Pisgah Dobson 5 String Banjo (2025)
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Pisgah Dobson Model 5 String Banjo (2025), made in Asheville, NC, serial # 3760, natural finish, laminated walnut rim, laminated maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, original brown canvas gig bag case.
The Pisgah Banjo Company operates out of the heart of the bluegrass/old time world in Asheville, North Carolina. This "Dobson" model is a simple 12" openback 5-string with a few modern twists centered around a 19th century cupped Dobson tone ring; they also make an 11" rim version. It is comprised from a dusty-colored walnut pot and matching laminated neck topped with the unconventional choice of persimmon for the fingerboard.
All hardware (excluding the Gotoh tuners) is aged brass from Balsam Banjoworks including the tailpiece and 18-bracket tension hoop. The neck is on the smaller side with a slightly pronounced V-shape in the first position and stainless steel frets. The bell-shaped tone ring inside is their lightweight take on the original 1881 patent Dobson tone ring. The Pisgah Dobson does not claim to be a direct re-creation of any specific vintage banjo but has its own character with a thick, grounded sound and unique look including a fetching starburst headstock inlay.
Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
This banjo was handmade just months ago in October 2025 and comes to us in almost like-new condition. There are a couple of very small or nearly invisible scuffs or scratches from slight use in the few months it was with its original owner, but on the whole this instrument may as well have just come off the wall at the banjo shop. The playability is excellent, the frets have next to no signs of use, and all aspects of the banjo are original including the very nice Pisgah gig bag. Excellent + Condition.
The Pisgah Banjo Company operates out of the heart of the bluegrass/old time world in Asheville, North Carolina. This "Dobson" model is a simple 12" openback 5-string with a few modern twists centered around a 19th century cupped Dobson tone ring; they also make an 11" rim version. It is comprised from a dusty-colored walnut pot and matching laminated neck topped with the unconventional choice of persimmon for the fingerboard.
All hardware (excluding the Gotoh tuners) is aged brass from Balsam Banjoworks including the tailpiece and 18-bracket tension hoop. The neck is on the smaller side with a slightly pronounced V-shape in the first position and stainless steel frets. The bell-shaped tone ring inside is their lightweight take on the original 1881 patent Dobson tone ring. The Pisgah Dobson does not claim to be a direct re-creation of any specific vintage banjo but has its own character with a thick, grounded sound and unique look including a fetching starburst headstock inlay.
Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 12 in. (30.5 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
This banjo was handmade just months ago in October 2025 and comes to us in almost like-new condition. There are a couple of very small or nearly invisible scuffs or scratches from slight use in the few months it was with its original owner, but on the whole this instrument may as well have just come off the wall at the banjo shop. The playability is excellent, the frets have next to no signs of use, and all aspects of the banjo are original including the very nice Pisgah gig bag. Excellent + Condition.