Open back banjos bring back memories of traditional music. Their quieter sound makes them especially appreciated by clawhammer players.
A banjo’s sound depends on many variables, including its size and weight as well as its tone ring; each adds something special to its overall sound.
Wood
Wood choice can have an enormous effect on a banjo’s sound. It can alter tone, sustain, clarity and volume; harder woods like maple, walnut and cherry typically create sharper tones while mahogany provides warmer sound qualities.
Open back banjos are ideal for players seeking a mellower and softer tone than what can be provided by resonator banjos, making them better suited to old-time and folk music styles than their resonator counterparts which produce louder, twangier tones.
Many players opt for long-neck open back banjos to be able to play more keys, including Bb and double C tunings. Though not typically necessary for most players, having this flexibility can come in handy when working with people using different tunings.
Resonator
Many banjos feature resonators, and it is almost impossible to find professional bluegrass musicians without one. Open-back banjos have also proven popular; their more gentle tone and lighter weight makes them easier for beginners and intermediate players. Furthermore, open-backs may also allow more unusual keys such as Bb and C chords; this was accomplished by Pete Seeger who extended his banjo neck two frets’ worth so as to be able to play such chords on it.
As a beginner, it is wise to carefully consider whether or not to purchase a resonator for your banjo. Your decision should depend on what style of music you plan on playing; old time-inspired banjo playing styles often imitate Irish-based instruments, in which banjo would take on melody lines from Irish songs without standing out from other instruments in a band; while bluegrass allows one’s banjo to stand out and be heard more easily when using resonators as part of their sound.
Scale length
If you’re in the market for a short-scale banjo, take a look at Deering Goodtime “Parlor” models. While they might be slightly shorter than modern full-scale instruments, these instruments remain fully playable and ideal for beginners.
These open back banjos stand out from others on the market with several distinctive features that set them apart, such as their five-string nut and ball mount tailpiece mount. Their necks also include a scoop near their base that makes reaching high frets easier with your fingertips.
Most resonator banjos feature a scale length of 26.5 inches. Old-time and open back banjos typically employ smaller scale lengths of 25 inches; this makes these banjos ideal for playing genres that require higher string action like bluegrass. They’re lightweight with an easygoing tone suitable for on-the-go playing.
Weight
Open-back models typically produce a smoother tone and weigh less, cost less and are easier to tune (since there’s no resonator). One such open back banjo designed specifically for easy learning is Cripple Creek’s CC-50 entry-level open back banjo with its maple neck, rolled brass tone ring and guitar-style tuners as well as its single coordinator rod that lets you set your string action at a comfortable height.
The Deering Goodtime banjo is another excellent, budget-conscious U.S.-made banjo option. Boasting natural violin grade maple neck and rim finishes and weighing only 4 pounds, the Goodtime makes an ideal first banjo or travel companion – perfect for beginners, travel, or new children starting to learn the instrument! Additionally, its 5-year warranty makes this an affordable solution to playing banjo without breaking the bank; plus it features a resonator to deliver that authentic bluegrass sound!