Open back banjos are ideal for new five-stringers as they tend to be lighter. Furthermore, open backs also lend themselves well to clawhammer and frailing styles of playing.
Professional bluegrass players rarely go without using resonator banjos – these heavier models produce an irresistibly twangy sound and tend to weigh more.
Sound
One of the primary factors buyers need to keep in mind when searching for a banjo is what type of instrument they prefer – this will depend on whether or not an open back banjo (resonator banjo) will meet their musical preferences.
A resonator banjo differs from open back banjos by possessing a sound chamber or pot that projects its sounds towards an audience, while an open back banjo absorbs its sounds more directly, thus producing quieter music more suitable for folk or traditional styles of music.
If you’re serious about learning the banjo, purchasing an open-back banjo equipped with a mute is essential for success. Installing it easily, this mute will significantly decrease sound output while at the same time keeping neighbors from hearing what you are practicing. Plus if ever need be you want to remove or change out the resonator it won’t take more than a few minutes!
Styles
Some open back banjos come equipped with scooped necks to facilitate clawhammer playing, often known as frailing banjos or “old time banjos.” Clawhammer banjos tend to be more affordable than resonator banjos while providing a more versatile tone suitable for many genres of music. Furthermore, their lighter weight makes playing them for extended periods more comfortable.
These banjos can be tuned using either G-tuning (G,D,G,B,D beginning with the fifth string) or double C tuning (G,C,G,C,D). Both methods make these instruments ideal for folk and old-time music styles.
Many newcomers to banjo are unaware of the two distinct styles of 5-string banjos available to them, or believe committing to one will limit them solely to that style. But goodtime open back banjos can easily accommodate either style of picking as they lack resonators to restrict sound flow.
Materials
As with any musical instrument, the materials used to construct an open back banjo can have a dramatic impact on its sound. Some materials lend themselves better to certain genres, while others create a more durable instrument. Maple is one of the most frequently used materials for banjos due to its dense wood material which produces clear tones while offering excellent resilience against dents and scratches.
Some banjos feature an adjustable resonator attached to their pot, known as a resonator. This curved bowl absorbs and reflects sound from strings to create greater volume and deeper banjo tones, which make these instruments perfect for bluegrass music where players must be heard clearly by an audience as they perform solos that take advantage of all available string lengths.
As part of an open-back banjo’s sound customization options, loosening its thumbscrews can alter its overall tone and feel; however, this method may alter how the instrument sounds overall and should only be attempted by experienced players. A simpler option would be using gaffer tape, a clear tape that reduces unwanted overtones without leaving behind sticky residue when removed without hassle.
Price
Prices of open back banjos tend to be significantly less than resonator models due to their sound chamber resting against their player and absorbing sound into clothing and body, thus reducing volume of banjo. Furthermore, open back models tend to be lighter.
Open back banjos tend to be preferred by beginners and players of traditional music or acoustic indie, while closed back (or resonator) models provide deeper and more professional sound quality – many professional bluegrass musicians utilize resonator models.