Pisgah Rambler Model 5 String Banjo (2026), made in Asheville, NC, serial # 3910, natural finish, spunover rim, walnut neck with Richlite fingerboard, original gig bag case.
Pisgah banjos are crafted just outside of Asheville, North Carolina in the Fairview Valley. The company states "Our banjos celebrate the rich musical and creative culture of the Southern Appalachians. Our mission is to create affordable, professional quality, handcrafted banjos using 100% Native Appalachian Hardwoods."
This Rambler model is a very interesting mix of 19th and 21st century concepts, and a surprisingly versatile instrument due to an unusual feature: a removable tone ring. In their own words "The Rambler is the first affordable, sustainable, hand made spun-over rim banjo on the market! It features an 11" stainless steel spun-over rim with a REMOVABLE Dobson tone ring, Richlite fingerboard, and a walnut neck. All hardware made in USA by Balsam Banjoworks! "
This example a 26 3/16" scale laminated walnut neck with a synthetic Richlite fingerboard. In a nod to modern playability this is fitted with a two way adjustable truss rod with headstock access via a magnetic truss rod cover. The V-profile neck is topped by a 19th century style paddle headstock with an inlaid wood 8-pointed star on the face and fitting geared Gotoh 2-band style tuners. The heel has a round mid-19th century round shape and a frailing scoop; it is fitted to the rim via a traditional dowel stick.
The spunover rim is natural steel fitted with aged brass Balsam Banjoworks hooks, nuts, shoes and hoop, giving a cool almost nautical 2-tone look. Pisgah notes this model's sound as variable "With or without the Dobson tone ring (which) can be removed. The head sits on the edge of spun rim without the tone ring. Good sustain and resonance. Very responsive and easy to hear yourself play. Quicker sound decay without the Dobson tone ring." This instrument represents a very creative blend of tradition and innovation, made by folks who obviously care.
Overall length is 36 7/8 in. (93.7 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 3/16 in. (665 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
This banjo is basically new stock, showing just a bit of handling wear including some minor corrosion to the brass hoop and tailpiece. It sounds and plays excellent and comes with the original branded heavy duty gig bag with hangtags. Overall Excellent Condition.
