Open-backed banjos lack resonators on their back pots, allowing sound to escape freely – this feature makes them particularly suitable for certain musical genres.
Choose an open back or resonator banjo according to the genre of music you intend on playing; for instance, clawhammer would require an open-back banjo as its preferred instrument.
They don’t need a resonator
Although called a resonator, a banjo’s flange serves two functions. First, it serves as a mounting point for the coordinator rod; secondly it acts as a natural mute for strings. Furthermore, this feature helps clawhammer players achieve more evenly distributed tension across its head – especially important if trying to prevent over-tightened strings that could break it.
Open back banjos do not require resonators and tend to be cheaper than their counterparts. Open backs may be best used in soft or ambient music genres but may still be appropriate for bluegrass performances.
The Recording King Dirty Thirties banjo is an affordable open back instrument with modern upgrades like a truss rod and geared tuners that work better than cheap friction pegs found on older banjos. Furthermore, its 24-hook brass tension hoop makes tuning much simpler.
They’re cheaper
If you’re on a tight budget but looking to try the banjo for yourself, an open back banjo may be an affordable solution. While they might not sound as impressive, open back banjos still provide beginners with an opportunity to explore this unique instrument and see if they’re interested in making music with it.
Resonator banjos tend to be less costly and lighter weight. Furthermore, their unique setup usually creates a smoother tone. You can find these banjos both locally as well as online music stores.
One disadvantage of a travel banjo is its lack of an included gig bag; this can easily be fixed by purchasing one at a discounted rate or opting for lightweight backpack-style gig bags like the Deering Goodtime as an effective vacation solution, especially if your plan involves playing modal tunes in the mountains with family.
They’re easier to play
Those looking for an easy banjo experience should consider an open back banjo as an easier choice than its resonator counterpart, due to the absence of an internal resonating bowl in their back. They offer simpler setup and lower prices.
However, the resonator is ideal for bluegrass players since its louder nature makes it easier to be heard during jam sessions. Furthermore, beginners may use it to learn clawhammer style banjo playing (using three fingerpicks).
An open back banjo offers several distinct advantages over its counterpart guitar: its strings tend to be much thinner, making it much simpler for newcomers to push down and fret the instrument. Press all five strings down at once at the fifth fret to play C chord easily – saving both time and effort! For example, Recording King Madison comes equipped with steam bent maple rim and world-class Remo head.
They produce a mellower sound
Those searching for a banjo that produces a warm, soothing sound should consider an open-back model. Open-back banjos make an ideal addition to traditional and folk music where sound quality takes precedence over volume; their more natural tone differs significantly from that of resonator models due to the absence of their resonators; this allows them to sound less hollow while more like actual banjos.
Beginner banjo players should start by investing in an inexpensive banjo so that they can become acquainted with it and better understand their needs from it. Although this might lead to disappointment – such as an instrument that sounds terrible or cannot stay in tune – starting cheap can save a great deal of money than spending excessively on an instrument which may not meet them.