Beginners should opt for an open back banjo without resonator to prevent its sound from being too loud, essential when playing together in a jam session.
An open back banjo can also make for an excellent choice when playing clawhammer or other forms of folk music, since its more soothing tone complements these genres perfectly.
Lightweight
Open-back banjos tend to be lighter in weight and produce a smoother sound due to their open sound chamber, making them suitable for clawhammer style or traditional music genres. Closed back models, on the other hand, often feature a resonator which amplifies string vibrations for louder tones.
No matter which style of bag you select, its primary goal should be lightweight and convenient transportation. Ideally it should fit comfortably in both arms without becoming cumbersome when transported for trips or lessons and should feature a zippered lid pocket to store picks and other essential accessories.
Deering’s Good Time II 5-string banjo is an excellent starter choice, complete with a padded gig bag to protect it during transportation and a geared fifth string tuning peg and guitar-style tuners for effortless playability. Furthermore, this model is cheaper than most 5-string brands available and also boasts an additional feature: its rolled brass tone ring!
Easy to transport
Open back banjos often come in excellent playing condition; however, some may require adjustments for optimal playback. If this is your first instrument adjustment experience, this can be cumbersome and frustrating; luckily there are ways around this obstacle.
One of the easiest and quickest methods is using a digital banjo tuner to compare the sound of your string to that of the reference note and adjust your tuning peg until both notes match up perfectly – this may take some time, but ensures your banjo is in tune.
One way of packing the banjo safely inside its case is to ensure it won’t move at all, using socks or padding as extra protection from damage, and filling any empty space in its case with extra packing material such as foam or crumpled paper – keeping in mind that transit can easily damage an instrument!
Easy to tune
There are numerous electronic tuners for banjos available today, some which can clip directly onto the peghead for convenient tuning. While these tuners may be accurate, learning to tune by ear will help make you a better banjo player while simultaneously improving your hearing for when notes go out of tune.
Banjo strings are tuned to the same notes as those on a guitar, making a chromatic tuner suitable for tuning both instruments easier. This feature can be especially beneficial to beginners as they learn their instrument as sharp and flat notes can easily become confused by unfamiliar tuning devices.
If you plan to play bluegrass and want to be heard at jam sessions, I highly suggest purchasing a resonator for your banjo. This will increase its volume, especially important if playing clawhammer or Scruggs styles of playing banjo.
Affordable
For casual playing on a budget, an open back banjo may be the right choice. These instruments tend to be less expensive than their resonator counterparts and come equipped with standard strings; plus they tend to be lighter – providing greater comfort for those suffering from back problems or traveling often.
If you’re in search of an entry-level banjo at an economical price, the Deering Goodtime banjo may be your perfect match. Offering strong, golden tone with quality components for its price point, it makes an ideal option for beginners or intermediate players looking to move effortlessly from beginner to advanced playing levels without hitting any roadblocks along their journey.
Recording King Madison offers another wonderful entry-level banjo, boasting a lovely maple neck with rosewood fingerboard – making it the ideal instrument for beginners. With open back design to accommodate old-time and clawhammer styles as well as its smooth plunky sound complementing bluegrass genres perfectly.