Like everything prices on hand built banjos are out of control as the average price from a Pisgah to a Rickard averages about $2000
at the lowest price point . I read all the reviews here for Zach Hoyt's banjos and they are all great reviews and he builds a fantastic banjo with quality parts . Visited his web site and
he has a fair number for sale now around $1100-1300 his prices are great , almost to good to be true ?
I've got two of his banjos and play them regularly. Happy customer here.
I just received one of his instruments. It’s a really nice banjo, well-constructed, handsome, nice voice. Just what I was after; very happy with the purchase.
One of the ones I got is a cello. I put those John Pearse / John Hartford Low D tuning strings on it and tuned it open D. With a Banjo Bolster installed it sounds really cool.
Click the link, scroll down, and read it in Zach's own words......
Zach has made 3 for me. Very happy with them. Nice wood, nicely worked and finished. You will not be dissappointed with his instruments.
quote:
Originally posted by RioStatClick the link, scroll down, and read it in Zach's own words......
https://www.banjohangout.org/topic/406319
@Zachary Hoyt quote:
"When I started making things to sell I used to make dulcimers at first, back in 2004. I figured $125 was $25 or so for materials, plus about 10 hours at $10 an hour. In 2006 I also started making twig chairs and benches, and I priced those based on $20 an hour, but kept pricing instruments at $10 an hour because they were what I really wanted to do long term, but I wasn't as efficient at making them yet since they were more complicated.
When I made my first banjo in 2009 I priced it at $600, because it cost me about $300 at the time to buy all the hardware from Stew-Mac(now it would cost more than that for just the hooks and nuts) and I wanted, once that one sold, to have enough money to buy the parts to make two more. Over time I have become much more efficient at building instruments, especially banjos. Also my prices have slowly gone up, till now they are nearly double what they were back then.
My thought when I was new was that I had to compete on price, since I was an unknown person in the instrument market and buyers would be taking a gamble on me and my instruments. Some people seem to come onto the market at a higher price point and do just fine, so my system may not have been the most suitable one, but it worked for me. Now I am able to make a good living (by my lights) making instruments, mostly banjos but some others, and I have not raised my prices in two years. I hope I am still making instruments that are reasonably affordable to buy, and I'm making much more money than I spend in a year, without working full time. Of course I also don't have dependents, debts, etc that make people need a lot more income, so each person's situation may be different."
Edited by - pinenut on 12/06/2025 18:49:39
My only experience is playing a neck he made for a Vega rim. One thing that Zach is capable of, or rather willing to do, that other builders don't seem to be, is making a proper nylon string banjo.
Mainly, setting the neck correctly with zero or no back angle, using small frets, and Grover Champion friction pegs.
The neck I played was very good. If I played new banjos, I would strongly consider having Zach make me one,
I too am a huge fan of Zach’s banjos. He’s built several for me. He’s easy to work with, willing to do things that are true customs/one-offs, with a very competitive price point, and a turn around time that can’t be beat. He’s also an incredibly nice person with whom to deal. I recommend him highly.
I've never bought a banjo from Zach but I have purchased parts from him, and he's a pleasure to do business with. I wouldn't hesitate to get a banjo from him if I bought new banjos, he's a skilled craftsman and an honest person.
I have several banjos made for me by Zach. You'd be hard pressed to find a person with more integrity. Also, he is willing to experiment. He turnaround time is preternatural.
I have had many banjos, necks, pots, and a guitar that Zach has made. I’ve worked with him on a few specialty projects. I don’t think there is an easier person to deal with. Great products all around.
As far as price point I have 2 thoughts and they are just my thoughts.
1. Zach skips the decorated stuff that drives labor. Inlays and fancy pegheads etc.
2. Zach puts a fair price to him on his labor. Doesn’t seem the type to care what everyone else charges.
Just my opinion having dealt with him
Thanks Zach for what you do!
Zach built me a wonderful custom banjo (longer scale length, zero neck angle, small frets) last year. He was a pleasure to work with.
I really like my Zach Hoyt banjo. I agree with everything said above, no issues at all. I wouldn’t hesitate going to Zach for another banjo.
