Service: 10
Everything looks and feels top-class
Components Rating: 9
What a great sounding and good looking openback banjo! Everyone at Pisgah should be congratulated for producing a quality product at a very reasonable price (especially in the UK, even with shipping and import duty included). This one is a definite keeper!
Overall Rating: 10
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