Open back banjos produce a warm and relaxing tone ideal for genres such as folk, clawhammer and frailing. Furthermore, they tend to weigh less than their resonator counterparts.
Your musical preference can have a dramatic impact on which banjo you choose, so it is crucial to keep this in mind while exploring various options.
What is an open back banjo?
Open back banjos do not utilize a resonator and produce a much softer sound compared to their closed back (resonator) counterparts, making them suitable for clawhammer and frailing styles of playing. We highly suggest adding a simple brass rod tone ring as this will dramatically enhance both quality and clarity of tone production.
Many beginners to the banjo don’t understand why some are fitted with resonators, or what effect this has on its sound. Furthermore, they may not know that selecting between an open or closed back banjo depends on the style of music being performed.
Open back banjos are less costly and lighter, yet their sound is quieter than closed back versions. Open back models are ideal for bluegrass, folk and old time music while closed back banjos can be used across most musical genres as well. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages but if you are just starting out we suggest beginning with an open back model.
Variations in open back banjos
Open back banjos are designed without resonators, creating a quieter sound due to a larger portion of sound produced being absorbed by player’s body instead of echoing off walls or other objects.
An open back banjo’s string spacing tends to be larger than that of a resonator banjo, and as such requires greater fingerpicking pressure for playback than its counterpart.
Open back banjos are most often associated with clawhammer style of banjo playing; however, they can be used in any five-string banjo style. As such, they make an ideal starting instrument for beginners and intermediate players looking for an affordable yet durable instrument to start out on; additionally they are great choice for live performances and professional recordings.
How do open back banjos sound?
The tone ring, comprised of metal or wood depending on the banjo type, is at the core of every instrument’s sound. Interacting with its rim and head, it generates vibrations which define its voice; although, of course, its neck also plays an essential part.
Open back banjos without resonators produce a quieter and warmer tone that suits folk, old-time, clawhammer and clawhammer styles of playing banjo. On the other hand, resonator banjos allow their player to project louder sounds that suit bluegrass music or other loud genres better.
Tonal characteristics of an open back banjo depend on its materials, construction and craftsmanship; therefore, it is crucial that you evaluate each type to find one best suited to your musical journey. From budget-friendly beginner instruments to expensive professional-grade instruments there is sure to be one out there to suit any musical path or budget.
What is the best open back banjo for me?
If you are beginning your banjo journey, a high quality model would include one with a brass tone ring and flange made of metal that features a recessed area in the middle that helps focus the sound of each string and elevate the tuning peg, making playing easier for novice players.
Beginners should carefully consider which wood to use for their neck and rim, with maple producing more vibrant and articulate tones while mahogany provides fuller and richer sounds.
Make sure that the banjo you buy comes equipped with a geared fifth tuner, as this provides better tuning stability than friction pegs. Furthermore, opt for one featuring five strings with 24 hook brass tension hoops; beginners will find these more user-friendly for fingerstyle or clawhammer playing.