5-string open back banjos without resonators are highly favored by clawhammer and old time frailing players, and their light weight make them attractive alternatives to bluegrass banjos with resonators.
Open-back banjos typically produce a smoother tone and weigh less. As such, these instruments may make a suitable option for beginners and intermediate players.
Sound
Open back banjos offer a more soothing tone and are lighter in weight compared to their resonator counterparts, making them suitable for players of clawhammer and old time styles of music.
Bob Carlin, an expert banjoist, emphasizes the significance of banjo heads as primary soundboards. Head material and tightness play an integral role in its voice; for optimal tone he suggests skin or Renaissance (synthetic) heads for optimal results.
The tone ring is a metal or wooden ring that sits atop of the banjo’s rim just under its head, altering its tone by vibrating in its own unique manner depending on its design and materials. A good tone ring should respond quickly to changes to head and rim vibration, yet also have its own distinct voice which contributes to changing overall tone of banjo.
Styles of Music
The banjo is an extremely versatile instrument, capable of fitting seamlessly into many musical genres. You may recognize its signature sound in Bluegrass, Old-Time and Newgrass as well as Traditional Irish music, Americana ragtime folk or even Classic Rock music genres.
Some musicians prefer open-back banjos as they produce a smoother sound compared to resonator models, weigh less, and may be less costly. Furthermore, many open-back models include a scooped fingerboard which enables frailing and clawhammer styles of playing.
If a person wants to learn banjo, it is essential they consider which styles of music they enjoy listening to in order to determine which banjo they should purchase. For instance, those interested in bluegrass might select an open-back banjo with a heavier tone ring while for old-time or folk musicians an open-back banjo with lighter toning may be more appropriate.
Weight
A banjo with a cast bronze tone ring and heavy flange typically weighs 12 pounds and is often preferred by bluegrass players due to its deep tone. Recently however, new models such as Deering John Hartford offer wooden grenadillo tone rings which reduce weight by about 2.5 lbs compared to conventional bronze tone ring models – saving players both money and weight!
The soundboard of a banjo is also of great significance, with experts agreeing that its tightness and material have significant bearing on its sound. Skin heads tend to produce warmer tones; Renaissance heads produce similar tones; while Fiberskyn heads offer very bright tones with little overtones. Size and design of pot also play a factor; some players opt for resonator models while others favor open back instruments – usually less costly models can be found here.
Price
If you prefer a more relaxing tone than that of a resonator banjo and aren’t bothered by its additional weight, open back models offer great alternatives that may even be less costly.
Deering Goodtime RB-20 banjo is the ideal starter banjo. Equipped with essential components like guitar style tuners and rock maple neck, its price point makes it easily affordable.
Its Grand 12″ rim and Renaissance head combine to produce a warm and rich tone that makes the Americana an excellent choice for playing old time music such as clawhammer or frailing, as well as backing vocalists or another instrument.