Pisgah Possum: Pisgah Possum

Submitted by AstroDad on 3/29/2025

Where Purchased: Bucks County Folk Music, Doylestown, PA

Year Purchased: 2025
Price Paid: $2,044 ($US)

Sound

The sound/tone of the Possum is precisely what I was looking for. I play old-time and do most of my picking on my deck with my dog. Full, plunky sound, not too loud or overly bright. 11 inch pot, Persimmon tone ring, and goatskin head are a prefect combination

Sound Rating: 10

Setup

Between Pisgah and Bucks County Music the setup was perfect when purchased! The banjo string action is a bit higher than I have had on past banjos and I really like it, makes it easier to play!

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

The banjo is aesthetically pleasing. The combination of walnut pot and heel,Persimmon tone ring and fretboard and walnut arm rest make a beautiful banjo. The craftsmanship is fantastic, not a blemish anywhere!

Appearance Rating: 10

Reliability

Looks as reliable as I could expect, time will tell.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Patrick Sawyer at Pisgah and Kim and Jackie Dietrich at Bucks County Music in Doylestown, PA were great to work with. Very helpful and responsive. Considering the turmoil Pisgah faced as a result of Hurricane Helene, I was impressed by Pisgah's ability to produce a first rate banjo and deliver a month earlier than their ETA.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Walnut armrest and skin head are more than worth the small extra cost. The included gig bag is surprisingly sturdy and handsome!

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I could not be happier than I am with the Possum!  The relative lightweight (5 1/2 lbs)  is a delight for my aging arms and shoulder. I particularly like that Patrick uses locally produced and procured woods and components (except for the Japanese Gotoh tuners).  Patrick's banjos have among the highest American content and  are among the most American made on the market.  I've had some really good banjos in the past (Deering, Ramsey and Ozark), the Pisgah Possum is right up there!

Overall Rating: 10