• Welcome to Bish Banjos

  • Handcrafted Banjos

  • Over 40 Years of Passion & Experience

  • Customized with Attention to Detail

Winston J. Bish has been building, repairing and restoring banjos for the past 40 years. He first began making banjos while working at the Liberty Banjo Company in Bridgeport,CT. He gained his knowledge while working with the master luthier Mr. Jim DeCava. When the company shut down he continued building banjos for himself and friends. In 2012 Winston began building banjos using his own name.

Banjo Models

1406 Red Mahogany

This banjo is made from Honduran Mahogany, although it could be produced from any type of wood the customer might choose. Mahogany is at the top of my list of favorite woods, with Curly Maple being a close second. The red mahogany color scheme is a classic choice throughout the world of Bluegrass.

EXPLORE

1407 Midnight Blue

This banjo has a unique color scheme that varies from ordinary banjos. The deep blue color is reminiscent of the Gibson model #11. This could be the upgrade you’ve been waiting to have. Take a look at Ralph Quintiliano’s testimonial. He owns a Midnight Blue banjo.

EXPLORE

1408 Openback Banjo

This is a banjo the discerning claw hammer banjo player would enjoy. It has a classic honey maple color scheme and it produces a very pleasing sound. It comes in a standard 11 in. diameter rim, but I would not hesitate to make a 12 in instrument on request.

EXPLORE

Bish banjos are hand crafted using the very best materials available. Necks and resonators are made from Honduran Mahogany. (However, the customer will always have the choice of what type of wood they prefer). The rim, a critical component in the banjo, is composed of a three ply laminate of an east cost maple.

All inlays are hand cut mother of pearl. Using a pearl pattern designed by Mr. Bish, making the neck and pattern unique to Bish Banjos. The majority of wood used in the shop is purchased from a local supplier based in Old Saybrook, CT. They are called The Connecticut River Lumber Co. Found at ctriverlumberco.com.

Testimonials

Bish Banjos are truly wonderful sounding instruments made with unique artistry and stunning craftsmanship. Because of their clear high range and warmth of the low-end Bish Banjos are incredibly versatile and give the player easy dynamic control. These banjos are built with one of a kind inlay patterns on top of precision woodworking, making a banjo that looks just as good as it sounds. Bish Banjos are high quality and will be the perfect instrument for what ever style you play.

"G" Rockwell

I first met Winston many, many years ago when he was a craftsman at the legendary Liberty Banjo Company in Bridgeport, CT. I’ve been playing his instruments ever since. He has built banjos for me and been in charge of all renovations, set-ups, and repairs for just as long. Winston is a master woodworker. The quality of his custom, hand-manufactured parts is top-notch. He also designs the neck inlays and adds them by hand. Winston is a true artist. When you combine this with quality metal parts from leading manufacturers the result is one fine looking and sounding banjo that plays like a charm! But… Read more “Richard Neal”

Richard Neal

After my first year of taking lessons with my entry level banjo, I could easily hear the difference in sound coming from my banjo vs. my teacher’s. I wanted to up grade to a better quality banjo and researched U.S. made banjos and spoke with my teacher about my research. He suggested that I speak to a local banjo craftsman, Mr. Bish, about having him make me a banjo. After visiting with him I ordered my banjo and several weeks later became the proud owner of a beautiful quality well crafted sounding banjo. I love this banjo. At Mr. Bish’s invitation, during the production of… Read more “Mr. John McQueenan”

Mr. John McQueenan

I am very happy with my purchase of one of your banjos. Your craftsmanship is superb. The woodwork and finish is beautiful as well as the custom inlay work on the neck. All of the hardware and components are of the best quality as well. The attention to detail that you put into your instruments is testimony to your skills as a master banjo builder. But the proof is in the sound. I own many banjos, many built by nationally known builders. They are all wonderful instruments, but my Bish Banjo is by far the best sounding and playing of them all. It has a… Read more “Ralph A. Quintiliano”

Ralph A. Quintiliano Sr. Bpt., CT.

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