Open back banjos offer a more subdued sound than their resonator counterparts and may make for the ideal choice for some players.
Open back banjos tend to be less complicated and more affordable than their resonator counterparts, making them a suitable choice for beginners or students looking for ways to save money when purchasing an instrument they may never end up playing.
The Sound
Over time, banjo builders have explored various resonators or shells that sit atop the pot to alter its tone. These devices range in size, weight and configuration and can change its sound from sharp and snappy to more melodious or plunky sounds.
Open back banjos without resonators produce a quieter and softer tone that’s ideal for clawhammer or frailing style play, and are lighter weight thanks to lacking the metal flange used to secure their resonator.
Bluegrass players typically prefer resonator banjos due to their louder, twangier sound that works well with fingerpicking. For those wanting to amp up the volume a pickup can be added for increased volume.
The Neck
Open back banjos offer a warmer and deeper tone compared to their resonator-equipped counterparts and are well suited to old-time Appalachian music styles such as frailing and clawhammer, making them the ideal choice for beginner or intermediate players who wish to explore these traditional musical forms.
Many new banjo players lack any understanding as to why some banjos feature resonators while others do not, or what their purpose is. Many also assume that selecting one or the other from two distinct 5-string styles will limit what styles can be played with it.
Oscar Schmidt’s Brainjo is an ideal entry level open back banjo with no frills – perfect for beginners looking to expand their playing repertoire! This one features an 11″ (masonite?) composite rim, maple-over-walnut/katalox neck and mystery wood fretboard; its geared tuners make getting started easy, made in USA & ready to play right out of the box! Additionally, all our Goodtime Special banjos come fully set up and ready to go for instant use!
The Bridge
Open-back banjos tend to be less strenuous on the wrist and weigh less than their resonator counterparts, while also producing a smoother sound than their metal string counterparts. Bluegrass banjo players, on the other hand, typically prefer louder banjos so their bandmates and audience members can hear their solos clearly; for this reason most bluegrassers opt for resonator models with metal strings instead.
Clawhammer players typically favor open-back banjos; however, some notable clawhammerers (such as Grandpa Jones, Stringbean and Ralph Stanley) have used resonator banjos. If you prefer an authentic sound for folk or old time music then consider opting for an open back model instead.
The Tone Ring
As you explore different open back banjo options, be wary not to get lost in the hype. Many banjo beginners don’t understand which sound they want from their instrument and end up limited to either Bluegrass or clawhammer styles.
Manufacturers and vendors tend to confuse consumers by bombarding them with feature lists, technical jargon, and other unhelpful materials.
When purchasing an inexpensive open back banjo, you may notice it has different configuration of metal and wood than more costly resonator models resulting in different tones and feel.
Deering has taken this approach with their Goodtime series and Artisan banjos that look more like nineteenth century models while offering professional features. Both are great choices for students and intermediates; Oscar Schmidt and Washburn stand behind their instruments much more effectively than some’manufacturers’ who sell Chinese-made instruments with American sounding names but no service or support at all.