Open back banjos make an excellent first banjo and are an ideal accompaniment for learning clawhammer techniques.
Banjos with open backs can be played without the resonator but may not produce as pleasing sound quality. Resonators kits are available to add one if necessary.
Sound
Many newcomers to banjo may be confused as to why certain instruments come equipped with “resonators,” while others don’t. Furthermore, they may not understand what differentiates an open and closed back banjo or how these two types affect sound output.
The open back banjo differs from its counterpart in that it does not feature a resonator attached to its pot, allowing sound to escape more freely and creating a quieter, warmer sound than that produced by bluegrass music. It is well suited for folk, old time and frailing styles of playing that don’t require as much volume from their banjos as bluegrass does.
Resonator banjos differ in that they feature a wooden bowl attached to their pot that amplifies and projects the sound more strongly, creating an immersive listening experience for audiences. Resonator models tend to be heavier and more expensive than open-back models.
Styles
Open back banjos are ideal for folk, clawhammer and frailing styles due to their warm woody sound that complements acoustic environments. Additionally, open backs are more affordable and lighter than their counterpart resonator banjos which makes them great starter instruments.
Resonator banjos are ideal for bluegrass music as their punchy and loud tone resonates well with audiences. But these instruments can also serve any style that requires more of an emphasis or projection such as country or Americana music.
Resonator banjos typically feature a wooden bowl affixed to the back of their sound chamber (or pot), which directs sound toward an audience and makes the instrument heavier than its open-back counterpart. Furthermore, their strings may be set further from the fretboard in order to facilitate clawhammer picking–an increasingly popular technique used in bluegrass banjo that uses only fingers without fingerpicks as playing tools.
Materials
Buyers should do their research before purchasing an open back banjo, due to the wide range of materials it can be made out of – for instance some models feature metal rims while others consist of wood. Each material choice can have an effect on sound and quality performance of this type of instrument.
Buyers should carefully consider if their banjo requires a resonator. While these banjos tend to cost more, their larger sound makes them ideal for beginners looking to perform traditional music at loud volumes.
Other considerations when purchasing an open back banjo include string type and setup. Metal strings tend to be more durable than nylon ones and easier to tune; additionally, purchasing a protective case will keep your banjo safe when not being played with.
Accessories
Which banjo type you should choose will depend on the genre of music you plan to perform. Resonator banjos are preferred by bluegrass musicians for their bright twangy sound and ability to project into an audience, while open back banjos work better for traditional genres such as folk, frailing and clawhammer.
Resonator banjos are essential instruments if you wish to play bluegrass or any other style that utilizes fingerpicks, and most professional bluegrass players use one as part of their arsenal. It would be unusual if someone didn’t make use of one!
Removing the resonator from an open-back banjo may bring no benefits and will reduce its volume, so investing in one that meets your specific needs would be better. Resonators also add considerable weight to the instrument.