The banjo’s unique sound makes it an integral part of many musical genres; choosing one should depend on which style is most appealing to you.
Open back banjos are often utilized in traditional and mountain music styles that feature a more subdued and subdued tone, such as traditional folk and country. Furthermore, open back banjos tend to be lighter than their resonator counterparts.
Resonator or No Resonator?
Open back banjos typically produce a more subdued and lighter sound than their resonator counterparts, as well as being cheaper – making them an excellent option for beginners or anyone wanting to test the waters before investing a considerable amount in an instrument.
Resonator banjos produce an amplified sound due to resonators built into them that enhance its volume, making these banjos ideal for bluegrass music or other genres that require louder tones.
Open back banjos make an excellent accompaniment for mountain music and traditional styles, and also work well at smaller to mid-sized gatherings where their sound won’t have to compete with other noise. For those seeking quieter playing experiences, there are numerous methods available for dampening sound output; taking off the resonator completely is one option that significantly dampens down sound levels, or you could buy mute pieces that fit over the bridge to further lessen volume levels.
Choosing the Right Banjo
When selecting the appropriate banjo, there are various things to keep in mind when making your selection. Budget should always be kept in mind – there’s no point purchasing an expensive resonator banjo specifically intended for learning purposes if that type of instrument would only suit professional players anyway!
Open-back banjos tend to weigh less and cost less than their resonator counterparts, with a less harsh sound and different string setup.
Some open-back banjos, like this Deering Goodtime Americana model, feature a scooped fingerboard. Above a certain point on the fingerboard there are no frets and material has been removed to create this concave space that makes playing over the neck easier – something many clawhammer players appreciate.
Another crucial consideration is whether or not your banjo features a geared fifth tuner. This essential feature helps keep the instrument in tune more easily than using friction pegs, as well as prevent its fifth string from coming loose when playing which can be particularly frustrating for beginners.
Getting Started with a Banjo
Though not often chosen as an initial instrument, the five string banjo can make an invaluable addition to anyone’s musical arsenal. Folk musicians and singer songwriters frequently select open back banjos due to their warm tone and lightweight feel; open back banjos can be used to learn any common banjo styles like Bluegrass or Scruggs; however, Clawhammer banjo styles are particularly suited to them.
When purchasing a banjo, ensure the seat and neck feel is comfortable for you before purchasing one. Too large of an instrument could quickly become tiresome for beginners learning the instrument; additionally, try testing out string spacing and depth of slots, these factors could have an enormous effect on how easy or difficult playing it is.
Banjo Maintenance
As with any stringed instrument, banjos require routine care and maintenance for optimal sound and visual appeal. A few simple tasks will ensure that your banjo continues sounding great and looking beautiful for years to come.
Keep it clean to maintain optimal performance! Use a damp cloth to wipe it down after each playing session and again just before storing away your banjo to help prevent build-up of grime that can make playing difficult or sound bad.
Consider investing in a quality gig bag or case to transport and store your banjo, matching its dimensions. In your case should go items such as spare strings, tools for string changing, clip-on tuner and polishing cloth – in particular if humidity swings between extremes; additionally a humidifier keeps wood from drying out or cracking prematurely.