POP was created as a result of inspiration/love for the banjos of the 1920s and 1930s. I feel that during this era some of the best banjos were built. I’ve combined certain aesthetics of these banjos with some of my own ideas to create something unique and elegant. Most importantly to me is the sound that these banjos can make. The tone ring is king here. All of my banjos come with exceptional sounding tone rings.
What does POP mean? No, it’s not an acronym, or the right way to say soda in the Midwest. It’s just a reoccurring word/theme in my life that I thought would be a good company name. One way I look at it is that I’m POPping old aesthetics into something new.
My name is Noel Folstad, and I reside with my wife and children in lovely St. Paul, Minnesota. I’ve been building banjos since 2015. My dad had a workshop when I was growing up and I was always fascinated working with wood. I never knew it’d bring me to a place where I would devote myself to making banjos. My previously built banjos were under the Capital City Banjos name, which I am no longer making. I really feel strongly about POP Banjos, and am putting all my time and passion into these banjos. They will give you the sound, playability, and looks that will knock your socks off, and leave your audience with their mouths hanging open.