Resonator Banjos are ideal for bluegrass music and other styles where the banjo needs to cut through a dense mix. Resonator models may also be suitable for beginners who may not yet be ready for an open-back instrument.
On a decent banjo it should be easy and quick to remove the resonator (its screws should be large enough to use a screwdriver). This makes the instrument much lighter and louder.
Clawhammer Banjo
Clawhammer banjo is an accessible melodic style of playing that features simple melodic lines and full sound that complements other musicians such as fiddle players or vocal accompaniment. Additionally, clawhammer banjo makes an excellent choice for banjoists looking to perform old-time music or traditional songs.
Clawhammer style of playing takes its name from the thumb position taken when using this playing style, which resembles that of claw hammers. This allows them to use their thumb to hit strings without actually touching them, producing a percussive percussive effect with great distinction.
Evie will guide you through some basic clawhammer technique exercises before teaching an old-time classic song: “Say Darlin’ Say.” Featuring double-C tuning with chords to add extra flavor, Evie then guides you through learning the basic bum-ditty pattern as well as variations of this familiar tune – you’ll soon be playing this tune like an expert! With some practice you’ll soon become adept at performing it!
Irish Tenor Banjo
For Irish jigs, reels and hornpipes on banjo the ideal instrument is a four string tenor banjo from one of many manufacturers such as Recording King, Old Martins or Blueridge.
Irish musicians typically play 5 string banjos; however, there are a handful of expert Irish tenor banjo players using short scale models with 22 to 23 inch scale length. These players often prefer 19 fret 22-23 inch scale models.
Most tenor banjos are tuned to GDAE tuning (similar to that used for the bouzouki), but Irish players often opt to change it to A for their style of Irish music – this allows chords more similar to fiddle or mandolin chords to be used with lower tuning. A previously tuned standard banjo may need a taller bridge and tweaks in its truss rod setting in order to accommodate for heavier strings found on Irish tenor banjos.
Bluegrass Banjo
Start off on the right note when beginning bluegrass performances by opting for a banjo with a metal resonator flange – even if it doesn’t include tone rings – when starting out as an emerging performer. These banjos produce loud sound that will provide the necessary sound until your budget allows upgrading to higher end musical instruments.
Bluegrass banjos stand out among other instruments by channeling most of their acoustic energy into one narrow range, making the instrument seem louder compared to others in its group due to its sound being concentrated directly in front of you rather than dispersed via sides and back of its instrument.
Orange Blossom’s OB-150 bass guitar is an all-star in its class. Boasting 3-ply maple rim construction and Mastertone style flange with notched tension hoop for notched tension hoop tensioning, as well as 20 hole brass tone rings machined to pre-war specifications – plus dual coordinator rods under the head to maintain straight neck alignment – this beast of an instrument delivers in every respect!
Celtic Banjo
The Luna Celtic offers an inviting combination of attractive resonator and transparent head that harkens back to playing on grandpa’s porch. Crafted with mahogany wood renowned for its beauty and durability, its fretboard is composed of black walnut which produces tones that fall between that of eastern Indian rosewood and bright bell-like tones of maple; featuring dynamic chrome hardware for aesthetic purposes as well as durability.
This Irish tenor banjo features 17 frets, increasing your range of notes but requiring greater dexterity to play. It comes equipped with a full-featured tuner – essential since this type of banjo is typically tuned to standard G tuning – and comes complete with 101 tunes including traditional Irish airs, hornpipes, strathspeys and O’Carolan tunes as well as 101 reels/reels/slides/polkas from popular artists Gabriel Donohue (steel string guitar), Robbie Walsh (bodhran) among others! Artists featured include Gabriel Donohue (steel string guitar), Robbie Walsh (bodhran) among others!